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O'day 272
I can't comment on the Catalina 27 from personal experience, but I had an O'Day 272LE for a number of years and liked it very much. The LE model is similar to the base 272 with the inboard diesel, wheel steering. double lifelines, double batteries and a few other features, most of which were available as options on the 272. We found the boat to be well mannered and comfortable. One big difference is that the O'Day has the winged keel ("Hydro-Keel" in the original literature), which draws only 2'11", a big plus where I sail, since we have to clear a sandbar to get to our dock and the shallow draft gave us great freedom not to worry about the state of the tide. It was still reasonable stable. On ours, and I think all of them, pretty much all of the lines were led to the cockpit, so it was not hard to single hand. A good boat (as I suspect is the Catalina). The fact that O'Day is now out of business should not be too much of a negative, as there is a very good support group available, and the former parts manager for O'Day bought their inventory and can often supply spare parts and useful advice, through his company D&R Marine.
I can't comment on the Catalina 27 from personal experience, but I had an O'Day 272LE for a number of years and liked it very much. The LE model is similar to the base 272 with the inboard diesel, wheel steering. double lifelines, double batteries and a few other features, most of which were available as options on the 272. We found the boat to be well mannered and comfortable. One big difference is that the O'Day has the winged keel ("Hydro-Keel" in the original literature), which draws only 2'11", a big plus where I sail, since we have to clear a sandbar to get to our dock and the shallow draft gave us great freedom not to worry about the state of the tide. It was still reasonable stable. On ours, and I think all of them, pretty much all of the lines were led to the cockpit, so it was not hard to single hand. A good boat (as I suspect is the Catalina). The fact that O'Day is now out of business should not be too much of a negative, as there is a very good support group available, and the former parts manager for O'Day bought their inventory and can often supply spare parts and useful advice, through his company D&R Marine.
O'Day 272 comments
I also have a 272. Not the "LE" but it does have the inboard, wheel steering, and double battery bank (added after purchase?). I've only had the boat through three seasons, but love it. As frmreilly wonders, the boat does tend to pound in heavy seas. I think this is a function of both the weight, but maybe more the relatively flat underwater hull shape. It is not a big issue, but simply something to be aware of. On the positive side, as Ted says above, it is terrific having such shallow draft if you sail in waters with lots of places to explore where the water tends to peter out. On the Catalina, watch out for keel to hull joint problems (the "Catalina smile"). I think some owner's problems with this, and subsequent water intrusion have been well documented on this board. On the O'Day's side, I have a couple of places where there have been stress cracks in the deck, and water intrusion into the balsa core. Not critical, but areas that may need attention. The 272 feels like a bigger boat to me, and has become a valued member of the family. When I've brought up the idea of selling and moving up, my kids, and even wife always veto the idea. We all love the boat and look forward to day sails and overnights on it. Just bought my wife a new small plastic kayak that we'll stow below and take with us, so she can exercise and poke around when at anchor. I'm sure we'll see as many Catalina owners enthusiastic about their boats. Good luck with your decision!
I also have a 272. Not the "LE" but it does have the inboard, wheel steering, and double battery bank (added after purchase?). I've only had the boat through three seasons, but love it. As frmreilly wonders, the boat does tend to pound in heavy seas. I think this is a function of both the weight, but maybe more the relatively flat underwater hull shape. It is not a big issue, but simply something to be aware of. On the positive side, as Ted says above, it is terrific having such shallow draft if you sail in waters with lots of places to explore where the water tends to peter out. On the Catalina, watch out for keel to hull joint problems (the "Catalina smile"). I think some owner's problems with this, and subsequent water intrusion have been well documented on this board. On the O'Day's side, I have a couple of places where there have been stress cracks in the deck, and water intrusion into the balsa core. Not critical, but areas that may need attention. The 272 feels like a bigger boat to me, and has become a valued member of the family. When I've brought up the idea of selling and moving up, my kids, and even wife always veto the idea. We all love the boat and look forward to day sails and overnights on it. Just bought my wife a new small plastic kayak that we'll stow below and take with us, so she can exercise and poke around when at anchor. I'm sure we'll see as many Catalina owners enthusiastic about their boats. Good luck with your decision!
