buying a 1976 27'

[Fred Presler]

What do I look out for when buying this boat? It's never been raced, and with the exception of a faded hull, looks to be sound. I doubt if it's been upgraded at all, and down to the cushions and curtains is probably original.Thanksfred

 

[Dave]

Things to Look At

Fred: Check the archives..there are lists of modifications that this model has had...As for the boat itself..Keel bolt condition, rigging condition and where they enter the deck. Bulkheads and where the chainplates attach...this must be sound...Engine hours and condition...Has the vessel been grounded? Drydock and have a marine surveyor look at things and you should be o.k. I race a '76 and love the boat...They are not great windward boats, but they do go well downwind...As a P.S. note condition and number of sails... Good luck

 

[George]

Check archives from about a month ago

I just went through this process about a month ago prior to getting our '76 C27 tall rig. A number of people were really helpful in responding with comments. You may also want to do a search at www.geocities.co/catalina 27/ which is a good resource for info. We have found the C27 to be a delight compared to our Capri 22 in terms of the added space, the boom being higher, etc. We have started in on the retrofits, which for us include the u-bolts ($70), spreader sockets ($70), hatch adjuster ($20), etc from Catalina Direct. We have encountered a bit of "deferred maintenance" that we need to do immediately to get things watertight ( i.e.: 3 leaking windows, replacing the hose for the bilge pump, etc.) Then again we knew at the price we got it for that we were getting a bit of a project boat . . . . I'll be interested to hear your experiences. George