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• Sail On: Catalina Yachts Announces Passing of CEO and Designer Frank Butler
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The crew at 48° North was saddened to learn that the founder and CEO of Catalina Yachts, Frank Butler, passed away on November 15.

In 1969 Frank Butler built the first Catalina sailboat, the Catalina 22, in North Hollywood, California. His hope was to sell 300 hulls if all went well. By 1975, he’d far exceeded that number, as hull number 5,000 was completed. Since then, the Catalina 22 has become known as the boat that launched the pocket-cruising trailerable class and 15,000 hulls have rolled out of various facilities. It also launched Butler and Catalina into the boat building record books.

The 22 was the beginning of what would be many successful Catalina Yachts for Butler and his burgeoning company. Soon to follow was the Catalina 27, which sailor Patrick Childress completed a two-and-a-half-year, singlehanded circumnavigation on in 1982. Next came the Catalina 25, 30, 36, and on and on to the present day flagship, the Catalina 545. Over 85,000 Catalina Yachts have been built since that first 22 and if you haven’t owned one, you’ve certainly sailed on one or have at least shared a marina or anchorage with one.

Having raced on a Catalina Capri 25, taught sailing lessons on Capri 22s, and test-sailed numerous models in my capacity as a magazine editor for various publications, I’ve always been struck by how the boats were thoughtfully designed for common sailing families, and customer service was paramount. It’s said that if you bought a Catalina and called the company with any sort of issue, the man who picked up the phone was often its owner, Frank Butler.

“If there are problems, I want to know about them,” Butler once remarked. “Plus, anyone who buys a Catalina is part of the Catalina family. They can call me any time.” That family approach was a hallmark of Butler’s business philosophy and boat designs back in 1969 as much as it is today, and is an enduring part of his legacy. Sail on, Frank.

Catalina Yachts today issued the following statement:

It is with great sadness that we announce that Frank Willis Butler, President and Chief Executive Officer of Catalina Yachts, passed away November 15, 2020 in Westlake Village, CA, due to unexpected complications from a recent illness. We extend our most heartfelt condolences and sympathy to Frank’s family. Our thoughts are with them at this most difficult time.

Born in California in 1928, Frank’s line of popular sailboats put more than 85,000 Catalinas on the water throughout the yachting world. His boatbuilding career began in 1962, when he contracted with a Southern California builder for a 21-foot daysailer. The builder was unable to finish the boat, and gave Butler the tooling. He completed building the boat himself, found he enjoyed the process, and agreed to take over the company.

A few years later he founded Catalina Yachts, which has grown to become the largest builder of fiberglass production sailboats in the United States, a position it holds to this day.

A key to Butler’s success in the sailboat industry was his attention to Catalina customers. Handling warranty issues himself, owners were nearly always surprised and reassured to get a personal call from Frank to discuss their concerns.

Butler was inducted into the National Sailing Hall of Fame in 2013. In recognition of his support of the Congressional Cup, a world match racing event, Long Beach Yacht Club awarded him the  Crimson Blazer.  He was also a founder and lifelong member of the Westlake Yacht Club in Westlake, CA.

Following his graduation from Glendale High School, he served in the US Navy. He met his wife, Jean, at a school dance; they recently celebrated their 71st anniversary.

Frank is survived by Jean, their four daughters, Deborah Reese, Mary Linn, Nancy Bear, and Karen Butler; three sons, David, Robert and Steve; 20 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.

Awakening the joy of sailing for so many people in past generations, Frank Butler’s sailing legacy will certainly continue well into in future generations.

Andy Cross is the editor of 48° North. After years cruising the Pacific Northwest and Alaska with his family aboard their Grand Soleil 39, Yahtzee, they sailed south and are currently in the Caribbean Sea. You can follow their adventures at SailingYahtzee.com.

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Catalina Yachts Announces Loss of CEO Frank W. Butler

We were sorry to receive the news this morning that one of California’s legendary boatbuilders has passed away. We’ve had the pleasure of working with Frank, his team and his dealers, as well as telling the stories of so many of his customers. Many of our readers started in one of his Catalina 22s and moved on to sail the Delta or cruise in the Baja Ha-Ha aboard one of the thousands of boats he built. We received the following from Catalina this morning:

“It is with great sadness that we announce that Frank Willis Butler, President and Chief Executive Officer of Catalina Yachts, passed away November 15, 2020, in Westlake Village, CA, due to unexpected complications from a recent illness. We extend our most heartfelt condolences and sympathy to Frank’s family. Our thoughts are with them at this most difficult time.

“A sailing icon and industry ‘kingspoke’, Frank Butler has introduced hundreds of thousands of people to sailing during his lifetime. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Frank have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Frank leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Catalina Yachts.”