Don't know about the catalina
But I've sailed plenty on an '86 272. It's a nice boat. The pluses: It is extremely roomy inside, great engine access, very easy to single hand, decent cockpit room (but watch out for the tiller), extremely maneuverable, fast, great in light air, nice lines, nice molded non skid, I haven't heard of blister problems (there are about 5 272's at my marina), and not too many leaks for a 20+ year old boat. The minuses: reefing needs to be done very early, the boat is a bit tender for my liking but it seems to stiffen as it heels more, somewhat odd placement of cleats, single lifelines don't feel as secure as double (especially with children), only one scupper in the cockpit, it doesn't point as high as my old Hunter, the hull feels a bit "thin", too much carpet headliner, and hardly any ventilation in the cabin. My two cents, Manny
But I've sailed plenty on an '86 272. It's a nice boat. The pluses: It is extremely roomy inside, great engine access, very easy to single hand, decent cockpit room (but watch out for the tiller), extremely maneuverable, fast, great in light air, nice lines, nice molded non skid, I haven't heard of blister problems (there are about 5 272's at my marina), and not too many leaks for a 20+ year old boat. The minuses: reefing needs to be done very early, the boat is a bit tender for my liking but it seems to stiffen as it heels more, somewhat odd placement of cleats, single lifelines don't feel as secure as double (especially with children), only one scupper in the cockpit, it doesn't point as high as my old Hunter, the hull feels a bit "thin", too much carpet headliner, and hardly any ventilation in the cabin. My two cents, Manny
Catalina 27 great boat
I love the Catalina 27, standard rig, 4' draft. The sail plan is very well balanced. Also, having more ballast deeper in the water allows you to carry more sail in better breezes than the Oday. I carry a roller furling 155, and it seems the boat lives for sailing upwind in 10-12 knots. In more breeze I roll up some of the genoa and retain stability. One item I do wish it were better on would be downwind the boat likes to roll. I hope the 27 you're looking at is not an outboard version. I do not recommend these. I have heard many complaints from outboard owners who wish they had more power, a better feeling of control, and simply a cleaner look to their boats. The Atomic 4, with which I'm familiar, is a good performing engine, though finicky. I don't like that access to the engine was not a forethought in the design. Keep the fuel clean, spark plugs clear, oil fresh, and worry about the bigger problems in life. If you're looking at a diesel, I would jump on it. The interior is downright spacious, and the companionway is gaping. I like to see lockers everywhere in a cruising boat, but most of the storage cubbies are below the settees. To me that is a pain to lift the cushion to get to your stuff, so the forward berth is for storage and there is plenty of room. I can't think of much else except the cockpit arrangement leaves a bit to be desired. There isn't space for more than 3 people unless someone curls up over the lazarette. I still love the boat! There are many, many boats that were designed as coastal cruisers/casual racers, but are 1 more than the other or good for neither. I think the 27 suits both uses superbly.
I love the Catalina 27, standard rig, 4' draft. The sail plan is very well balanced. Also, having more ballast deeper in the water allows you to carry more sail in better breezes than the Oday. I carry a roller furling 155, and it seems the boat lives for sailing upwind in 10-12 knots. In more breeze I roll up some of the genoa and retain stability. One item I do wish it were better on would be downwind the boat likes to roll. I hope the 27 you're looking at is not an outboard version. I do not recommend these. I have heard many complaints from outboard owners who wish they had more power, a better feeling of control, and simply a cleaner look to their boats. The Atomic 4, with which I'm familiar, is a good performing engine, though finicky. I don't like that access to the engine was not a forethought in the design. Keep the fuel clean, spark plugs clear, oil fresh, and worry about the bigger problems in life. If you're looking at a diesel, I would jump on it. The interior is downright spacious, and the companionway is gaping. I like to see lockers everywhere in a cruising boat, but most of the storage cubbies are below the settees. To me that is a pain to lift the cushion to get to your stuff, so the forward berth is for storage and there is plenty of room. I can't think of much else except the cockpit arrangement leaves a bit to be desired. There isn't space for more than 3 people unless someone curls up over the lazarette. I still love the boat! There are many, many boats that were designed as coastal cruisers/casual racers, but are 1 more than the other or good for neither. I think the 27 suits both uses superbly.
C27
Not only a great boat, but very easy to get parts and good support from Catalina. Any questions, you can call the factory and someone will be glad to help.
Not only a great boat, but very easy to get parts and good support from Catalina. Any questions, you can call the factory and someone will be glad to help.
C27 Vs 72
Well, you will hear many replies. Most will be from owners of either boat. You need to sail each one to find out which one is best for you. Would bet that you will like the 272 much better after you sail both of them. Have spent many hours on both. That being said both are good boats for the price. I found the Oday much more pleasing on mostpoints of sail. it was faster than the C27. I am not a racer but the acceleration of the 272 was far better than the C27. just seat of the pants deal. The 272 has more usable room down below. Has an easier motion and very forgiving. All that said, please go sail both and make up your own mind. Good Luck with your adventure. It is in the eye of the beholder.
Hope this helps. Remember Sea Trials will tell you what want to know.
