380/387 Differences

[Tim]

Hi All,My wife and I are getting 5 ft-itis (current B321 owners) and probably won't buy another Benny, so we've been looking at some other options. One that stands out for us is the 380 or 387, but I'd like to get some gouge from some Catalina owners regarding these models.1) What are the differences bewteen the 380/387? Near as I can tell, the 387 has a convertible table/setee on the stbd side, no fwd cabin sink, non-v berth fwd, no mention in Catalina 387 materials about a tall-rig option, and some different/extra portlights. We like the centerline aft berth arrangement.2) Is the add-on table (for dining from stbd setee) available in the 387, retro-fittable to a 380? 3) Is the drop table on the std side retro-fittable to a 380?4) How is the performance of these models (speed, pointing ability), and is the tall-rig a worthwhile thing (we'd need a wing keel, and we sail Mostly in Lake St Clair and occasionally into the larger Great Lakes)?5) Any other specific likes, dislikes, quirks, construction/maintenance issues?Thanks,Tim _/)

 

[robert taylor]

my observations

i bought one of the last 380's (hull 379) in '03. she is a beautiful boat and really well built. the main differences besides the ones you mentioned are as follows. the 387 does not have port and starboard main sheeting. there are no coaming boxes. the stainless grab rails above the companionway have been omitted. the island above the galley has been omitted. about half of the sliding storage and deep p/s lockers in the aft cabin have been omitted. there is, however, a little more head room in the aft cabin. personally, i think the 380 is a much better layout and design. my wife and i lived on it for 2-1/2 years. we just bought and moved aboard a 2004 470. if you have any other questions, let me know