Catalina Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Catalina 42 by Mark Johnson

Year built	1992
Location of boat	Norwalk, CT
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	1994
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	Absolutely! The 42 is a great cruising boat. She has done everything I have asked of her and never complained once!
Gear that's been added	Garmin MAP 210 plotter, Autohelm 7000, Stereo with disk changer, TV in salon as well as forward stateroom. Heart interface 2000, addtional 4D battery.
Structural or complex improvements	Added addional storage behind toilet in aft head, added shelves in aft stateroom.
The boat's best features	Extremely roomy! Everyone who comes on board can't believe how much room there is down below. the cockpit is huge, great for parties!
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	Forward shower sump has always been a problem. Sometimes it works and sometimes not. Chain always jams on the windlass if you don't watch it carefully. Can't get the drain to work on the main icebox. (hose is kinked and there is no access) Aside from these few minor items, she works great!
Sailing characterisitcs	The boat doesn't point real well as a result of the wing keel. The big 155% genoa over powers the boat easily in 18-20 kts of wind. The boat rides well and is rock solid.
Motoring characterisitcs	She will cruise at about 7.3 kts at 3000 rpm. Has the usual prop walk to port, but if you can use that to your advantage when docking. She will back straight when you have some way. Burns about one gallon an hour at cruise.
Liveability	Extremely comfortable for 2 - 3 week crusies. There is not enough storage for liveaboard I don't think.
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any	Broker I bought this boat from is now out of business. He stuck me for about $1000.00.
Other comments	For the money, they make a terrific boat.

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