C-36 Mk II -- Tender or ???

[garry]

I'm in the market and comparing a Catalina 36 to a Beneteau 36. I've been sailing a 2006 Hunter 36 for two years and know it is a very tender boat--she reacts to gusts by trying to dump everyone to leeward and heading up. Anyone here have a means of comparing their C-36 to other boats?

Two examples of nontender boats that I've sailed are the '95 Hunter 35.5, which is like a sports car that digs in and goes faster rather than healing over like a Winnebago on a mountain pass. The same goes for a Hanse 37 I've been on. Any opinions out there?

Another question: The 2001 Catalina 36 I'm considering does not have a furled main--instead it has a new, fully-battened main and new 155% jib (for sailing in San Diego). I suspect I'll get much better performance from the battened main. Again, does anyone have the experience to make a comparison for me?

Thanks!

Garry

 

[Moody Buccaneer]

I'm in the market and comparing a Catalina 36 to a Beneteau 36. I've been sailing a 2006 Hunter 36 for two years and know it is a very tender boat--she reacts to gusts by trying to dump everyone to leeward and heading up. Anyone here have a means of comparing their C-36 to other boats?

Two examples of nontender boats that I've sailed are the '95 Hunter 35.5, which is like a sports car that digs in and goes faster rather than healing over like a Winnebago on a mountain pass. The same goes for a Hanse 37 I've been on. Any opinions out there?

Another question: The 2001 Catalina 36 I'm considering does not have a furled main--instead it has a new, fully-battened main and new 155% jib (for sailing in San Diego). I suspect I'll get much better performance from the battened main. Again, does anyone have the experience to make a comparison for me?

Thanks!

Garry

Catalina does not build tender boats. They are not sports cars either. The C36 sails very nicely from everything I've heard and a measure of performance, a C36 sails at a rating of 138 but the C36 has measurement numbers that suggest she should rate 155 ... any time a boat rates better than her measurements suggests you probably have a good boat.

The Beneteaus are much lighter and rate faster; 120 or so.

I think you will like sailing with new sails. New sails and proper trim will do wonders in keeping the boat "on her feet" and in the groove. The C36 has very moderate sail area for her weight. You should go for a sea trial to get a feel for the boat. I expect you will think she is a bit slow to accelerate, but sails very well.

Randy