Im a new owner of a Catalina 27. I love the way it handles compared to the Catalina 22.. I see some problem areas that I would like to change and want to know how other Catalina 27 owners have done it. 1) The travler for the mainsheet seems not to be in the best location for seating and working the outboard. Ive seen others on top of the cabin, That seems to put alot of tension on the middle of the boom and might be a headknocker going into the cabin. 2) has anyone Installed a pedistal wheel on their 27?? Any feedback on that??.. 3) on my 22 i seldom had to use the winches for the jib. I would pull the sheet through the locking cam cleat and was done. The jib on the 27, you have to use the winch and keep tension on the sheet going to the cleat or the sheet will slip around the winch. Whay I worry about is trying to do this single handed..Does anyone have a better system?? Thanks for any imput
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No Problem
Fred, I had a 74 Catalina 27 with an outboard and traveler by the stern locker. It never presented a problem because I never sat on the stern locker. If the traveler gets in your way while using the motor just reset it away from you. I would recommend leaving the tiller simply because of cost (unless you are kin to Bill Gates). I single hand my current Catalina 27 - 1984 with wheel and cabin top traveler and I singled the 74. Both are very sailable, but I do favor the wheel simply because of the tiller swing factor. I never had a jib/winch problem solo. I sail for enjoyment, so when I need to tighten the jib I simply fall off a little, tighten up and go on my way. It is a good boat, welcome and enjoy.
Fred, I had a 74 Catalina 27 with an outboard and traveler by the stern locker. It never presented a problem because I never sat on the stern locker. If the traveler gets in your way while using the motor just reset it away from you. I would recommend leaving the tiller simply because of cost (unless you are kin to Bill Gates). I single hand my current Catalina 27 - 1984 with wheel and cabin top traveler and I singled the 74. Both are very sailable, but I do favor the wheel simply because of the tiller swing factor. I never had a jib/winch problem solo. I sail for enjoyment, so when I need to tighten the jib I simply fall off a little, tighten up and go on my way. It is a good boat, welcome and enjoy.
Cat 27 comments....
Hi Fred........ I've had my C27 about 10 years. It's a standard rig, outboard tiller steered, dinnette model. Go to the Catalina owner's association website, www.catalina27.org , and you'll find tons of info on the boat. My suggestion to you regarding your concerns is to sail the boat for a season before you start spending big bucks on unnecessary modifications. Converting to wheel steering is incredibly expensive and the return is questionable and it still won't provide that much extra space in the cockpit. Converting from end-boom sheeting to mid-boom sheeting is fine, especially if you want to install a bimini for that hot Texas weather, but it will make it a bit more difficult to single hand. As far as interfering with the motor, forget about trying to steer the boat with the motor... steer it with the rudder. If you don't have a remote control, order one for your OB. Probably set you back three or four hundred bucks but well worth it. Other wise prop the hatch open and angle the tiller handle up so you can reach it. I would consider putting an extension on the shift lever so you won't have to fumble around to take it out of gear. I'd make these mods whether the traveler is on the cabin top or in the cockpit. Regarding the winches.... that's called tailing. You must "tail" a winch to make it work. They make "self-tailing" winches... a common upgrade on older boats... they'll cost you about 800 bucks apiece. So...try this technique for the meantime; When you start a tack, stand up, facing forward and steer the tiller with your knees while you control the sheets with each hand. The new sheet should have a couple of wraps on the winch drum. Don't release the old sheet right away, wait for the sail to backwind a bit to help turn the boat, then cast it off by pulling straight up on the line. Pull the slack with the new sheet, but don't haul the sail across, let the wind push it as you remove the slack. You can now use both hands to strip in the new line. You should be able to get most of it in and still control the boat. When you fine tune the sheets, learn to tail with one hand and ratchet the winch with the other or head the boat up a little and trim the sheet in by hand when the sail starts luffing. All this is easier if you have a way of temporarily holding the tiller steady. i.e. auto pilot, tiller tamer, two pieces of rope etc. Before you go purchasing wheel pedestals and a new mainsheet system, I'd recommend spending money on an autopilot, remote control for the OB, new rigging and new sails. To make single handing easier make sure all lines lead aft. Make sure you have an extending boat hook and that you buy and wear a safety harness with tether. Also, if you don't have roller furling... rig a jib downhaul so you can get the headsail down easily without going forward. Finally, think about how you would get into the boat by yourself from the water. I have a lanyard on the folding ladder attached to my boat's transom so I can pull it down from water level