“Born in California in 1928, Frank’s line of popular sailboats put more than 85,000 Catalinas on the water throughout the yachting world. His boatbuilding career began in 1962, when he contracted with a Southern California builder for a 21’ daysailer. The builder was unable to finish the boat, and gave Butler the tooling. He completed building the boat himself, found he enjoyed the process, and agreed to take over the company.

“A few years later he founded Catalina Yachts, which has grown to become the largest builder of fiberglass production sailboats in the United States, a position it holds to this day.

“A key to Butler’s success in the sailboat industry was his attention to Catalina customers. Handling warranty issues himself, owners were nearly always surprised and reassured to get a personal call from Frank to discuss their concerns.

“Butler was inducted into the National Sailing Hall of Fame in 2013. In recognition of his support of the Congressional Cup, a world match racing event, Long Beach Yacht Club awarded him the Crimson Blazer. He was also a founder and lifelong member of the Westlake Yacht Club in Westlake, CA.

“Awakening the joy of sailing for so many people in past generations, Frank Butler’s sailing legacy will certainly continue well into future generations.”

27 Comments

I was Harbor Patrol at White’s Landing on Catalina Isle in 2001 and 2002. Frank sailed in in his dark blue Catalina 42 named THE BUTLER DID IT and I put him on a mooring next to my sailboat. Great Guy but 3 days later he motored off the mooring in some wind and caught the mooring wand in his prop. I put a knife in my teeth and dove in the water like Tarzan and cut him free……Frank gave me a $50.00 tip……folks that knew him said NO WAY…..But Frank did indeed tip me……A very nice man and I am sorry to hear he passed.

He brought an awful lot of boats to an a awful lot of people and that is a great thing. Rest in peace Frank Butler your boat will sail forever.

Before Catalina Yachts there were the Coronado boats. A beat up Coronado 25 got me around the Bay, into racing, into the Singlehanded Sailing Society, every sail I’ve sailed since 1971. When we had 20 Coronado 25s on the YRA start line and more at the Nationals Frank Butler cheered us on, supported out-of-production boats, and showed up at the Southern California events. I see a Coronado 25 out sailing from time to time and reflect back on those early sailing days. — Pat Broderick, “CIBOLA” #37368

Thanks for that post, Pat. I started in a Coronado 25, too,” Our Boat “ before moving on to an Olson 25 (Vivace) and an Express 37 (Elan). It was the Coronado 25 Nationals at the old St. Francis that got me hooked on racing. Yes, we had a huge fleet, especially compared to anything other than the J-24 and J-105’s.

My family moved to Westlake Village in early 1968. I went to high school with Frank’s sons, Dave and Bob. In 1969 we bought a Coronado 15, (US 379) from him and raced it extensively. During the summer, Frank gave several of us small jobs at his factory in North Hollywood. He was a taskmaster to be sure, but a great guy. I clearly recall at the age of 14, negotiating with “Mr. Butler” for a used $300.00 trailer for our boat that he had at the factory. I remember we went ’round and ’round for nearly an hour on the price. I think he considered it a sporting event, as he was normally way too busy to be haggling with a 14 year-old kid over a trailer. I look back on that and really get a good laugh. It was an honor to know him! My most sincere condolences to Dave, Bob and the rest of the Butler family.

Yes!!! He was a negotiator for sure! Lol

I fell in love with sailing upon purchasing my first boat, a 20-year-old Catalina 30 in 2003. From there, I moved up to a beautiful 2005 Anniversary Edition Catalina 36, and then the 400. All were great boats and held their value well. Even after eventually moving up to a Tayana 52, I still consider the Catalina 36′ the best boat I had for light-breeze cruising off Santa Barbara’s coast. Simply put, the happiest days of this sailor’s life was never the day I sold a Catalina! Frank Butler made sailing affordable for the masses, and I’ve always heard great things about him as a person. Fair winds, following seas, and Godspeed, sir.

loved our Catalina 38. Fond memories. RIP Chris Clothier for Don Clothier

An icon just passed on. Catalina Yachts makes beautiful, practical boats at a price affordable for anyone who gets the sailing bug thanks to Mr. Butler. In terms of value for your dollar, excellent layouts and sea worthiness it is hard if not impossible to beat what Catalina offers.

I visited their factory about 15-20 years ago right around the time the company had started the process of moving production to Florida to get out from under the punitive and outrageous dictates of the California bureaucrats. What a sad loss of such an outstanding company to the California economy.

The company’s dedication to customer service was top notch!

He was responsible for more sailors than any other man I know. He will be missed!

Our family had three catalinas, two of which are still in Alameda named the Irish Lady. My father was a huge fan. We had the pleasure of taking it to Hawaii in the Pac Cup as well. RIP Mr. Butler as you in fact, did do it (Right)

My husband and I did indeed start our sailing education in a Catalina 22 at Tradewinds Sailing School in Richmond, slowly working our way up the fleet through Catalina 27s and 30s to the racer/cruiser classic Catalina 38. We loved sailing the 38 so much that a few years later we bought our own. Your boats have made a lot of people happy, Frank. Rest in peace.