Well, you will hear many replies. Most will be from owners of either boat. You need to sail each one to find out which one is best for you. Would bet that you will like the 272 much better after you sail both of them. Have spent many hours on both. That being said both are good boats for the price. I found the Oday much more pleasing on mostpoints of sail. it was faster than the C27. I am not a racer but the acceleration of the 272 was far better than the C27. just seat of the pants deal. The 272 has more usable room down below. Has an easier motion and very forgiving. All that said, please go sail both and make up your own mind. Good Luck with your adventure. It is in the eye of the beholder.
Hope this helps. Remember Sea Trials will tell you what want to know.I don't know how many
O'Day 272 were made, but over 6,600 Catalina 27's were produced, making it the most popular 27-footer ever made. That is a long production run by any stretch and I've never hear of an owner unhappy with his boat -- including me as I owned one some years ago.
O'Day 272 were made, but over 6,600 Catalina 27's were produced, making it the most popular 27-footer ever made. That is a long production run by any stretch and I've never hear of an owner unhappy with his boat -- including me as I owned one some years ago.
Catalina 27
I have no experience with the Oday, but like a previous poster mentioned, the follow on support after the purchase can make a huge difference after the purchase. Catalina Direct sells most common parts listed by boat model, and Catalina Yachts is always available via phone for tech questions- even on 21yr old models like my 85'. There is also a Yahoo Group for the Catalina 27. I do also agree with "in the eye of the beholder". I fell in love with my boat the first time I saw it. I knew if everything checked out, that this was the boat. That was this past December so I'm looking forward to a long rewarding sailing season.
I have no experience with the Oday, but like a previous poster mentioned, the follow on support after the purchase can make a huge difference after the purchase. Catalina Direct sells most common parts listed by boat model, and Catalina Yachts is always available via phone for tech questions- even on 21yr old models like my 85'. There is also a Yahoo Group for the Catalina 27. I do also agree with "in the eye of the beholder". I fell in love with my boat the first time I saw it. I knew if everything checked out, that this was the boat. That was this past December so I'm looking forward to a long rewarding sailing season.
my thoughts
wow I can't believe that I am going to write what I'm going to write......(as an O'Day Owner)..This is just my opinion after sailing on both boats. The layout of the O'Day 272 seems to be better for sailing, nice cockpit and very nice interior . That being said, the 272 is just UNDER 27 ft. (it's I think 26' 6") while the Cat 27 is slightly over 27 ft. so the Cat 27 wins on space. (useable space) With waterline length and a fin keel, the Cat 27 is a better sailer than the 272....sorry guys. It is less tender than the 272, which tends to heel a bit more with the wing keel and can not point as well as the 272. In anything other than close hauled, the O'Day 272 is much lighter and in light air can hold her own, but that's if you plan on reaching, or sailing down wind only. PHRF Cat 27 - 204 O'day 272- 228 With that out of the way, I like both boats equally as well. I like the lines of the O'Day 272 better than the Cat 27 and if it were a 272LE model, I wouldn't hesitate to get the 272. if you need shallow draft, the 272 is the choice, but if you're looking for performance and a 4 ft. keel is not an issue, I'd get the Catalina 27.
wow I can't believe that I am going to write what I'm going to write......(as an O'Day Owner)..This is just my opinion after sailing on both boats. The layout of the O'Day 272 seems to be better for sailing, nice cockpit and very nice interior . That being said, the 272 is just UNDER 27 ft. (it's I think 26' 6") while the Cat 27 is slightly over 27 ft. so the Cat 27 wins on space. (useable space) With waterline length and a fin keel, the Cat 27 is a better sailer than the 272....sorry guys. It is less tender than the 272, which tends to heel a bit more with the wing keel and can not point as well as the 272. In anything other than close hauled, the O'Day 272 is much lighter and in light air can hold her own, but that's if you plan on reaching, or sailing down wind only. PHRF Cat 27 - 204 O'day 272- 228 With that out of the way, I like both boats equally as well. I like the lines of the O'Day 272 better than the Cat 27 and if it were a 272LE model, I wouldn't hesitate to get the 272. if you need shallow draft, the 272 is the choice, but if you're looking for performance and a 4 ft. keel is not an issue, I'd get the Catalina 27.
whichever is in the best shape
Either one is going to be 20+ years old. Buy the one that's in the best shape. The Catalina will have a slight edge cause aprts are easier to get, and less expensive. Tom Monroe Carlyle Lake
Either one is going to be 20+ years old. Buy the one that's in the best shape. The Catalina will have a slight edge cause aprts are easier to get, and less expensive. Tom Monroe Carlyle Lake
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