Catalina Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Catalina 27 by Robert Fischer

Year built	1985
Location of boat	Patchogue NY
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	1998
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	Yes, It stands up very well in a fresh breeze, is roomy and comfortable for a 27 footer.
Gear that's been added	Changed the stove from an alcohol to propane.
Structural or complex improvements
The boat's best features	Roomy, surprisingly dry ride, solid mast, and sturdy boat for a production 27 footer.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	All lockers should have limber holes to allow all collected water to flow to the bilge. The boat has no fewer than 7 independent water collection points.
Sailing characterisitcs	The rudder is well proportioned for the boat, in a 35 knot run (8-12 foot seas) with the jib furled and a reef in the main, the boat was a challenge but not scary to handle. Most of the sailing I do is in a 2-4 foot chop with a stiff breeze, the boat handles best heeled at about 25 degrees, and provides a fairly dry stable ride.
Motoring characterisitcs	The 14 hp Universal is dependable, and strong.
Liveability
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any
Other comments