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Since 1969, we've dedicated ourselves to building boats using
traditional craftsmanship in modern manufacturing facilities using
state-of-the-art technology. With a history of boat building now
spanning nearly five decades, Catalina has manufactured some 75,000
vessels. Until 1984, everything was done in Woodland Hills,
California when we acquired Morgan Yachts in Largo, Florida.
Every Catalina model is built in Florida now, a consolidation
that's been in the works for some time. In fact, all new Catalinas
designed and built in the past ten years were built in Florida.
In an effort to strengthen our manufacturing base as we complete
this long term strategy, we've invested millions in expanding the
Florida plant, creating over 90,000 square feet of new production
facilities, for a total of 275,000 square feet that includes eight
buildings spanning 26.5 acres. This growth is an expression of our
core belief in the sailboat market. The Largo, Florida plant is one
of, if not the largest sailboat production facilities in
America.
And, since some 70 percent of our customers live east of the
Rocky Mountains, aligning ourselves exclusively with the east coast
plant provides more competitive pricing to both domestic and
European sailors, saving our owners thousands in shipping and
freight costs.
Our expansion to Florida not only gives us the second, well-known
Morgan brand but also provides a more viable location and friendlier
manufacturing environment to build the increasingly popular larger
Catalina models while developing new designs.
Back in 1974, cornfields surrounded the Catalina plant in
California. Today it is a well-developed suburban community. Once
the center of production boatbuilding, Southern California was home
to many boatbuilding greats that were competitive forces but have
since closed their doors. The closing of the Woodland Hills
operation signals the real and symbolic end of a grand era in
California boatbuilding.
To date, we've built nearly 16,000 Catalina 22s, including the 22
Sport version and the 22 Mark II, both of which remain in
production; at one stage, five 22s a day went out the door. We
followed up quickly with the Catalina 27 and then the 30, the
combined runs for which ultimately produced another 13,000 models
sold.
We weren't just amassing huge numbers here; we were redefining
how the game was played. First, nearly everything was done under the
same roof at Woodland Hills, where Frank moved the company from
North Hollywood in 1974. Catalina has its own sail loft, makes its
own cushions and even pours its own lead keels. To date, a combined
production of nearly 80,000 Catalina, Capri and Morgan models have
been built.
With the major move and expansion to the Florida plant, that
figure will no doubt increase. One thing that will likely remain
stable, however, is the staunchly loyal customer base that Catalina
has enjoyed practically from the outset.
Today, Catalina remains one of the major builders of production
sailboats, and we're now as well known for our line of full-size,
go-anywhere, systems-rich cruising yachts as we are for the
entry-level boats that helped launch the brand. For 2009, the
Catalina catalog lists 21 models, ranging in size from the tiny
8-foot Sabot dinghy to the oceangoing 47-foot Catalina 470, with a
vast selection covering all the bases in between.
Going forward, our plans are to remain a reliable, solid force in
the sailboat-building arena. As we strengthen our growing Florida
base, we will increase our staff, and continue to design and produce
our ever-evolving line of quality sailboats.
Here at Catalina, we are always seeking ways to build boats that
are stronger, safer and smarter. Our attention to every detail
maintains owner loyalty. It's time to take a closer look at
Catalina. You'll like what you see, and with safety always our #1
priority, you're bound to feel really good about what you don't.
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