Catalina Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Catalina 27 by DON BROOKS

Year built	1986
Location of boat	NICEVILLE, FL
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	1998
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	ABSOLUTELY. I WATCHED THIS BOAT AT A LOCAL MARINA FOR 3 YEARS AND TOLD MY WIFE,
Gear that's been added	THE BOAT WAS VERY WELL EQUIPED WHEN I BOUGHT IT. HOWEVER, I HAVE DONE A LOT OF REPAIR WORK SINCE I BOUGHT HER A YEAR AGO. WHEEL STEERING AUTO PILOT REFRIGERATION 100 AMP ALTERNATER 4 GOLF CART BATTERIES ROLLER FURL PRESSURE WATER
Structural or complex improvements	NO
The boat's best features	EASY TO HANDLE. BIG ENOUGH FOR 2 TO CRUISE ON, YET SMALL ENOUGH TO BE FAIRLY EASY TO MAINTAIN.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	RUDDER SHAFT LEAKS WHILE UNDER WAY. COCKPIT DRAINS DETERIORATED, LK IN BOAT. BOW CLEATS NOT ACCESSABLE. MUST CUT HOLE IN ANCHOR LOCKER TO GET TO NUTS.
Sailing characterisitcs	BALANCES WELL. 150%ROLLER FURL IS TOO BIG FOR NORMAL WINDS IN NW FLORIDA - DOESN'T REEF WELL PAST 120%.
Motoring characterisitcs	HAS 2 BLADE PROP. COULD USE 3 BLADE OR MORE PITCH ON 2 BLADE. HAVE PLENTY OF ENG. TOP SPEED 5.5 AT CRUISE. TRADE OFF IS VERY LITTLE DRAG. RUDDER DOES NOT LOAD UP LIKE SOME BOATS AT CLOSE TO HULL SPEED.
Liveability	GREAT FOR 2 ADULTS FOR A WEEK AT A TIME.
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any	NO. PURCHASED FROM INDIVIDUAL.
Other comments	GREAT BOAT FOR THE MONEY. NOT A GOLD PLATER, BUT I DIDN'T GIVE A BIG SUM OF MONEY EITHER. I ENJOY MY BOAT AS MUCH AS THOSE THAT PAID 5 TIMES THE PRICE FOR THEIR BOAT. YOU CAN STILL BY REPLACEMENT PARTS FROM CATALINA. FANTASTIC OWNER ASSOCIATION.

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