I currently own a '72 Tartan 34 and sail the Chesapeake bay. We'd like to "move up" to a larger and newer boat and do bay and coastal sailing. After looking at many brand spanking new boats we can not afford (hallberg-rassy, island packet, pacific seacraft, tartan, saber), we've narrowed the field to catalina 36, bavaria 37 or beneteau 361. We also continue to search for very nice, well-maintained 1990's vintage boats. We really like the catalina 36, but are worried that, well, "you get what you pay for". I'd love to know what catalina 36 owners think of their boat. I'm worried about structural integrity (liner-to-hull bond parting in spots, too much hull flexing in really bad whether while running causing difficulty in steering due to cable slippage...and has there been any problem with the port-side, forward tie-rod that runs through the sink-top to bolt to a liner tab?). Also concerned when I read that people have immediate problems with their new boats with such things as water leaking through the chainplate fittings. looking forward to hearing the good, bad and ugly.
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See June Practical Sailor
I just got a copy - there's a whole article on the C36, full of owner reviews. PS had favorable comments, which translates to very high praise. Also, check out owner reviews here.
I just got a copy - there's a whole article on the C36, full of owner reviews. PS had favorable comments, which translates to very high praise. Also, check out owner reviews here.
Why a Catalina 36?
We looked at all kinds of boats before getting our C36. Frankly (no pun intended, Mr. Butler), Catalinas hadn't really inspired me before I started looking critically at them. I looked at Hunters, Beneteaus, Islanders, Tartans, etc, but ended up buying the C36. It was really a matter of the right deal presenting itself at the right time. There are lots of good boats out there, but the C36 really is a lot of boat for the money. She sails and handles better than expected, and the layout and room below is really impressive. Fun, easy to sail and roomy to boot. Oh, and it is really hard to break something on a Catalina that can't be easily fixed. I'll be taking my boat for a coastal 2 month cruise shortly and will have more to say about heavy weather handling, but so far, so good. Take a look at the article on the Catalina 36 site for additional comments. Best of luck, Trevor S/V Dunoon Seattle, WA
We looked at all kinds of boats before getting our C36. Frankly (no pun intended, Mr. Butler), Catalinas hadn't really inspired me before I started looking critically at them. I looked at Hunters, Beneteaus, Islanders, Tartans, etc, but ended up buying the C36. It was really a matter of the right deal presenting itself at the right time. There are lots of good boats out there, but the C36 really is a lot of boat for the money. She sails and handles better than expected, and the layout and room below is really impressive. Fun, easy to sail and roomy to boot. Oh, and it is really hard to break something on a Catalina that can't be easily fixed. I'll be taking my boat for a coastal 2 month cruise shortly and will have more to say about heavy weather handling, but so far, so good. Take a look at the article on the Catalina 36 site for additional comments. Best of luck, Trevor S/V Dunoon Seattle, WA
Beneteau 361
I don't have any personal experience with the Beneteau 361, but have heard great things about that boat too. You might try posting an inquiry on BeneteauOwners.net and see if you can get some owner feedback there. Best of luck! Trevor
I don't have any personal experience with the Beneteau 361, but have heard great things about that boat too. You might try posting an inquiry on BeneteauOwners.net and see if you can get some owner feedback there. Best of luck! Trevor
Go for it!
I just bought a 86 Catalina 36 tall rig last November. Although this is not quite the same as the MKII, it is a great boat. I have had it out a few times this year since launching and find the boat great to sail. The helm is very responsive and with a 135% genoa very well balanced. It can almost sail itself once in trim. In winds over 15kts, I have reached speeds (if you believe the speedo) over 8 kts. The other thing I like about this boat is that there is a ton of interior space for a boat this size. I sail with a crew of 5, plus myself. I can easily sleep this many with room for an extra one or two people. Also, the cockpit has plenty of room for everyone. Overall, I am very happy with my purchase. The other bonus with this boat is that I doubt its value will ever fall below my purchase price. These are very popular boats and they don't stay on the market long at all. I purchased my boat before it was ever listed. I don't think you can go wrong with the Catalina if a good sturdy coastal cruiser is what you are looking for. Les Murray s/v Ceilidh 86 C-36 #560
I just bought a 86 Catalina 36 tall rig last November. Although this is not quite the same as the MKII, it is a great boat. I have had it out a few times this year since launching and find the boat great to sail. The helm is very responsive and with a 135% genoa very well balanced. It can almost sail itself once in trim. In winds over 15kts, I have reached speeds (if you believe the speedo) over 8 kts. The other thing I like about this boat is that there is a ton of interior space for a boat this size. I sail with a crew of 5, plus myself. I can easily sleep this many with room for an extra one or two people. Also, the cockpit has plenty of room for everyone. Overall, I am very happy with my purchase. The other bonus with this boat is that I doubt its value will ever fall below my purchase price. These are very popular boats and they don't stay on the market long at all. I purchased my boat before it was ever listed. I don't think you can go wrong with the Catalina if a good sturdy coastal cruiser is what you are looking for. Les Murray s/v Ceilidh 86 C-36 #560
I own a '93 Catalina 36 and sail the bay as well out of Great Oak Landing. We bought her 5 years ago and love every minute we are on board. From the below deck space, storage and features to the same on deck, the 36 is great for extended cruising or weekend anchorages. The 36 is easy to sail either solo or with crew in light or heavy air. Retired frinds took their '90 36 and motored and sailed down the ICW and then on to Freeport with no problems at all. Although I would suggest an older (early to mid 90's 36)but a Catalina for sure...you be happy in the long run.
