Catalina Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Catalina 36 by Chet Stephens

Year built	1985
Location of boat	Miami Florida
The boat is sailed on	Open ocean
How the boat is used	Weekends and longer
Normal wind strength	10-15 knots
Average size of crew	2-4
Liveaboard?	No
Owner bought the boat in	2006
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	Yes, I did an extensive refit on this vessel but I'm very pleased with the boat.
Gear that's been added	Yes, 1. New pedestal guard.2. New Tri Data Raymarine guages.3. New stereo system with Sirrus4. New SS prop Shaft.4. Boom Kicker5. New teak and holly flooring.6. New AC Panel
Structural or complex improvements	I repainted the hull Awlgrip Stars and Stripes Blue.Rewired the boat and installed a terminal block at the mast base. All mast wires are quick disconnect.New bilge pump in the shower sump and the bilge. All new hoses.
The boat's best features	It handles well in weather.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	As in many boats many items are hard to change. I replaced every hose and the hose form the holding tank was impossible to remove. A deck hatch was installed so I could access in the future.The engine on mine is a Universal 25 and is underpowered.
Sailing characterisitcs	The vessel handles very well and I'm very pleased with it's ability to point up wind.
Motoring characterisitcs	I have the prop that was on the vessel when I bought it but with that prop the vessel doesn't turn enough RPM to motor at hull speed. It's more a function of this but the vessel seems to be underpowered with this engine.
Liveability	I lived onboard for a year while doing the refit and found for myself that it was great to live aboard. It lacks some hanging locker space but other then that I sure enjoyed it and for 1 person it was fine.
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)	I have had limited experiance but so far it's been fine.
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any
Other comments	I think they make a nice boat, there are as good as any production boat one can buy. I like the style of a Catalina and would buy another without hesitation.

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