Frank was an icon in the industry. I worked for him in Woodland Hills as his Purchasing Manager and then under Sharon Day as a Marketing Manager. During my time at Catalina Yachts I learned more about business than any school could ever teach me. He was hard boss and expected the best out of you always. I will always look up to him, a great mentor, a tough boss but always fair. I feel honored to have worked for him and I will always miss him.

Frank Butler designed and built sailboats for the masses. I have a Catalina 30 and a Coronado 15. Both are well built, easy to work on and have tremendous support. Mr. Butler has a legacy that is unmatched. RIP Mr. Butler.

The passing of an era. My first keel boat was a 1976 C22. I found ‘Hope’ abandoned in the backwaters of Tiburon. She had a horrible ‘baby-shit yellow’ paint job, a bent boom, and was filled with duck shit. For $1500 she and a non-functioning (but over time cost more than the boat in storage fees) trailer were my companions for several years. After I destroyed the keel trunk and keel lockdown bolt, I called Catalina for advice and to purchase replacement parts. Mr. Butler got on the line and spoke with me for 30 minutes or so. He sent me new keel pivot shoes and bolts for free and advised me to look into some of his larger boats should I continue to sail outside the GGB. To this day, the sea is my church and the boat is my alter. Thank you, Mr. Butler, for helping me find the way. Fair Winds and Following Seas Sir.

So nice to have a man in this world so passionate about sailing and building boats for such a long time. I know Catalina Yachts introduced and made sailing happen for so many people! I never met Frank Butler but will always respect what he did for boating!

So many wonderful times spent on our Cat.34. We raced, cruised and just spent the night on her for 10 years. Thanks Frank !

Frank Butler was an honorable man!

We purchased a “1967 DOLPHIN 26” in 1994, and nobody, including Lat/38, could give us any information about the boats origins, Richard suggested that I contact Frank Butler to see what he could tell me. A long story ensued, as Frank knew a lot! The short version is that some guys approached him for advice in starting to get into the boat building business with something larger that the Coronado 25 Frank was then building. Being a good guy he lent them a Coronado 25 to help them get to a good starting place. Those guys evidently used the boat to make a plug or a mold, changed the shape of the bow to resemble the snout of a dolphin which added about a foot, and went into the boat building business in competition with Frank with the DOLPHIN-26. Frank described them as “not honorable men” and wouldn’t say anything more derogatory about them. We can all learn from a guy who lived with that kind of attitude! I finally got a chance to meet him in SanDiego at the Catalina 25 Nationals in 2011. He was still involved with everything Catalina and enjoyed mixing and chatting with sailors and racers.

Frank Butler is an icon in production boat history, I bought a 1989 Catalina 42 in 2012 that I’m still sailing in the South Pacific and have logged over 25,000 Nautical Miles. A great boat, fast and lively with every inch of her well designed. I believe the Catalina 42 with swim step was the prototype for all the modern cruiser/racers. Catalina’s are highly regarded in New Zealand and Australia, a huge compliment to any designer/ boat builder. Fair Winds, Frank.

in 1998 i had a fueltankleak in my catalina 36 due to poor design of the platform I wrote a letter to Catalina and complained about it and then about a week later I received a call at 8:30 at night on a Friday night from Frank Butler saying that he would make things right for me That is why the company was so successful a hard-working CEO

Fair winds! Bought a 380 and in the process spoke with him before and afterwards. An icon.

Frank Butler was a Titan among ordinary people like us. Even with his enormous and longstanding success, he never forgot who he was, nor thought of others as less. He was an honest and honorable man whose word was better than gold. I had the honor and pleasure of meeting with him once a month for several years as we served together on the Channel Islands Harbor Association of Lessees Board. Rest in peace, Frank. Rest among the Gods where you belong.

When I was about 7 my parents bought a house right on the Chesapeake Bay and sent us to SSA sailing school in Annapolis, MD. Then at 11 years old my parents decided we three kids were pretty proficient sailors so bought a few boats and eventually Catalina 27 named Flight One. We enjoyed sailing as a family on the bay. It was just the perfect sailboat for a family of five to do day sailing. My brother eventually convinced my Dad he could sail it and took the boat to Ft Lauderdale, Florida . Thanks to the Butlers and the Catalina Company for introducing us to big boat sailing too. I’m now a member of MYC in Melbourne and thinking about my next big boat!! Maybe it’ll be bigger than the 27’ my dad had!

