Catalina Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Catalina 36 by Alex Gelman

Year built	1983
Location of boat	Dana Point, California
The boat is sailed on	Open ocean
How the boat is used	Day sailing
Normal wind strength	10-15 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?	No, I would have purchased a 42 catalina
Gear that's been added	new bimini, new dodger, refrigerator, new propane stove, new autopilot, new inverter, battery charger, 2 extra banks of batteries, new curtains, new cockpit cushions, avon davits
Structural or complex improvements	no
The boat's best features	excellent stability, easy sailer, excellent handling
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	When I upgraded to a refrigerator (adler babor) I cannot make ice cubes. The top doors do not make a tight enough fit
Sailing characterisitcs
Motoring characterisitcs	I can only make 5.5 knots by motor unless I press the engine RPMs. I try to remain at approximately 2200 rpms.
Liveability	For us, it is slightly tight quarters. The aft compartment is essentially unusuable by us and is used by the kids.
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any	Excellent friend.
Other comments