Catalina Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Catalina 400 by John Estes

Year built	2004
Location of boat	Alameda, CA
The boat is sailed on	Bays, sounds, or protected salt water
How the boat is used	Day sailing
Normal wind strength	16-22 knots
Average size of crew	2-4
Liveaboard?	No
Owner bought the boat in	2004
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	Yes
Gear that's been added	When we purchased SEA BREEZE, it came from the factory with a Schaefer Boom Furler, electric winch, Rader, chartplotter and much more. I did not have to add anything as it had every thing we needed to sail.
Structural or complex improvements	No
The boat's best features	Since we do entertain a lot on SEA BREEZE, the Salon area is very comfortable and the cockpit is great for having outside guest as well. The aft stateroom is very nice also with the innerspring mattress.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	We had trouble with the Electric winch when we took delivery, but the dealer was very helpful in getting it fixed.
Sailing characterisitcs	I was surprised at how well the C400 sails in light air. I found out that if you reduce the mail sail in about 18kts of breeze and again at 23 kts. you can have a balanced boat and it will sail very comfortable. At about 25 kts you must reduce the main sail and roll up the jib a little so you are not over powered. At 30 kts we usually reduce a little more sail and that is when we really enjoy sailing our C400.
Motoring characterisitcs	I have found that SEA BREEZE will back up as well as can be expected. I do not have any trouble backing into my slip if needed. The 56 hp Yanmar is enough power for this size boat.
Liveability	We have stayed on SEA BREEZE three or four days and found it to be very comfortable. The bed is great, the salon area has plenty of room and the forward head is fine. The rear head is a little small for me, but for my wife it is OK. The stall shower could be a little larger for our use.
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)	This is our fourth Catalina and other than a problem we had with our second one, I have never had to deal with the factory. Frank Butler and Gerry Douglas both were very responsive and help solve our problem.
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any	We have bought three Catalina's from Farallone Yacht Sales in Alameda, CA and I have never seen a dealer do more than they have to help their customers. Even after you have purchased your Catalina, they do not forget you and are there if you ever need any thing. They plan party's and have sailing outings for the Catalina Owners. It is true, when you buy a Catalina you are a family.
Other comments	It has been a great experience owning a Catalina. We have met so many nice people and enjoy seeing Frank Butler, Gerry Douglas and Sharon Day at the Boat Shows. They are there to talk to Catalina Owners and answer any Questions they may have.

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