HI, I am just in the process of buying a sailboat (my first one) and considering a 1974 Catalina 27. The size would suit my needs and the price seems right for the year and make ($6500 Canadian). Can any of you tell me what I should be looking for when I go to view the boat? I will have it surveyed if it looks to be in good condition but want a few pointers prior to that. Thanks! Brent
ADVICE ON PURCHASING CATALINA 27
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Good Choice
My first boat, lost to Katrina, was a 1974 Catalina Tall Rig with a 9.9 Evinrude OB. I loved it. Good family boat, I've had seven people on board and had fun. And, it is very easy to single hand, tiller and all. For that age check the foredeck for soggy core and the windows for leaks. Also the rigging. My boat had a soft port foredeck but held well and it had a few blisters, taken care of by bottom work. I now have a "new" 1983 Catalina 27 standard with an Yanmar inboard and wheel steering. It too is a fine vessel. You may be happy with any good boat, but the Catalina 27 is a fine choice.
My first boat, lost to Katrina, was a 1974 Catalina Tall Rig with a 9.9 Evinrude OB. I loved it. Good family boat, I've had seven people on board and had fun. And, it is very easy to single hand, tiller and all. For that age check the foredeck for soggy core and the windows for leaks. Also the rigging. My boat had a soft port foredeck but held well and it had a few blisters, taken care of by bottom work. I now have a "new" 1983 Catalina 27 standard with an Yanmar inboard and wheel steering. It too is a fine vessel. You may be happy with any good boat, but the Catalina 27 is a fine choice.
C27, a good old dog!
As it happens, I have a 74’ myself. Keep in mind, all boats have their good & bad points, and at that age any number of things can need attention. As mentioned, soft spots on the foredeck and leaky windows are common. Also keel bolts are a common problem, although there can’t be too many left that haven’t had that addressed. As well, check out the spreader mounts, the original aluminum ones are prone to cracking but there is an upgrade available from Catalina Direct. Like any older boat, top side leaks are common but usually easily fixable. Things I like; heavy weight! The C27 of that year weighs 6800lbs not including the motor and gives a nice ride even in bumpity weather. The rig, like everything else, is over built and even the standard rig performs well in light air. The companionway is HUGE! Carting in gear is much easier, and if you race it, stuffing sails downstairs is fast and easy. Oh yeah, and the interior is cavernous for the size. Things I don’t like; Interior room is to the determent of walkin’ room on either side of the coach house. It’s safer to just climb over the cabin than it is to walk beside it. The V berth is short with little headroom too. By and large, it’s a solid stable boat, great for a comfy daysail or a weekend adventure. They’re usually inexpensive to get into, fairly easy to maintain and make for a great first boat. If you happen to be a DIY kind’a guy, you’ll find upkeep and upgrades are time consuming but not too hard on the wallet. Ferg
As it happens, I have a 74’ myself. Keep in mind, all boats have their good & bad points, and at that age any number of things can need attention. As mentioned, soft spots on the foredeck and leaky windows are common. Also keel bolts are a common problem, although there can’t be too many left that haven’t had that addressed. As well, check out the spreader mounts, the original aluminum ones are prone to cracking but there is an upgrade available from Catalina Direct. Like any older boat, top side leaks are common but usually easily fixable. Things I like; heavy weight! The C27 of that year weighs 6800lbs not including the motor and gives a nice ride even in bumpity weather. The rig, like everything else, is over built and even the standard rig performs well in light air. The companionway is HUGE! Carting in gear is much easier, and if you race it, stuffing sails downstairs is fast and easy. Oh yeah, and the interior is cavernous for the size. Things I don’t like; Interior room is to the determent of walkin’ room on either side of the coach house. It’s safer to just climb over the cabin than it is to walk beside it. The V berth is short with little headroom too. By and large, it’s a solid stable boat, great for a comfy daysail or a weekend adventure. They’re usually inexpensive to get into, fairly easy to maintain and make for a great first boat. If you happen to be a DIY kind’a guy, you’ll find upkeep and upgrades are time consuming but not too hard on the wallet. Ferg
Can you go newer???
Is it in your buget to go newer? Catalina made a lot of improvements to the 27 through out the years. Don't get me wrong... there is nothing wrong with a 74 but I soon found out when I was looking for a 27 that the 88' model year fit my needs. However, that was then and now I am in the market for a newer yr 34 with a swim platform.... See what I mean.....
Good Luck and Happy sailing, Scott
Is it in your buget to go newer? Catalina made a lot of improvements to the 27 through out the years. Don't get me wrong... there is nothing wrong with a 74 but I soon found out when I was looking for a 27 that the 88' model year fit my needs. However, that was then and now I am in the market for a newer yr 34 with a swim platform.... See what I mean.....
Good Luck and Happy sailing, ScottCatalina 27
I have a 1985 Catalina 27 and just bought her in December. I've sailed her once so far and will be bringing her the rest of the way home this weekend to Boston from CT. When searching for a C27, I have noticed the changes Catalina has made over the years. As was mentioned, the earlier models did have mild steel keel boats and the aluminum spreader brackets that were pro Not sure what year they changed that to SS. In 84 they did away with the aluminum framing around the windows and the upgraded windows are much less prone to leak. I do have one that does, but what do you expect after 21yrs of original bedding compound? The year after mine (darn it) 86', they started using one large sheet of teak for the bulkhead under the sink and engine room door. This was to allow the very tight, yet possible installation of a 6 gal water heater. I wish I had one on my boat and may eventually grind away the fiberglass under the sink area so that I can install one. I do have hopes for the slimline model 4.5 gal. After 86, there wasn't any other major upgrades that I am aware of. The new 270 model came out in late 1991 I believe. I feel it is a great first boat none the less and it is still small enough to make mistakes in stride. Minor mistakes on big boats = big $$$. We have the best of both worlds, most accomodations without the overburdening expense or the need of crew to dock the boat. Good Luck!
I have a 1985 Catalina 27 and just bought her in December. I've sailed her once so far and will be bringing her the rest of the way home this weekend to Boston from CT. When searching for a C27, I have noticed the changes Catalina has made over the years. As was mentioned, the earlier models did have mild steel keel boats and the aluminum spreader brackets that were pro Not sure what year they changed that to SS. In 84 they did away with the aluminum framing around the windows and the upgraded windows are much less prone to leak. I do have one that does, but what do you expect after 21yrs of original bedding compound? The year after mine (darn it) 86', they started using one large sheet of teak for the bulkhead under the sink and engine room door. This was to allow the very tight, yet possible installation of a 6 gal water heater. I wish I had one on my boat and may eventually grind away the fiberglass under the sink area so that I can install one. I do have hopes for the slimline model 4.5 gal. After 86, there wasn't any other major upgrades that I am aware of. The new 270 model came out in late 1991 I believe. I feel it is a great first boat none the less and it is still small enough to make mistakes in stride. Minor mistakes on big boats = big $$$. We have the best of both worlds, most accomodations without the overburdening expense or the need of crew to dock the boat. Good Luck!
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