We kept our Catalina 22 in Dana Point for almost thirty years. It was a great day sailor that provided innumerable memories and great times. Thanks Mr. Butler. Sail on———

We have owned Catatinas since 1982. We had a ’77 C-30 that we bought in 1982. We then bought a new C-36 in 1987. And when I had a minor warranty issue I too received a personal phone call from Frank Butler. He was very gracious and wanted to get the details so Gerry Douglas would address the issue. We now own a Catalina 42. We could not be happier. Thanks for Great Boating Frank, Fair Winds Always to you. You built great affordable boats.

Frank built me a Finn , which is an Olympic class, at his first factory, Wesco, in north Hollywood. I believe he only made 1 and I had the opportunity to race it at Lake Arrowhead Yacht Club and all over Southern California. After the Finn I purchased a Coronado 15 and raced it at Westlake Yacht Club. Frank gave up his display building in Westlake to sell boats and thats how Westlake Yacht club got started and is still there today. A great guy. RIP.

My family and I bonded deeply over many a sail in our Catalina 25 pop top. Our best times were sailing to Catalina Island where we were met by a Blue whale and her calf and hundreds of dolphins as we crossed the channel. Thanks Frank for those wonderful experiences. You will be missed.

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ASA Remembers Catalina Yachts Found Frank Butler

By: Lenox Grasso American Sailing Association

The sailing world has lost an icon. Frank Willis Butler, President and Chief Executive Officer of Catalina Yachts, passed away on 15 Nov 2020 at age 92 in Westlake Village, CA. Frank founded Catalina Yachts in North Hollywood, CA, in 1969. Now headquartered in Largo, FL, but with offices still in Woodland Hills, CA, Catalina Yachts has grown to become the largest manufacturer of production fiberglass sailboats in the United States, floating more than 85,000 yachts to date. In his lifetime, Frank Butler has introduced hundreds of thousands of people to the sport of sailing.

Born in Glendale, CA, in 1928, Frank began his career in the U.S. Navy and then went to college in 1948, but it wasn’t for him. Instead, he opened his own machine shop called Wesco Tool where he enjoyed great success making airplane parts. In 1949, Frank met and married his wife of 71 years, Jean, and started a family that would eventually lead to seven children. Frank’s career as a sailor began in the late 1950s on dinghies. As his family grew, he needed a bigger boat! In 1959, Frank contracted with Henry McCune Shipbuilders to build a Victory 21 sloop, designed by naval architect Ted Carpenter. McCune ran out of funds so he gave Frank the tooling to continue building his boat by himself. By 1962, Frank had built 126 Victory 21s that led to founding his next company, Wesco Marine, in 1964.

In 1966, Frank changed Wesco Marine into Coronado Yachts and built the Coronado 25. This was Frank Butler’s first notable boat design, incorporating his knowledge from his work in the airplane industry at Wesco Tool. In 1967, Frank purchased Columbia Yachts and then sold Coronado Yachts in 1968. Finally, after its founding in 1969, Catalina Yachts shifted all manufacturing rights out of Wesco Marine, which still exists today as a supplier of rigging hardware for Catalina Yachts. Once at Catalina, the Victory 21 was rebranded as the Catalina Capri 21 Victory. By 1977, Frank had designed and manufactured the Catalina 25, Catalina 27, and Catalina 30. In 1978, along came the Catalina 38, based on molds for a Sparkman and Stephens tumblehome racing design from the bankrupt Yankee Yacht Company. Later, in 1984, Frank expanded Catalina’s manufacturing capabilities by acquiring Morgan Yachts. Frank insisted upon continuing to use the company’s brand name for his Catalina Morgan 440 introduced in 2004.

In 1989, Frank helped to transform the Congressional Cup in Long Beach, CA into one of the world’s premiere sailing competitions by designing, building, and donating eleven Catalina 37 yachts to the Long Beach Yacht Club for their annual Congressional Cup match race. The Catalina 37s, specifically built for match racing, have been sailed in every Congressional Cup since 1990. Most recently, Frank acquired the tooling and manufacturing rights to build the True North line of Downeast Maine-style powerboats. The redesigned True North 34 was just introduced at the Miami International Boat Show in Feb 2020.

At Catalina Yachts, Frank Butler brought to market good quality boats at reasonable prices that were intended for all sailboat enthusiasts to enjoy. He was the kind of man who, if he boarded your yacht at a Catalina Rendezvous and found a 10-year-old deck brace missing, would ask you if he could install a replacement at his expense. He was the kind of man who, if he noticed at haul-out that your Catalina 42 had bottom blisters, would arrange to have the entire bottom redone with vinyl ester, no questions asked. Catalina owner Arthur Ciancio writes it best, “Frank Butler was a straight-up honorable man who took pride in what he made. He’s an inspiration to everyone and we miss him”.

