Catalina Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Catalina 27 by Antonio

Year built	1976
Location of boat	Ensenada Mexico
The boat is sailed on	Open ocean
How the boat is used	Racing
Normal wind strength	16-22 knots
Average size of crew	solo
Liveaboard?	No
Owner bought the boat in	2003
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	I had the boat for a few weeks so far so I don't know yet
Gear that's been added	compasses, GPS, masthead wind indicator, mainsheet traveler and vang, boom vang, marine radio
Structural or complex improvements	The boat had both the original aft traveler and an arched midboom traveler. I didn't like either one so I installed a 3/4 aft boom traveler in the forward side of the cockpit in front of the companionway. I moved the jibsheet winches rarhter inside cos the way they were was uneasy for a singlehander and removed the lower lifeline in the cockpit cos it interfered cranking the winch handle, converted the useless starboar berth into storage with access from the cockpit hatch, rerigged all the running riggings and led them to the cockpit, replaced all the deck hardware washer with fat stainless steel fenders and recaulked them properly, raised all the fuses panels.
The boat's best features	it sails very well, surprisingly well upwind in choppy seas
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	compared to my previous boat, a Catalina 30 of the same year, there's a world of difference in term of design, deck layout, interior space, construction quality, material quality (especially teak). the Catalia 27 looks like a much cheaper and well designed boat. The starboard berth is totally useless (what the hell where they thinking about?), storage and liveability are limited, accessibility to critical places like engine compartment and battery also could have been better thought up.
Sailing characterisitcs	I've been out in light and strong wind so far and the boat have been sailing very well, quick and steady, not much weather helm. I haven't yet got the best out of her though.
Motoring characterisitcs	The old inboard Atomic $ has been removed and I have a 9.9 outboard which moves her well in protected waters.
Liveability	I'd say OK, but again both the starboard berth and the V-berth are basically useful for storage only.
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)	Could be better.I'd expect the largest US boatbuilder to have at least a website, E-mail address and a 24-hours 800 number for customer support. Catalina yachts offer none of them and their working hours are 9 to 3 with an hour lunch break. Most of their customers are cruisers and liveaboards who in an emergency would appreciate an easiest way to get in touch with Catalina.
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any	private party, usual deal.
Other comments	She can be a good boat once you corrcted many minor faults. I still consider the Catalina 30 a much better boat.

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