Catalina Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Catalina 380 by Tom Patik

Year built	2000
Location of boat	Long Beach, CA
The boat is sailed on	Open ocean
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	2000
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	I don't see why not. This is our first sailboat. Prior to buying her, I've sailed only once before. Therefore, I've nothing else to compare the Catalina 380 to. However, I have a wonderful and safe feeling everytime she sails about in the open sea.
Gear that's been added	Yes. Lots. New SS davits, dinghy, plated the helms wheel in 24K gold, added a sun awning which provides wonderful shade and keeps the cabin cool on hot summer days, added a bimini-top that can be used while sailing as it's designed to clear the boom, CD player, etc.
Structural or complex improvements	No.
The boat's best features	Lot's of head room (I'm 6'2"), light and bright interior, roomy, easy to single-hand sail, stand-up shower is perfect, easy to maintain and wash decks, etc.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	The shower pan leaked as well as holding tank fittings. Was easy to fix.
Sailing characterisitcs	Wonderful to sail. We bought this boat and took only one 3-hour lesson. From there on and by our selves, we've learned by doing and reading a lot of books and viewing sailing instruction tapes. I do notice a lot of helm in 16 to 20+ knot winds. I run a 155% headsail. I reef at winds of 18+.
Motoring characterisitcs	Good. I do believe that a better motor mount system should be reviewed to help reduce the low RPM vibration.
Liveability	Good. Headroom in rear berth too low. Easy to get use to, though. Shower size is perfect.
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)	Bought through broker.
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any	Yes. Purchased from Dana Harbor Yachts in Dana Point, CA. John was VERY helpful. Other brokers were of no use whatsoever and it almost ended our purchasing.
Other comments	I think it's time for Catalina to offer a couple of hull colors to choose from. Do we not pay enough for these boats? Honestly, I'm a little tired of white on white. How about a black hull... or navy blue, or dark green? I'd also like to see the boom raise by 8". It would save a lot of bumped heads!

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