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News | Catalina Yachts founder Frank Butler dies at 92

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By Jo Murray,

Contributing writer

Frank Willis Butler, president and CEO of Catalina Yachts who helped transform Long Beach’s Congressional Cup into one of the world’s premier sailing competitions, died this week from unexpected complications from a recent illness. He was 92.

Butler, who founded Catalina Yachts in 1969, died Sunday, Nov. 15, at Westlake Village, his company said in statement.

Catalina Yachts, now headquartered in Florida but with offices in Woodland Hills, has grown to become the largest builder of fiberglass production sailboats in the United States, the company said.

“A sailing icon and industry ‘kingspoke,’ Frank Butler has introduced hundreds of thousands of people to sailing during his lifetime,” the company said in its statement. “Frank leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Catalina Yachts.”

In 1989, Butler designed, built and donated 11 Catalina 37s to the Long Beach Yacht Club for its annual Congressional Cup match race, which began in 1965, and other sailing competitions.

The yachts first saw action in 1990 and they’ve been used in every Congressional Cup since. The Yacht Club canceled the 2020 Congressional Cup because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, but the next iteration — also featuring Butler’s Catalina 37s — is set for May 11 to 16.

“Frank Butler,” said Yacht Club Commodore Charles Legeman, “is the one person who helped take Congressional Cup to the top level in the world by his donation of the Catalina 37s, which were specifically built for match racing.”

For his efforts, Butler received the Crimson Blazer — which, much like the Green Jacket at golf’s Masters tournament, goes to the Congressional Cup winner — from the Long Beach Yacht Club.

The Long Beach stop in the California Dreamin’ Series is also named the Butler Cup in his honor.

“I’ve seen many happy faces aboard Catalina Yachts sailboats,” said Long Beach Port pilot Bob Blair. “The Catalina Yachts’ various fleets are enjoyed on the waters around the world. “

Blair attributed sailing’s popularity growth to Butler, noting that he introduced hundreds of thousands of people to the activity.

Butler’s company has put more than 85,000 Catalinas on the water, Catalina Yachts said in its statement.

“Awakening the joy of sailing for so many people in past generations,” the company said, “Frank Butler’s sailing legacy will certainly continue well into in future generations.”

Frank Willis Butler was born in California in 1928 and graduated from Glendale High School, according to his company. He met his future wife, Jean, at a school dance. The couple recently celebrated their 71st anniversary.

Butler then joined the United States Navy.

In 1962, Butler contracted with a Southern California builder for a 21-foot sailboat. But after the builder couldn’t complete the work, Catalina Yachts said, finished the work himself.

Butler “found he enjoyed the process,” Catalina Yachts said, “and agreed to take over the company.”

He founded Catalina Yachts in 1970 in North Hollywood.

Four years later, Butler relocated the company to Woodland Hills. The company entirely relocated its manufacturing to Florida more than a decade ago.

In 2013, Butler was inducted into the National Sailing Hall of Fame.

Butler is survived by his wife, Jean Butler; their four daughters, Deborah Reese, Mary Linn, Nancy Bear and Karen Butler; three sons, David, Robert and Steve; and 20 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

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Catalina Yachts Announces Loss of CEO Frank W. Butler

It is with great sadness that we announce that Frank Willis Butler, President and Chief Executive Officer of Catalina Yachts, passed away November 15, 2020 in Westlake Village, CA, due to unexpected complications from a recent illness. We extend our most heartfelt condolences and sympathy to Frank's family. Our thoughts are with them at this most difficult time.

A sailing icon and industry “kingspoke”, Frank Butler has introduced hundreds of thousands of people to sailing during his lifetime. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Frank have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Frank leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Catalina Yachts.

Born in California in 1928, Frank’s line of popular sailboats put more than 85,000 Catalinas on the water throughout the yachting world. His boatbuilding career began in 1962, when he contracted with a Southern California builder for a 21’ daysailer. The builder was unable to finish the boat, and gave Butler the tooling. He completed building the boat himself, found he enjoyed the process, and agreed to take over the company.

 A few years later he founded Catalina Yachts, which has grown to become the largest builder of fiberglass production sailboats in the United States, a position it holds to this day.

 A key to Butler’s success in the sailboat industry was his attention to Catalina customers. Handling warranty issues himself, owners were nearly always surprised and reassured to get a personal call from Frank to discuss their concerns.

Butler was inducted into the National Sailing Hall of Fame in 2013. In recognition of his support of the Congressional Cup, a world match racing event, Long Beach Yacht Club awarded him the Crimson Blazer. He was also a founder and lifelong member of the Westlake Yacht Club in Westlake, CA.

Following his graduation from Glendale High School, he served in the US Navy. He met his wife, Jean, at a school dance; they recently celebrated their 71st anniversary.

Frank is survived by Jean, their four daughters, Deborah Reese, Mary Linn, Nancy Bear, and Karen Butler; three sons, David, Robert and Steve; 20 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.

