Catalina Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Catalina 27 by Gary Czarnecki

Year built	1975
Location of boat	San Pedro California
The boat is sailed on	Open ocean
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	2003
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	Definitely
Gear that's been added	Yes.Gerhauer main sheet track amidships (previously was aft mounted traveler on rear seat rail) that makes hauling in the main in a good wind very easy (6:1 leverage). Also Gerhauer clutch blocks (dual) for port and Stb on cabin top to make single handing easier for Jib and Main halyards. Added a tiller tender to lock the tiller so I can sail solo if need be. Since I often moor in Avalon, I installed a holding tank and macerator system to STB,which is pretty trouble free as long as one minds the fluid level.A Yamaha 6 hp came with the boat (Gracie B), but replaced it last year with a 9.9 Honda and new Gerhauer outboard drop mount.This seems to work well since I keep an equivalent anchor chain weight on the bow.New 3/16 stays all around and backing plates.
Structural or complex improvements	I am in the process of evaluating a complete removal of the (useless) refrig/sink/stove area and make this a nice extended berth (port)like the STB berth. I will move Kitchen FWD to locker bulk head with larger sink and chart table. The Refrig-a standard cooler- will go amidships on a rail slider where in the inboard would normally sit. Also, I have done away with the step ladder and put in permanent(small however) steps to STB to make more cabin room at anchor.Removed head door and replaced with simple shower curtain in main passageway-very light and allows more dressing room for non manly guests.
The boat's best features	Easy of handling,very stable in a good breeze, sits lightly on the hook, and fairly easy to maintain, especially with the outboard setup. &If my Honda fails, I have the 6HP Yamaha on the dink to use.Can't say that about the inboards.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	Mostly water leakage around port seals,openings etc due to age. Lack of proper backing plates in stress areas(stanchions,stays etc).
Sailing characterisitcs	Faily forgiving if a tack or jib fails and this is nice for those times when I have an inexperienced crew on board. AS much outside cockpit area as my brothers Catalina 34 (1994, albeit the tiller under way has to be managed if there is more than 3 crew.Surfs pretty steady under afollowing swell without stiff tendency to broach (like some Ericksons I have sailed).
Motoring characterisitcs	So far all no major problems. I read about a post regarding Oil seepage when on a particular heel. In my case, I usually have the engine far enough raised to minimize (sideways) till angle.
Liveability	Great for 2-3 maybe four on short week ends.Any more is strickly day sailing.
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)	Very good on parts even if you do not know the correct name.Returns no hassle as long as you have the receipt.B+
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any	Broker purchase. Allowed me to get present slip which made the deal. If I were to sell, I probably would use the broker in spite of the commission due to knowledge and exposure.
Other comments	No

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