Well, so many comments here it's a job to know where to start:
Stiff Suspension - a mono rolls (not always right over) and a cat is like a jeep going cross country unless the bows and hulls are very slim which makes them more likely to pitchpole when pressed. Bro and I used to go stand on a bow each on sailing demo's. Only one
boat had us scuttling back to the
cockpit pretty sharpish and that was in sheltered waters on a french
boat with vertical stems and finely tapered bows.
In short seas and an f6 my 30fter was hard to get around on, handhold to handhold being the general technique. On a
cruise you find a kindly heading then look for a
destination in that direction. Where were you headed for anyway?
Comments on weight and squeeking are quite right. I'd suggest strengthening the structural bulkheads where the
history is uncertain, paying attention to the known weak points on the
Catana. The solution to squeeking is easy for you, just don't build furniture from floor to ceiling because cats flex when they are supported on two opposite corners. Secure furniture to the wall OR the floor.
You do gets lots of
deck space that can be vented below so
storage for gas,
fuel, wet sail, dirty anchors and so on is easy to install. Just make sure the hatches are solidly fitted and hinge the right way not to be opened by green
water over the bow.
I don't know what the rear
deck space is like but I'd look to add a forward facing watch seat at the very back end of each
hull. It's a lovely spot to stay awake and enjoy good
weather. A shallow backed bar seat at the
helm is better for wetter days but pleeaase don't fit a windscreen. They're useless in the rain and add drag to a fairly streamlined top shape. makes it difficult to link up with anyone working forward too.
Companionway doors must slam shut if you're swamped from astern. NOT sliding doors in plastic that will allow the
saloon to fill with
water.
Personally I'd have a serving
hatch from
saloon to
cockpit so the watch can be served hot drinks without the indoor folks getting cold draughts.
Apart from that you just add such cradles and stuff for
diving gear as you need. A good
diving ladder and an easy place to keep, launch and recover your
dinghy all make life easier.
Solar panels (the flexy sort that charge in cloudy weather) will run all your usual boat stuff. Add a petrol genny if you want
air conditioning with the petrol stored up forrard away from the
dinghy.
I found clip on points for the dinghy really useful when transferring gear/people to the boat. And take the chance to hoik the
mast and rewire everything now. I'd use some bendy plastic water pipe to run all the
mast cables in to prevent wear and tear.
You've enough experience to make a really good job of a boat you can fit out to your needs. Just don't waste the space. My bro served 12 guests Xmas lunch in his Snowgoose. Generally only the mid or read is fit for sleeping at sea but the forward area of the saloon makes a lovely big proper
bed for marina stays if it's curtained off nicely.
I much prefer the
galley in a
hull. Spills are easier to manage, rough
weather is easier to cope with while preparing and
cooking, and all the
washing up can be left 'till later without making a mess of the lounge.
A framed
bimini with soft top and curtain sides is the best bet, good access to the boom and main with easy to change
wind and weather protection when you need it.
Make sure you have can rig a storm staysail to keep steerage way so you can ride the worst out without leaving the cockpit.
How I wish I had the chance to build from scratch!!!!! Too many ideas for one boat. But it would be a cat!