Catalina Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Catalina 28 by Ed Walters

Year built	1999
Location of boat	Kerr Lake
The boat is sailed on	Lakes
How the boat is used	Weekends and longer
Normal wind strength	less than 10 knots
Average size of crew	2-4
Liveaboard?	No
Owner bought the boat in	2007
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	I like the boat alot. I bought the boat for weekend sailing. I come from a racing background and I am working hard to make the boat sail a little faster. So far I have been able to pick up some performance with some go fast stuff added.
Gear that's been added	1. Spinnaker2. Hard Vang3. Back Stay adjuster (12 to 1 purchase)4. 42" folding wheel ( to steer from the rail )5. Folding Prop ( Picked up to a Knot )6. Track and Adj Car on mast for Spinnaker Pol7. New Harken blocks on travler and main Sheet8. Adj bow sprit for Asymmetrycal Sail
Structural or complex improvements	Changed some of the lines on boat to make single handed sailing work smoother. Added remote steering to my Auto-Helm. Changed the split backstay to a adjustable backstay to help up- wind peformance. Replaced the fixed prop to a folding prop. I picked up some speed bout sailing and motoring.
The boat's best features	The boat sail well and is easy to sail. For a 28 ft boat, the Catalina has a big boat feel. Lots of room inside with a large cockpit. This is a good weekend boat. You will like the walk through transom.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	The Catalina is a well built boat. I have owned many Catalina boats in the past and all have held their value. You will get your money worth with this boat.
Sailing characterisitcs	The boat is easy to handle. Both light and heavy wind. With the right trim, she points well. Her best point of sail is off the beam like most crusers.
Motoring characterisitcs	Motoring at 2000rpm willl get you about 5 to 5.5 Knots. She will pulll to the left a little. A little prop walk to port in reverse but not bad.
Liveability	This is a perfect boat for 2 adults. You could sleep 6 but the 5&6th presons better be small Kids. Alot of room for a 28 ft boat.
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)	I have called Catalina alot over the years. I have always been pleased after talking with Catalina.
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any	I purchase the boat from a private owner.
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