Catalina Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Catalina 34 by Jesse W. White

Year built	1990
Location of boat	Hampton, Virginia
The boat is sailed on	Bays, sounds, or protected salt water
How the boat is used	Multi-week coastal cruising
Normal wind strength	16-22 knots
Average size of crew	2-4
Liveaboard?	Yes
Owner bought the boat in	2001
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	I would most definitely buy again
Gear that's been added	ICOM 802 SSBSpring Mattress2.8 CU FT Refrigerator30 Amp Electrical Service (bringing it to 2)Companionway doorsCabin heater (tied into engine fresh water)DavitsMade cockpit enclosureInverter4 golf cart 6V batteries (yes they do fit in the battery box)Planning to add solar panels, Galvanic isolater, and water maker
Structural or complex improvements	Upgrade Garhauer traveler ($250)Had to have the stern rail re-welded after the tubing/weld/foot rusted apart - apparnetly the manufacturer's welds only use the existing metal. Welder told me he added wire. Looks a lot better too!
The boat's best features	In general, it is a lot of boat while maintenance and repair is like a small boat. I.E., big problems are still small problems.Living space is good for a couple.Roomy.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	Some delam in the head window. Sluggish in light wind (wing keel). Tie rod adjustment difficult. All pumps, motors, and engine check points are very difficult to access (ever tried to adjust your stuffing box?)
Sailing characterisitcs	I have sailed this boat in 45-50 kt winds on the Chesapeake Bay. If you have too much sail out, she's points up. Handles rough seas well, although a bit light in the keel.
Motoring characterisitcs	Motors well. Strong RH prop. Universal MXP25 is a great engine.
Liveability	Very live aboard friendly. Wish I had more storage in the stern.
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)	Soso. Catalina seems to be more into the new boat buisness. Witness their lack of catalogues, information about their older boats, and redirecting you to suppliers but not having the suppliers phone number!
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any	Bought through a friend.
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