Catalina Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Catalina 400 by Larry Shulman

Year built	1999
Location of boat	Huntington NY
The boat is sailed on	Bays, sounds, or protected salt water
How the boat is used	Day sailing
Normal wind strength	10-15 knots
Average size of crew	2-4
Liveaboard?	No
Owner bought the boat in	99
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	yes.
Gear that's been added
Structural or complex improvements
The boat's best features	Very roomy boat. If you spend a lot of time relaxing, this is the one! Easy to sail.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	Here is the list.Lost rudder within the first two months, I believe it was a fluke in the manufacturing of the rudder, was handled well by Catalina and Coney's marine. My wife still has not gotten over it. Halogen bulbs in fwd berth severely burnt my young sons fingers years back, they should be covered or not used, could also be fire hazard. Co2 hardwired into batteries, probably by law but killed batteries when boat was not used. Hot water heater had backflow valve failure and wrong fitting/piping used, until changed by me it was impossible to winterize without killing my fingers. Very poor workmanship in this specific area. Lost autopilot during rough weather, a removable pin that was used was hit by the storage bags in the lockers, the bags were also poorly designed and were torn by the steering mechanism, Catalina sent redesigned ones to me. Hatches are all incredibly crazed after only 3-4 years. Fresh water filter could not be opened since studs on battery switch interfered with top, had to cut them, now ok. Oil leak from pressure sender guage, never fully tightend. Leaks on forward berth hatch, finally fixed by reseating hinge. ALL OF THE SCREENS ARE IMPOSSIBLE TO KEEP IN OR PUT IN this is still a joke. Main sail slides and gate for slugs was cut poorly causing jams, finally smoothed it out, will see how it works now. With all that said and some even missing, I would recommend the boat and Coney's. It's a lot of boat, and a lot of fun.
Sailing characterisitcs
Motoring characterisitcs
Liveability	If I ever get thrown out of my home I will move onto the boat. We have eight children, and we have gone out with all ten of us, and not killed each other. Plenty of space, and comfortable.
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)	Frank Butler is a great guy. He my son something for his burnt fingers. Either a redesigned lighting fixture or a toy. They have always been responsive. I love the way he defended his secretary when I got "loud" with her. I am impressed with his company and him.
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any	Coney's has sold me 3 boats. Each one has been a source of joy and sorrow. They know how to deal with people like me, and it's not easy. They get it right most of the time, which in this business is like batting 1000. When they get it wrong they correct it, you cant ask for more than that. Matt and his staff are good people.
Other comments	why don't you call each and every owner and get direct feedback after a boat is delivered. There is so much you need to know that would make it easier for the next boat to be built.

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