Catalina Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Catalina 38 by Larry Bruce

Year built	1981
Location of boat	Lake Texoma OK/TX
The boat is sailed on	Lakes
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	2001
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	Yes
Gear that's been added	New Sails Main and 120 roller furling
Structural or complex improvements	None, just maintained and keep it in bristol condition
The boat's best features	Great for club racing. Consistantly rank in top three in crusing fleet. With an autohelm I have no problem singlehanding this boat.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	Engine speed and control levers. Casting in Yacht Specialities Pedistal was made of inferior type casting. After several broken fractures in casting and repairing with JB Weld, I had a new one fabricated from steel. works great and gives me peace of mind.
Sailing characterisitcs	After replacing sails boat pointed better. Bottom job improved speed and I have had this boat up to 10 knts.
Motoring characterisitcs	Reverse a little tricky. 5.6-6.0 about all I get out of this Universal 24.
Liveability	2-4 comfortable Used on weekends and extended holidays. V-Berth sleeps 2 OK, main cabin 2 OK, and Quarter birth great. Port bench can sleep one but not the best. Galley and head fine. Adequate storage.
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)	Excellent replaced bow and stern pulpits due to minor mishap.
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any	Bought direct from individual
Other comments	This is my first sail boat. I have really enjoyed tinkering with it and getting everything to work. Racing season is great now that our crew is familiar with the boat.

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