catalina 27 value

weinie · Jul 7, 2012

year?

kenn · Jul 7, 2012

My own yardsticks on an old boat are integrity and completeness.

Integrity means there's nothing structurally wrong with hull and deck other than the odd soft spot or cosmetic damage - things that don't stop you from sailing right away, give or take a week's work. Good inspection plus a survey should quickly establish this. I personally wouldn't touch a boat that wasn't in good enough shape to sail.

Completeness means you have all the bits to go sailing, and whether they're operational or not. I think this is the difference between a good score and a money-pit. If you need to replace the sails or the engine, the total cost of acquisition skyrockets... so incomplete boats should be avoided unless the price, including replacements is within reason.

This strategy really worked well for us. Faced with a number of boats to choose from, we deliberately chose the boat that looked a bit neglected and had a known issue (rotted lazz bulkhead) because I could use that issue as a bargaining point, and because the boat was otherwise complete and well-equipped. After 6 years, while sailing her, we've easily dealt with all the cosmetic faults.

So, if that Cat 27 is complete but simply suffering from neglect (and doesn't have significant water damage from that stove-in companionway or other leaks)... could be a score. Good luck.

Benny17441 · Jul 7, 2012

Look for the big ticket items. If the motor is dead and the sails are shot you may need to make a larger investment than what a similar boat in running condition may cost.

Don S/V ILLusion · Jul 7, 2012

anchorclanker said:
This boat is at a Marina and it doesnt look so great. Its really dirty, teak looks rough, companion way door is falling apart/inward. Sailcover is coming apart, hasnt seen any attention in years obviously.

It is an inboard, but not sure what engine, or if it runs.

$1000? Less? I was thinking of inquiring about it, to see if it could be negotiated. But I dont want to be upside down on it.

It makes no difference what answer you get. There is no way of knowing the real value of a boat based on an exterior visual examination. Given the generic problems with Catalina's rotting keel step, deck leaks and neglect of this one, run away.

bria46 · Jul 7, 2012

Have the boat marine surveyed. A good idea before you sign on the dotted line

Warren Milberg · Jul 7, 2012

The "best" investment you can make now is buying a copy of Don Casey's book "Inspecting the Aging Sailboat." About $12 on Amazon.

bffatcat · Jul 7, 2012

Chance are the 70`s A4 is not salvageable Before you do anything else look at the sails
if their not usable and the engine wont run Better to look eleswhere

caguy · Jul 8, 2012

Even if the engine needs repair it can be pulled and worked on. A kicker motor can be installed for under 1000 dollars including the bracket . That will allow you to sail while working on the motor. Google Judy's Bjou. The rest depends upon how handy you are and how much you enjoy working on your boat.

Bad Obsession · Jul 8, 2012

There are literately thousands of Catalina 27s out there. You may want to look around and find one in descent shape.

caguy · Jul 8, 2012

Bad Obsession said:
There are literately thousands of Catalina 27s out there. You may want to look around and find one in descent shape.

Hey Bad, I I think you mean decent. This boat is already in shape to descend.

mark_swart · Jul 8, 2012

Most of the issues you mentioned are cosmetic and can be fixed in a weekend. The key is to get inside and see what's going on there... leaks, mold, and if the engine runs at all. If it's an atomic and it has been sitting a long time, you are looking at new fuel and carb cleaning and possibly replacement.
Other little stuff adds up -- are the cushions shot (because new ones will cost as much as the boat). Does it have sails and what shape are they in?
The beauty of classic plastic is that it can usually be cleaned and fixed up pretty easily. But you need to be ready to do the work yourself.
I 100 percent disagree about spending $500-700 for a survey on a $1,000 boat. Go with Warren's suggestion, but that Casey book and when you do get inside, tell the owner that you'll be there for an hour or two to see what's going on.
I think it sounds like fun! When I got my boat last summer, it was neglected and very rough looking inside and out but with enough time and elbow grease she is looking respectable now. In my case all of the 'big things' were okay (engine, sails), it was a matter of finding and fixing some rain leaks, then scrubbing, cleaning, refinishing and washing everything inside. There is a lot of personal satisfaction in that for me.

shipwreck66 · Jul 8, 2012

Let the marina sawzall it up and go find another. All marinas are littered with derelicts, some float, some hang out at the sailing club.

Joe Diver · Jul 9, 2012

My first inclination is to pass it by. As said above, too many out there to choose from.

However...if you look at it closely and it is salvageable (and you have the skills, $$$ and time)....you could offer to take ownership.

I would NOT pay anyone for their derelict vessel. I probably would ask them to pay me to take it.

shipwreck66 · Jul 13, 2012

Hey Joe, did anyone ever take that Clipper Marine 30? Looked pretty bad last time I saw it.

higgs · Jul 13, 2012

A friend of mine is enjoying his C 27 with an A4 he bought for 41500. Exterior is a little rough, but it is a great boat. Look around at other C27s to see what you can do.

Benny17441 · Jul 13, 2012

Them old Catalinas seem to hold their value!

Joe Diver · Jul 14, 2012

shipwreck66 said:
Hey Joe, did anyone ever take that Clipper Marine 30? Looked pretty bad last time I saw it.

Which one was that?

Joe Diver · Jul 14, 2012

higgs said:
A friend of mine is enjoying his C 27 with an A4 he bought for 41500. Exterior is a little rough, but it is a great boat. Look around at other C27s to see what you can do.

I hope thats a typo.....either the price or the model.....