Catalina Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Catalina 27 by John Squire

Year built	1990
Location of boat	Upper/Mid Chesapeake Bay
The boat is sailed on	Bays, sounds, or protected salt water
How the boat is used	Day sailing
Normal wind strength	less than 10 knots
Average size of crew	2-4
Liveaboard?	No
Owner bought the boat in	2000
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	Yes - the boat fits the bill as a weekender for a small family with fast, fun sailing characteristics.
Gear that's been added	Fans, GPS, other miscellaneous electronics and convenience items.
Structural or complex improvements	None.
The boat's best features	The "newer" 27s are the best value pocket cruisers around - older 27s are a great value, too, but you'd have to be willing to spend more time on maintenance and repair. Good sailor, comfortable accomodations, reasonable price and readily available parts/accessories/service.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	I don't understand why Catalina is so stingy with backing plates and cleats. The standard four cleats make docking a pain.
Sailing characterisitcs	She's a little tender initially (wing keel), but firms up underway. The tall rig is very responsive to wind and tuning inputs.
Motoring characterisitcs	Motoring (with the M3-20) is a loud experience, especially belowdecks. Very responsive helm under power - can turn on a dime, especially to starboard. Prop walk is good for about 60 degrees of twist from a dead stop - I back into my slip from outside the marina to avoid excitement.
Liveability	Sails 6, drinks 8, sleeps 3 adults with 2-3 kids (or 4 standard size adults) no problem, more is quite possible. Cockpit is very comfortable for crew (more than 6 ft. of bench); helm could be better/higher. Sailing/motoring with bimini up is uncomfortable for helmsman over 5'10" (restricted by boom height).
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any	Jeff at Havre de Grace Yacht Sales was broker. Very nice guy - low pressure and honest. He earned his commission - buyer had too high a price in mind.
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