Catalina Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Catalina 38 by Mike O'Reilly

Year built	1983
Location of boat	Vallejo Marina (Vallejo Calif)
The boat is sailed on	Bays, sounds, or protected salt water
How the boat is used	Weekends and longer
Normal wind strength	10-15 knots
Average size of crew	2-4
Liveaboard?	No
Owner bought the boat in	2005
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	This is our first sailer although my wife and I have been sailing for years. We fell in love with her the moment we went aboard. YES! we wolud buy her again.
Gear that's been added	We've added purch seats forthe stern and replaced the entire head compartment.
Structural or complex improvements
The boat's best features	The way she handles is amazing. Like I said above, my wife and I have sailed for years on club boats. As soon as we it open water on our 38, we realized that this is the way sailing is supposed to be. She handles great in 10 to 15 knots.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	When it rains or we wash her down we have leakage at the rigging base on the starboard side. I have tried everything I can think of to stop it with no luck. It's not enough to worry about, but it there and it bugs me.
Sailing characterisitcs	She's great in the wind. Just feels strong.
Motoring characterisitcs	Very loud. I don't know if some sort of insulation would help but in any case we can live with a little noise. The engine is very strong and reliable s far.
Liveability	Liveability is great for two. I think that four culd make it just fine on and extended cruse.
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)	n/a
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any	The broker (Magraff out of Sausalito Ca.)worked their tails off to make this deal. I know that this is their job, but haveto saythat they were very helpfull.
Other comments	Would'nt trade her for the world.

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