Edel Cat 33 - The high seas at a tiny price

With its superstructure split into three volumes and its compact rig, the Edel 33 does not look anything like our modern catamarans, with their large, single coachroofs. A rustic, affordable boat, equipped for semi-offshore cruising.

Must we see in this an unfailing attachment to sailing boats? The architect-builder, Maurice Edel, passed away on the eve of the opening of ‘Le Nautic’s’ doors... With the help of his brother, Pierre, who died in 1987, he held the reins of Edel and designed all the first generation models – except for the Edel 3. After their company went bankrupt in 1983, the twins launched themselves into the production of catamarans, with the Edel Cat 15 and the 26. In 1985, the 33, designed in collaboration with Sylvestre Langevin, was a robust, rustic boat, offered at a low price. The hulls and the cockpit/bridgedeck assembly can be dismantled, thanks to an assembly of aluminium beams. The engine is a simple outboard, protected by a cover. The 33’s originality is its deck plan: each hull is independent, served by its own companionway. The central nacelle is therefore isolated by two wide side decks. The machine, logically delivered in kit form was quickly nicknamed ‘Edel Kit’ by the dealers, which didn’t stop it being appreciated by the charter companies. Over 4 years, 60 examples of this catamaran were produced. 130 examples of the Edel Cat 35, an improved version of the 33 – possibility of...