just bought a 2001
We just took delivery of our 2001 C36 hull #1971 and we just love it. We wanted a fin keel and I'm glad we stuck to that. We're new to sailing and hired a capt to help us take delivery and give us lessons. I was pleased when the capt (with 25 years sailing exp) couldn't get over how nice the boat handled. She will turn in her own lenght with the fin. We've had her in 30 kn winds with every stitch of sail up and the lifelines in the water. She runs like a champ. Like Capt Paul says, it ain't sailing unless you get water on the deck... The trick is a good dealer. Ours, Eastern Yachts, checked / fixed all the known issues on the boat before we ever took delivery. We are very happy. It's alot of boat for the money. Chris Hyland "Beau Jouet" C36 Hull # 1971
We just took delivery of our 2001 C36 hull #1971 and we just love it. We wanted a fin keel and I'm glad we stuck to that. We're new to sailing and hired a capt to help us take delivery and give us lessons. I was pleased when the capt (with 25 years sailing exp) couldn't get over how nice the boat handled. She will turn in her own lenght with the fin. We've had her in 30 kn winds with every stitch of sail up and the lifelines in the water. She runs like a champ. Like Capt Paul says, it ain't sailing unless you get water on the deck... The trick is a good dealer. Ours, Eastern Yachts, checked / fixed all the known issues on the boat before we ever took delivery. We are very happy. It's alot of boat for the money. Chris Hyland "Beau Jouet" C36 Hull # 1971
Tartan to Catalina
Last spring I traded my 81 tartan 33 on a Catalina 36, #1916. Couldn't be happier with this decision. We coastal cruise Long Island sound to Nantucket and have found that the C36 is a perfect boat for doing this. Heavy weather performance- Last fall Off Soundings, Thirty+ Knot SW, ducking in and out of the Race, got the gun for Cruising Canvas 2. Reefed the main, 135 genoa, cracked off slightly, the boat gallops.
Last spring I traded my 81 tartan 33 on a Catalina 36, #1916. Couldn't be happier with this decision. We coastal cruise Long Island sound to Nantucket and have found that the C36 is a perfect boat for doing this. Heavy weather performance- Last fall Off Soundings, Thirty+ Knot SW, ducking in and out of the Race, got the gun for Cruising Canvas 2. Reefed the main, 135 genoa, cracked off slightly, the boat gallops.
Go with the Catalina
We just bought a new C36 (#2008) and keep it in Herrington in Deale. We are very happy with the decison. We have been looking at buying a new boat for seven years and decided on the C36 MkII 2 years ago. She handles great! We love the roominess - get the main salon with the "L" shaped dinette that stows up on the bulkhead. We like the fact that everything can be done from the (very roomy) cockpit. You will definitly want the wing keel on the Chesapeake. I have already been aground even with the shallower draft (our channel has silted up...) The dealer, Sail Annapolis, is very customer focused. They reset the chain plates before there can be an issue because they relize that the leaks are inherent on the 36. They addressed all of our issues before the boat left Annapolis. They called me last week to see if any new issues have come up. The only problem was a ding on a floor board that they need to finish fixing. If you want more details and are in the area, look for me at Herrington Harbor North, slip H-7. Good Luck, Bob Morrison Shadefish (C36 #2008)
We just bought a new C36 (#2008) and keep it in Herrington in Deale. We are very happy with the decison. We have been looking at buying a new boat for seven years and decided on the C36 MkII 2 years ago. She handles great! We love the roominess - get the main salon with the "L" shaped dinette that stows up on the bulkhead. We like the fact that everything can be done from the (very roomy) cockpit. You will definitly want the wing keel on the Chesapeake. I have already been aground even with the shallower draft (our channel has silted up...) The dealer, Sail Annapolis, is very customer focused. They reset the chain plates before there can be an issue because they relize that the leaks are inherent on the 36. They addressed all of our issues before the boat left Annapolis. They called me last week to see if any new issues have come up. The only problem was a ding on a floor board that they need to finish fixing. If you want more details and are in the area, look for me at Herrington Harbor North, slip H-7. Good Luck, Bob Morrison Shadefish (C36 #2008)
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