Catalina Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Catalina 28mkII by Gary Kirkham

Year built	2002
Location of boat	Canyon Lake Texas
The boat is sailed on	Lakes
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	2002
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	Yes - it has been a wonderful boat. Original location was Galveston Bay. Good choice for bays or lakes. Would even go offshore in the right weather.
Gear that's been added	Yes -- GPS, extra large Bimini, custom hatch cover.
Structural or complex improvements	Custom, extra large bimini to provide maximum shade
The boat's best features	Large cockpit for entertaining, all lines led to the cockpit, low maintenance, dependable diesel engine.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	Catalina logo (red and white C28) on the sailcover faded to pink in hot Texas sun.
Sailing characterisitcs	Hamdles very well in 10 - 15 knots. Under 10 is fine too. A pleasure to sail her.
Motoring characterisitcs	Handles well under power. Prop wash has not been an issue. Backs port, yes, but better than most.
Liveability	We've had four adults (good friends) for a weekend trip on Galveston Bay. All survived. The yacht broker described it this way, "Drinks 6, feeds 4 and sleeps 2 (comfortably)". I think that is an accurate statement.
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)	Catalina has been helpful. I ordered a new jib after losing mine in an F0 tornado. I've also ordered the C-28 logo for mailsail cover.
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any	Bought this boat new. Dealer (Kent Little) handled every detail from commissioning to a cross-Texas move perfectly. He is still available for advice and counsel 10 years after the purchase. You can't beat that level of service.
Other comments	This boat has been through an F0 tornado and two hurricanes (Rita and Ike) and it still looks as good (both interior and exterior) as the day it was delivered. It is easy to maintain and fun to sail, motor and to entertain on. Owning this vessel has been an awesome experience.

Contact
About
Terms of Use