Awakening the joy of sailing for so many people in past generations, Frank Butler’s sailing legacy will certainly continue well into in future generations.

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California's Boating & Fishing News

In Memoriam: Frank W. Butler

WOODLAND HILLS—Catalina Yachts announced the death of its CEO, Frank Willis Butler. Butler died on Nov. 15. He was 92.

Catalina Yachts issued the following statement and eulogy:

“It is with great sadness that we announce that Frank Willis Butler, President and Chief Executive Officer of Catalina Yachts, passed away November 15, 2020 in Westlake Village, CA, due to unexpected complications from a recent illness. We extend our most heartfelt condolences and sympathy to Frank’s family. Our thoughts are with them at this most difficult time.

A sailing icon and industry ‘kingspoke,’ Frank Butler has introduced hundreds of thousands of people to sailing during his lifetime. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Frank have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Frank leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Catalina Yachts.

Born in California in 1928, Frank’s line of popular sailboats put more than 85,000 Catalinas on the water throughout the yachting world. His boatbuilding career began in 1962, when he contracted with a Southern California builder for a 21-foot daysailer. The builder was unable to finish the boat and gave Butler the tooling. He completed building the boat himself, found he enjoyed the process, and agreed to take over the company.

A few years later he founded Catalina Yachts, which has grown to become the largest builder of fiberglass production sailboats in the United States, a position it holds to this day.

A key to Butler’s success in the sailboat industry was his attention to Catalina customers. Handling warranty issues himself, owners were nearly always surprised and reassured to get a personal call from Frank to discuss their concerns.

Butler was inducted into the National Sailing Hall of Fame in 2013. In recognition of his support of the Congressional Cup, a world match racing event, Long Beach Yacht Club awarded him the  Crimson Blazer.  He was also a founder and lifelong member of the Westlake Yacht Club in Westlake, CA.

Following his graduation from Glendale High School, he served in the US Navy. He met his wife, Jean, at a school dance; they recently celebrated their 71st anniversary.

Frank is survived by Jean, their four daughters, Deborah Reese, Mary Linn, Nancy Bear, and Karen Butler; three sons, David, Robert and Steve; 20 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.

Awakening the joy of sailing for so many people in past generations, Frank Butler’s sailing legacy will certainly continue well into in future generations.”

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Catalina Yachts Announces Loss of CEO Frank W. Butler

As we were finishing up this week’s Cruising Compass, this sad news came in about the single most prolific sailboat builder in American history.

Woodland Hills, CA – November 15, 2020 – Catalina Yachts today issued the following statement:
It is with great sadness that we announce that Frank Willis Butler, President and Chief Executive Officer of Catalina Yachts, passed away November 15, 2020 in Westlake Village, CA, due to unexpected complications from a recent illness. We extend our most heartfelt condolences and sympathy to Frank’s family. Our thoughts are with them at this most difficult time.
    A sailing icon and industry “kingspoke”, Frank Butler has introduced hundreds of thousands of people to sailing during his lifetime. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Frank have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Frank leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Catalina Yachts.
    Born in California in 1928, Frank’s line of popular sailboats put more than 85,000 Catalinas on the water throughout the yachting world. His boatbuilding career began in 1962, when he contracted with a Southern California builder for a 21’ daysailer. The builder was unable to finish the boat, and gave Butler the tooling. He completed building the boat himself, found he enjoyed the process, and agreed to take over the company.
    A few years later he founded Catalina Yachts, which has grown to become the largest builder of fiberglass production sailboats in the United States, a position it holds to this day.

Sandy Parks

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Published on December 26th, 2020 | by Assoc Editor

Douglas retiring from Catalina Yachts

Published on December 26th, 2020 by Assoc Editor -->

After 45 years with Catalina Yachts, including four decades as chief yacht designer and executive vice-president, Gerry Douglas says he will be retiring in 2021.

During Douglas’s tenure at Catalina the company launched dozens of new designs and built some 60,000 yachts at both its California and Florida manufacturing facilities.

“I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to do what I love every working day of my life,” Douglas says. “But what is most important to me are the relationships I’ve enjoyed with marine industry colleagues, as well as passionate Catalina owners throughout the world.”

Looking back on his career, Douglas says a few of the high points include his first boat, designed in 1982, the Catalina 36, of which 2,305 were built. More recently, his Catalina 545, now the flagship of the Catalina fleet, won a SAIL “Best Boats” award for 2020. His Catalina 425 also won a “Best Boats” award in 2017.

Douglas say he will always be appreciative of the late Frank Butler, founder of Catalina Yachts, for giving him the chance to pursue a long and fulfilling career in yacht design and manufacturing. His retirement plans include continuing his work on the Public Arts Commission, yacht club committees, cycling, sailing, racing, cruising and spending time in Florida and at his cottage on the coast of Maine.

