Catalina Yachts has been at or near the pinnacle of the production boatbuilding industry since Frank Butler formed the company in 1969. The company endured the market downturns of the 1970s and 1980s while competitors fell by the wayside. Butler succeeded by producing sailboats that offered customers a "touch" of speed, and comfort, while maintaining moderate pricing.

When a manufacturer attempts to combine seaworthiness, accommodations, and mid-level pricing, compromises are involved. In Catalina's case, compromises typically were reflected in average workmanship in some areas. The insides of cabinets, for example, often revealed unfinished fiberglass. Cabinet doors and drawers were often misaligned. A mantra of Catalina owners became, "Well, it ain't a…