Catalina Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Catalina 42mkII by Dr. Allen Kent

Year built	1999
Location of boat	Long Beach, CA
The boat is sailed on	Open ocean
How the boat is used	Multi-week coastal cruising
Normal wind strength	16-22 knots
Average size of crew	2-4
Liveaboard?	No
Owner bought the boat in	1998
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	Yes, absolutely!This is my third Catalina Yacht. I owned a Catalina 27 for aproximately ten years, a Catalina 36 for a little more than ten years, and now a Catalina 42 MK II.This is unquestionably the best sailing boat of the fleet.I have had the opportunity to sail in all kinds of seas and all over the world and I have yet to find conditions which the Catalina 42 has not stood up as well or better than any other similar class boat.I have sailed in the south Pacific, (Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea) in the Alaskan waters, (Discovery Bay, Kenei Fjords etc.) the Pacific Coast from the San Juans, the coast of Canada and south to Cabo in Mexico.Until recently I lived aboard and found it was very comfortable.
Gear that's been added	I have added radar, gps, auto pilot, CD charts interfaced with my auto-pilot, CD player, Stereo, VHS, Wind Speed, Depth, Wind Direction Indicator, and a dodger with a cockpit enclosure (which is a great help in longer passages)I have also added a small diesel generator as an emergency backup (which I have never needed). Perhaps the most important addition was a lap-top computer with CD charts interfaced with the GPS, Radar, and Auto Pilot.
Structural or complex improvements	I added and reinforced the teak shelf in the Captains Cabin (pullman berth) to include adding a shelf sufficiently strong to serve as a step for emergency exiting through the forward hatch. I also added a teak CD shelf on the bulkhead over the forward berth to keep my CD charts within easy reach of my lap-top computer which is located on the chart table in the saloon. I have reinforced the latches on the lockers throughout the boat, on extended passages (two or three weeks) heeled the contents are more secure.
The boat's best features	Performance and reliability are unquestionably the best features of the Catalina 42. I have sailed with friends aboard almost every type and make of sail boat from heavy displacement types to very ultra lights but have found the Catalina 42 to be the most responsive and sound.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	I've found the Catalina 42 to be very problem free. The equipment is adequate and quite reliable. The only problem I have had is with my refrigeration, (adler barber) but in the previous boats I had the same system and they were trouble free.
Sailing characterisitcs	I have experienced rough seas in the strait between Molokai and Maui. High winds and rain in the Indian Ocean, and Also strong winds off shore in the Alaskan Fjords and Northern California. I have sat out hurrican force winds in Mexico.
Motoring characterisitcs	The motor performs well when needed. In some parts of the world we were forced to motor much of the time.
Liveability	The Catalina 42 MKII is very comfortable and easily serves as a home on the water. I have lived aboard my Catalina 36 and my Catalina 42MKII for several years and found the 42 to be quite comfortable.I am currently not living aboard but would not hesitate to do so again.
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)	I personally know Frank Butler, the owner of Catalina Yachts and he has been very cooperative and supportive both as a friend and builder. I have nothing but praise for Catalina Yachts.
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any	I ordered my boat from H&S Yachts in San Diego, California. They were very helpful through the commissioning and delivery in Mexico. I live in Long Beach, California and keep my boat in the downtown Shoreline Marina which is some distance from San Diego (100 miles or so) and have had some problems getting the broker to respond to my needs on occasion. I would like for the broker to be more available and more responsive to my requests. Problems with upkeep and parts are pretty much my problem. I have had to contact manufacturers of individual equipment myself when equipment did not work properly rather and to order replacement parts than to receive assistance from the dealer.
Other comments	You will not be disappointed with your Catalina 42MK II!

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