Catalina Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Catalina 27 by Bruce

Year built	1982
Location of boat	Coyote Point
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	2014
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	Yes, this is my first starter boat and I was fortunate to get one that is in excellent condition and also well equipped, roller furling, 2 new spinnaker sails, Genoa 150, 8 life vest, flair gun, first aid kit, wet gear, tools, lines/ropes, double reefer main sail, VHF, swim ladder, auto tiller, depth finder, knot meter, new compass, new rebuilt Universal Diesel 1124 inboard. Gas Grill, I couldn't ask for anything better.
Gear that's been added	New compass Ritche SR 2 with Clinometer. Had to cut the bulk head wall to accommodate. Jabsco toilet pump.
Structural or complex improvements	Jabsco Toilet, replace whole pumping unit. My advise, don't try to rebuild one, waste of time, just order the whole unit and be done with it. Got mine on ebay for under $75. Teak wood sanded and oiled inside and out. Stereo deck installed with USB ports and auxiliary, can charge iPhone and play music, answer calls. Hand polish and waxed every bit of the boat, advise do a little section at a time, took a week. I used Tilex initially to get all the dark moldy spots off the boat, that's my secret, not environmentally friendly, but works, made boat really clean and bright almost like new. Basically the boat is like a giant fiberglass bathtub. Lightly wet sanded jell coat scratches, then polish and wax it.
The boat's best features	Very easy to sail, very controllable even in high 20-30 knot winds, with main reefed. Solid engine, could use 5 more horse power. Sails fast 7.8 knots tops with bottom cleaned. 5.5-6 knots 15 knot winds. Interior cabin space and large companion way is wonderful. Friends comment how large and spacious, comfortable table sits 4 people.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	Alcohol stove was taken out and replace with a single portable burner butane stove. Minor electrical clean up from previous owner's work. Knot meter pulled out and cleaned. Gel Coat polish and cleaned due to age.
Sailing characterisitcs	Very nimble, feels solid even in high winds, so long as you reef.
Motoring characterisitcs	Diesel in very reliable, however I would say the 1124 Universal in board is a little under powered. Might be able to modify the prop.
Liveability	Comfortable for 2 people weekend. Head does not have shower, but dock does.
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any
Other comments	Love it, yes I'll out grow it, but for now, just sail the hell out of it and have fun!

Contact
About
Terms of Use