I am about to buy a Catalina 27 to 30 ft 1986 to 1989. Are there any
unusual problems with these models that I should watch out for?
unusual problems with these models that I should watch out for?
Buying a Catalina 27 to 30 Ft
- Thread starter Roger Thomas
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You are SO killing me! That's my dream boat! There are a couple on the For Sale segment of the forum.
I've heard/read that the full keel sails better than the wing keel, less leeway. Other than that, it's a good, well made boat at a fair price. The ones I was coveting were anywhere from $12k to $20k and worth every penny.
Congratulations!
Envious in Maine
(aka Don)
I've heard/read that the full keel sails better than the wing keel, less leeway. Other than that, it's a good, well made boat at a fair price. The ones I was coveting were anywhere from $12k to $20k and worth every penny.
Congratulations!
Envious in Maine
(aka Don)
I owned an '86 Catalina 27 (until it was totaled in a hurricane). Had a nice Universal diesel. This was a great sailing boat and I would prefer this model over the Cat 30 (unless you really need the cruising space of the 30 ft model). I had heard that some Cat 27s in this vintage had motor mount cracking problems, but mine did not. Also note that it is very difficult to reach/adjust/service the OEM packing gland so make sure you check that out on the boat of your choice. If mine had survived, I would have installed a PSS gland. Finally, on the 27 access to the starboard side of the engine is thru a tiny port, not great so, if you buy one, consider having a larger access port cut into the panel running along the quarter berth on that side. A very easy DIY fix that is well worth it.
ours is a Cat 30, 1988 and love love love it. Really nothing to warn you about, we made some changes to ours and nothing has been a disappointment. We have a little older (than your criteria) 27 too and I love the 30 more, but the 27 is just a little fun boat, easy in every way...except it has an atomic 4 and I much prefer diesel.
Really, you can't go wrong, and I'm sure you can get a great deal right now. Enjoy the purchase.
Really, you can't go wrong, and I'm sure you can get a great deal right now. Enjoy the purchase.
Here's a link to the International Catalina 27/270 Owners' Association site: http://www.catalina27.org/ On the home page menu bar, open the "C27 Profile" link and use this article as a guide when inspecting the vessels that interest you.
There were many, many Catalina 27's produced and some were cared for more than others... this article may help you weed out the lemons and find the jewel.
There were many, many Catalina 27's produced and some were cared for more than others... this article may help you weed out the lemons and find the jewel.
How much head room in the 27?
When we were looking, I seem to remember a Catalina 27 with a low cabin overhead - well below 6 feet. That's why we ended up choosing the Hunter 27.
When we were looking, I seem to remember a Catalina 27 with a low cabin overhead - well below 6 feet. That's why we ended up choosing the Hunter 27.
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