Hi Fred........ I've had my C27 about 10 years. It's a standard rig, outboard tiller steered, dinnette model. Go to the Catalina owner's association website, www.catalina27.org , and you'll find tons of info on the boat. My suggestion to you regarding your concerns is to sail the boat for a season before you start spending big bucks on unnecessary modifications. Converting to wheel steering is incredibly expensive and the return is questionable and it still won't provide that much extra space in the cockpit. Converting from end-boom sheeting to mid-boom sheeting is fine, especially if you want to install a bimini for that hot Texas weather, but it will make it a bit more difficult to single hand. As far as interfering with the motor, forget about trying to steer the boat with the motor... steer it with the rudder. If you don't have a remote control, order one for your OB. Probably set you back three or four hundred bucks but well worth it. Other wise prop the hatch open and angle the tiller handle up so you can reach it. I would consider putting an extension on the shift lever so you won't have to fumble around to take it out of gear. I'd make these mods whether the traveler is on the cabin top or in the cockpit. Regarding the winches.... that's called tailing. You must "tail" a winch to make it work. They make "self-tailing" winches... a common upgrade on older boats... they'll cost you about 800 bucks apiece. So...try this technique for the meantime; When you start a tack, stand up, facing forward and steer the tiller with your knees while you control the sheets with each hand. The new sheet should have a couple of wraps on the winch drum. Don't release the old sheet right away, wait for the sail to backwind a bit to help turn the boat, then cast it off by pulling straight up on the line. Pull the slack with the new sheet, but don't haul the sail across, let the wind push it as you remove the slack. You can now use both hands to strip in the new line. You should be able to get most of it in and still control the boat. When you fine tune the sheets, learn to tail with one hand and ratchet the winch with the other or head the boat up a little and trim the sheet in by hand when the sail starts luffing. All this is easier if you have a way of temporarily holding the tiller steady. i.e. auto pilot, tiller tamer, two pieces of rope etc. Before you go purchasing wheel pedestals and a new mainsheet system, I'd recommend spending money on an autopilot, remote control for the OB, new rigging and new sails. To make single handing easier make sure all lines lead aft. Make sure you have an extending boat hook and that you buy and wear a safety harness with tether. Also, if you don't have roller furling... rig a jib downhaul so you can get the headsail down easily without going forward. Finally, think about how you would get into the boat by yourself from the water. I have a lanyard on the folding ladder attached to my boat's transom so I can pull it down from water level
They are correct
Fred, The 27 is a wonderful boat. Like all boats they all have their compromises. There are those that complain about all sorts of what I consider as small things. To me what is most important is how does the boat sail, and not just sailing on those days with 8-10 mph wind and 1’ or less waves. No how does she sail when that 12-16 mph 2-3 footers day turn to 15-20 mph with 4-5 footers afternoon. That’s when the small sleeping area for a third or fourth person or the ice box isn’t well insulated doesn’t matter. What matters is she will plow thru those 4’ footers and lean to point and harden like she was in concrete. Here is something else that always gets me through with this boat. It was designed by geniuses to be operated by idiots. Randy and Joe bring up good points and that is also one of the best things about this boat, and that being you have so much help via owners. Not only do you have help on the web but in the water. The marina where my boat is docked has within yelling distances, 5 C-27’s around me to look ( to see how they solved a problem) at and ask questions. Like they said sail her for a while then spend your money. Happy Sails 2 U Bob
