buting a 1976 27'

[Fred Presler]

What do I look for in buying a 1976 Catalina 27 with a Atomic 4?It's in the water now. The price is real fair.Thanksfred Preslerfpresler@plaind.com

 

[Rob G]

Look carefully at 76

Fred:I have owned two cat 27. a 1976 and a 1977. Both boats were solidly built and a lot of fun to sail.  I would loook very carefully at the atomic 4. It has not been procuded for many years and I am told that parts are very hard to come by. Both of mine were outboard versions with a 9.9 long shaft outboard. They offered plenty of power to hit hull speed. Here on Chesapeake Bay, the outboard version is probably more popular by a fator of 10 to one.On the boat, I would look carefully for soft wood around deck fittings. This is a common problem in older Catalinas. I have a friend who had a shroud pull out of the deck during a race. Also have a riggger check all the rigging, especially at the top of the mast. There will most likely be significant corrosion up there. Finally look carefully at the life lines. They should be replaced if they have not been yet. You will see significant rust if you look carefully. Best of luckRob G.

 

[L-Seelig]

I have a 76 C-27 w/ A4 and I can't complain.

Rob is right, check very carefully for areas where the deck is soft or spongy. I had to replace my foredeck last April and it was not cheap! Also you want to check around the windows, interior rigging mounts, stanchions, bow pulpit, stern railing, and along the jib traveler, along both sides for evidence of leaks. The leaks will be easy enough to fix but if you do see evidence of leaking then you need to be even more mindful of possible dry rot in the deck and bulkheads. Look at the gas tank and check around the plate where the gauge sensor and vent tube mount and make sure you have a good seal there. Also, during sea trial be sure to run the engine for a while and watch engine temp. I am currently dealing with that issue myself. All in all, if you give it a good look over and the surveyor gives it a clean bill of health I don't think you will be disappointed. Regards,Lysle

 

[Rob]

Don't get spooked by the A-4...

I have one and it runs like a top. These engines are often maligned. But if they are properly maintained, they are fantastic engines. The fact is that your is going to be 20 something years old, so a lot of its condition is going to depend on the care or neglect it received from previous owners.Parts are easy to come by if you check out www.moyermarine.com -you can get just about anything you need, plus upgrades like electronic igniton, electric fuel pumps, etc..So - get it surveyed, and go with what your surveyor recommends.Most importantly, let us know how it goes!Rob