Catalina Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Catalina 380 by Wayne Elphinstone

Year built	2001
Location of boat	Royal Melbourne
The boat is sailed on	Bays, sounds, or protected salt water
How the boat is used	Weekends and longer
Normal wind strength	16-22 knots
Average size of crew	2-4
Liveaboard?	No
Owner bought the boat in	2004
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	Definately. I think the 380 is a great Yacht. I guess as ones get older they tend to go larger with more electrics. My partner and I can sail this yacht without to many problems.
Gear that's been added	Yes. I have added a Gory Folding propeller ( should be standard ) Navman Auto pilot, the best thing since GPS. Transom BBQ. Full covers from Spray dodger to Bimini.
Structural or complex improvements
The boat's best features	Headroom is great, Lovely boat to sail and great looking.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	Nothing. Fingers crossed.
Sailing characterisitcs	The 380 sails very well but with a 150% headsail she tends to over power in heavy conditions. Down wind she tends to be slow but I believe this is the slowest point of sail for most yachts.
Motoring characterisitcs	The standard 3 propellor is not good enough for a boat of this size. I installed a 3 blade Gory folding and the difference is amazing. I believe Catalina should make this a standard item.
Liveability	Just great. We love heading off for the weekend and sleeping aboard.
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any	I Brought the boat from Pier 35 in Melbourne. I have had no problems with them and I get great help when ever I ring. Tom Klyns was a great help also.
Other comments	Catalina make a strong, sound Yacht, the quality is excellent. The only changes I would make would be.1. Quite down the engine and I think they need to be slightly larger.2. Have a folding propeller as standard.

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