Catalina Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Catalina 350 by Andy

Year built	2002
Location of boat	Georgetown MD
The boat is sailed on	Bays, sounds, or protected salt water
How the boat is used	Weekends and longer
Normal wind strength	10-15 knots
Average size of crew	5-6
Liveaboard?	No
Owner bought the boat in	2002
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	We have completed several trips on the 350 with legs from an hour to 9 1/2 hours. This boat is just fantastic in so many respects. In one of our voyages, we had two 8 hour legs in blazing heat with two kids that found so much to do below. They rarely came up to the cockpit. There is just so much space and accommodation. The Windlass, the electric head, and the Dutchman Flanking system all performed flawless. I have owned a couple of other sailboats. This is an entirely different experience. She drew a lot of attention too which always makes a new owner feel good. The sailing experience ... hmmm.....with steady 11 knot wind with peak gusts at 24 knots with the boat on a broad reach and a 135 Genoa and full main, the boat is a rocket. To windward she gets up on her side real quick and remains very responsive. Single Point reefing and all lines leading aft make her easy to single-hand. She points right around 30 degrees in 15 knots of wind. The full complement of RayMarine ST 5000 auto pilot, wind speed and depth all work like a charm and make the entire experience on-board the Catalina 350 a very pleasurable one. I am still not sure if the boat was designed as a racer/cruiser or just a fun sailing cruiser but whatever you want to call it, it is just great. Sailing and boat ownership should always be this enjoyable. .
Gear that's been added	Added a RayMarine RL70CRC+ Chartplotter/Radar system and a cutom Bimni.
Structural or complex improvements	It is such a new design and a brand new boat so it is to early to tell. None thus far.
The boat's best features	The boat shows great.The best feature of this boat is 1. Sailing experience, 2.Plenty of livability, 3. Incredible amount of storage space, 4. 11 gallon hot water heater and ample water tank supply 5. design and access of water supply manifold 6. 35 horsepower engine, great access to the engine. overall handling characteristics are superb
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	Double berth conversion is a little akward.
Sailing characterisitcs	I have sailed the boat in 25 knots with full main (classic rig) and 135% foresail. Real stable and loads of fun. I have also had my share of 6 knot days too. Does okay to weather, a little slugish off the wind at those speeds.
Motoring characterisitcs	The 35 hp engine is terrific. Enough said
Liveability	Plenty of space. The boat has two interchangeable dinette tables. Smaller and family size. In addition, the tables can easily be removed altogether. This opens up the already spacious main salon even more. We quite often sail with 4 kids and 4 adults. There is plenty of room both above and below decks for all. The forward cabin has an almost walk around double bed with double spring mattress.I like the stall shower. Some might like the more traditional head arrangement seen in the 36 MKII. The head on te 350 does take up some space in the main salon. But hey, It's a 35 foot boat.
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)	Have not needed to thus far. Dealer has been great though.
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any	see above
Other comments	Highly recommend the boat. This is not my first boat. You will really enjoy it. If I were selling them, I' say "it's all you really need"

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