Tags: Catalina Yachts , Gerry Douglas

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End of an Era at Catalina Yachts

• By Cruising World Editors
• Updated: December 22, 2020

Changes are afoot at Catalina Yachts, America’s largest sailboat builder. Longtime designer and company executive Gerry Douglas has announced that after 45 years with the company, he plans to retire in 2021.

Douglas’ work over the years includes more than 40 designs and the construction of some  60,000 boats built by Catalina in both the California and Florida manufacturing facilities.

Douglas said he will be on hand to finish several ongoing projects, and that a future management team is being assembled. Company founder and owner, Frank Butler, passed away in November.

“I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to do what I love every working day of my life,” said Douglas in a release issued by Catalina this week. “But what is most important to me are the relationships I’ve enjoyed with marine industry colleagues, as well as passionate Catalina owners throughout the world.”

The Catalina announcement continues:

“Douglas says a few of the high points of his career include his first boat designed in 1982, the Catalina 36, of which 2,305 were built.

“Most recently, the Catalina 545, now the flagship of the Catalina fleet, was the overall winner of the 2020 Industry Boat of the Year Award for Cruising World magazine.

“Bookended by those two designs, Douglas delivered the 445 and the 425. Over the course of his long career, his designs won more than 13 Boat of the Year awards, and multiple Best Boat awards from Sail Magazine.

“Gerry Douglas will always be appreciative to the late Frank Butler, founder of Catalina Yachts, for giving him the chance to pursue a long and fulfilling career in yacht design and manufacturing.

“His retirement plans include continuing his work on the Public Arts Commission, yacht club committees, cycling, sailing, racing, cruising and spending time in Florida and at his cottage on the coast of Maine.”

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Performance cruising yachts appointed dealer for catalina yachts.

The team at Performance Cruising Yachts have announced that they are the new Australian dealer for the prestigious US brand, Catalina Yachts.

Founded by Frank Butler in 1970, Catalina Yachts has always prioritised quality and value over sheer size. Their philosophy remains unchanged: to craft exceptional boats that exceed customer expectations. With more than 40 designs and over 60,000 boats built, they are America’s largest sailboat builder.

COO of Catalina Yachts, Patrick Turner said: “We are delighted to appoint Performance Cruising Yachts as the dealer for our Catalina Yachts range. We know Matt Hayes and his team will do an incredible job representing and growing the brand in Australia that has traditionally been a very strong market for us”.

Matt Hayes, founder and CEO of PCY, said: “We are delighted to be representing Catalina Yachts in Australia. Catalina is a prestigious brand known for their quality, and we look forward to working with Catalina to grow the brand.”

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“Catalina is by no means a new name in Australia, with well over 300 yachts previously sold into the country. They are a well-known and respected brand with models spread far and wide across the country. Their range of timeless classics are renowned as being well built with unmistakable American craftsmanship. They offer one of the highest specification of standard inclusions amongst all brands and maintain abundant use of solid rich timbers throughout, Corian counter tops, modern appliances and extremely comfortable interiors” said Hayes.

The Catalina Yachts shipyard is based in Largo, Florida and produce a vast range of boats, from the Sports Series, the Cruiser Series and the Ocean Series, featuring models from 12- 45ft. Over the years they have received a plethora of ‘Boat of the Year’ & ‘Best New Boat’ Awards across the range.

Catalina Yachts thrives in a competitive market by actively engaging with our customers and dealers, listening attentively to their feedback. Rather than reinventing the wheel with each new design, they blend time-tested features with innovative ideas and insights from boat owners, ensuring a consistent product line that maintains its value over time.

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The Catalina Yachts team is made up of dedicated professionals, many of whom have been at the company for over 20 years and provide a depth of knowledge and experience that is unparalleled in the industry. Their passion for sailing and commitment to excellence shines through in every aspect of their operations, from design to production to customer service.

With their expertise, Catalina Yachts continues to set the standard for quality and innovation in the sailboat industry.

The first Catalina is already on order, with the 425 due to arrive late 2024/early 2025. The 425 incorporates all the valued hallmark Catalina features; a functional spacious cockpit, a comfortable, carefully detailed interior and all the “5 Series” features that have redefined the Catalina brand.

