Catalina Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Catalina 28mkII by The Walters Group

Year built	1997
Location of boat	Wales United Kingdom
The boat is sailed on	Bays, sounds, or protected salt water
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	1997
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	would stay with Catalina but would go for a bigger model
Gear that's been added	auto helm, wind, speed, depth, Natex, GPS x 2, VHF, Sterio, TV, Heating, storm sails, Cruising Shute, brought spec up to UK charter specs
Structural or complex improvements	Installed a grab rail, on the corner of the galley, up to the ceiling, this was to ensure a hand hold from the steps to the seating area, Installed another rail, across the from of the stove, when stove is gimballed, this stops you falling against it and tipping hot stuff on to yourself, pics available should any one wish to see these modifications. Also installed a radar mast at the stern to take arials etcs.
The boat's best features	Possibly the safest and strongest boat for its size, the boat was certified to 'stops 2' this means suitable for offshore crusing. takes a lot to knok this boat down, and is very forgiving.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	The only problem we have encountered is the radiator cap on the engine leaked when first bought. got a new one problem solved. eight years on things are starting to fail but nothing that would not be exspected
Sailing characterisitcs	because of the width of this boat and the short seas we exsperience in wales, the yacht has a tendercy to stop when the sea is head on. closed hauled is not the yacht strong point however, put her on a close reach and she skips along to such an extent we have the hull humming and in some winter racing have exceeded 12 knots 1999 won the winter series and was passing yachts with far less handicap.
Motoring characterisitcs	Three bladed prop gives the yacht a lot of prop walk in reverse, however, once mastered we make this yacht go side ways straight onto a pontoon. good to have the prop and powerful engine. and puts a lot of yachts on the same size to shame when ploughing through heavy seas
Liveability	Very good but does lack storage, but then it is only 28ft.
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)	Not yet, so no exsperience
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any	Bought the yacht brand new, UK dealer Excellent
Other comments	Fist class, the brit yacht manufactures can learn a lot, if they could accept constructive critisium.

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