To find out more about the 425, or the rest of the Catalina Yachts’ range, visit performancecruising.com.au or call 02 9281 4422

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Frank Butler and Catalina Yachts

• Thread starter jsalley
• Start date Oct 6, 2012
• Catalina Owner Forums
• Ask A Catalina Owner

I went to the show in Annapolis on Thursday. Spent quite a bit of time looking over the new 5 Series at the Catalina display. While there, I ran into Frank Butler and Gerry Douglas, and spent some time talking with them. During the conversation, I mentioned that one of the bulkheads in my boat had shifted about 1/2 inch and pulled loose the caulking between it and the cabin ceiling liner. Gerry said it was purely cosmetic, and could just be recaulked (I had already done that). Frank was concerned, and asked me to send him before and after pictures; he said he would have had it repaired had I not done it already (the boat is a 2006 and is out of warranty). It's pretty unusual these days to have the CEO of a company take a personal interest in a single customer, and willing to fix an admittedly minor problem on an out-of-warranty product. Not surprising that Catalina has so many repeat buyers.  

Stu Jackson

Frank's been doing that for years. Great company.  

out of warranty? three years ago frank butler read the riot act to seaward over my 1991 catalina 30. that's out of warranty.  

[email protected]

mortyd said: out of warranty? three years ago frank butler read the riot act to seaward over my 1991 catalina 30. that's out of warranty. Click to expand

did you contact catalina customer service or frank butler? try frank direct, he answers his phone.  

If the blisters reappear, I'll give your suggestion a try. Thanks.  

Blisters? What kind, How many? What size? I had a few less than dime sized ones on our boat when we bought it in '98. The yard guy said "No problem - drill 'em out, fair them and keep sailing." Could also be a bad paint job. With small "bubbles." We need more info from you before one "crucifies" CY. I've had four haulouts since, no change, no issues.  

Stu Jackson said: Blisters? What kind, How many? What size? I had a few less than dime sized ones on our boat when we bought it in '98. The yard guy said "No problem - drill 'em out, fair them and keep sailing." Could also be a bad paint job. With small "bubbles." We need more info from you before one "crucifies" CY. I've had four haulouts since, no change, no issues. Click to expand

C34 blisters Thanks, those were pretty big. There were reports of blistering on older late 70s and maybe early 80s Catalinas of all sizes. Some "blamed" the hull build, some the thin factory-installed barrier coat. I haven't heard reports of blistering on many, if any of our C34s, except for this: http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,2939.0.html If you go to our C34 message board and type in blister in the search box, there are more you can read about. Reply #5 here, too: http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,2607.0.html Good luck.  

Re: C34 blisters Thanks for the info Stu. The strange thing about my blistering is that it took 17 years for them to materialize and they all seemed to appear at the same time? IF......more show up next time, I may just have to strip and re-coat the entire bottom with a barrier. Hopefully, I won't have to.  

Escapade II

NO,that response from Frannk does not supprise me. It's that attitude that got Catalina to where they are today. Four or five years ago I talked with Catalina customer service regarding a problem I found on an '81 C27TM - 25 years old and I was the third owner. The next morinig I got a call from Frank at about 7 AM EDT - 4 AM PDT ! He just wanted to be sure that I felt I had been properly taken care of ! I'm sure Frank understands that that's the way to build a business because I tell my friends and they tell theirs and we all look seriously at Catalina for our next boat. Gene Fuller / ESCAPADE II  

I tried to track them down, but they were not at the booth at the time. As some of you are already familiar with my posts my boat was a lemon. I had contacted Frank about my damper issue, which caused a major problem, but no response. Other latent factory or design defects were: Strut significantly out of alignment. Fuel tank set down into a preformed basin which set up the possibility of water collecting and causing tank failure. Then designing the area so you can't get the tank out when it fails. All of these problems were major bi@#h problem, when took significant amount of ingenuity to solve without bankrupting me! I will never purchase a Catalina again.  

Now for the other side of the coin..... I have had two Catalinas. I bought my 2000 C-320 new and, while I am critical on details on most big purchases, I have to say that it is the only big item that I ever purchased with which I was completely satisfied. I have not had any serious problems with the boat thusfar in the 12 years that I have owned the boat. I'm mostly a day sailor, so the boat hasn't been treated roughly, but it has been through a number of huricanes at the pier in a somewhat exposed area, so it has also been slammed around a bit. Now, it's not perfect, and if you put it against a high end boat costing twice the money, you can see differences. After all, for double the money, you should get something. I would buy this same boat again in an instant. My son and I also bought a new 2001 C22 MKII together. This second boat did have a problem (seal between keel cable tube and hull) which dealer and I had trouble locating. I contacted Catalina by email. Frank Butler personally called in reply. In fact he had to make several calls to get me regarding the issue. He assured me that the problem would be fixed properly, and if I thought it wasn't, to get back with him. Then, he followed up with a letter saying the same thing. And as promised, the problem was fixed. For any of you who don't know, Frank Butler is the owner of Catalina Yachts. How many other companies do you know of this size that the top guy will get involved in such issues? (Contrast that with my new Jeep that has been making some strange noises...dealer's response is "some have the problem, some don't, and we don't know how to fix. We'll check with factory", but thusfar, they haven't done anything.  

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