Fred, The 27 is a wonderful boat. Like all boats they all have their compromises. There are those that complain about all sorts of what I consider as small things. To me what is most important is how does the boat sail, and not just sailing on those days with 8-10 mph wind and 1’ or less waves. No how does she sail when that 12-16 mph 2-3 footers day turn to 15-20 mph with 4-5 footers afternoon. That’s when the small sleeping area for a third or fourth person or the ice box isn’t well insulated doesn’t matter. What matters is she will plow thru those 4’ footers and lean to point and harden like she was in concrete. Here is something else that always gets me through with this boat. It was designed by geniuses to be operated by idiots. Randy and Joe bring up good points and that is also one of the best things about this boat, and that being you have so much help via owners. Not only do you have help on the web but in the water. The marina where my boat is docked has within yelling distances, 5 C-27’s around me to look ( to see how they solved a problem) at and ask questions. Like they said sail her for a while then spend your money. Happy Sails 2 U Bob
Remote Shift and Throttle
By the way, when Joe refers to "Remote Control" he is talking about cables and a lever for shifting and controlling the throttle without having to lean over into the motor - not some cool system for pushing buttons and steering the boat! 100% agree with not steering using the motor. Leave it fixed and use the boat's rudder - if/when you move up to a larger boat - or even want to charter one sometime - you'll be glad you did as you'll be more used to handling a boat by steering with the rudder. They also make some "caps" that attach to the top of "standard" winches (non self-tailing) and they do a marginally adequate job of tailing for you - for about $700 less than new self-tailing winches. Good Luck! Tim Brogan April IV C350 #68 Seattle
By the way, when Joe refers to "Remote Control" he is talking about cables and a lever for shifting and controlling the throttle without having to lean over into the motor - not some cool system for pushing buttons and steering the boat! 100% agree with not steering using the motor. Leave it fixed and use the boat's rudder - if/when you move up to a larger boat - or even want to charter one sometime - you'll be glad you did as you'll be more used to handling a boat by steering with the rudder. They also make some "caps" that attach to the top of "standard" winches (non self-tailing) and they do a marginally adequate job of tailing for you - for about $700 less than new self-tailing winches. Good Luck! Tim Brogan April IV C350 #68 Seattle
I agree
Those caps are called wincher self-tailers. West Marine has them and they are cheep. I had them on my C-27 and I loved them, I also have them on my C-30. I found that the wheel on that boat takes up a lot of room and if you are anything like the rest of up you will start thinking about a bigger boat at some stage. The mainsheet setup that you have now might be the best. it is right there with you and you can handle it with one hand. If you move it to the top of the cabin you will have to leave the helm to winch it in. A tiller auto pilot is very, very nice as is a remote control for the engine. The C-27 is a real nice boat. What lake are you on? I am on lake Ray Hubbard. Cheers, Rodger
Those caps are called wincher self-tailers. West Marine has them and they are cheep. I had them on my C-27 and I loved them, I also have them on my C-30. I found that the wheel on that boat takes up a lot of room and if you are anything like the rest of up you will start thinking about a bigger boat at some stage. The mainsheet setup that you have now might be the best. it is right there with you and you can handle it with one hand. If you move it to the top of the cabin you will have to leave the helm to winch it in. A tiller auto pilot is very, very nice as is a remote control for the engine. The C-27 is a real nice boat. What lake are you on? I am on lake Ray Hubbard. Cheers, Rodger
responce
Thanks for the advice. There is an auto helm that came with the boat. the cabin mainsail tract would be difficult to reach if your single handed sailing.. the boat is a Grandpappy marina on Lake Texoma
Thanks for the advice. There is an auto helm that came with the boat. the cabin mainsail tract would be difficult to reach if your single handed sailing.. the boat is a Grandpappy marina on Lake Texoma
Wheel or Tiller
Hi Fred, I have a 1984 C-27 last winter I posted a question as to either convert to a wheel or purchase a tiller mounted auto pilot. Everyone said go for the auto pilot. The reasoning was the space taken up when installing a wheel. Where as with the tiller once at dock, ball or hook, you pick up the tiller and you have a lot of space. I got a raymarine ST 2000 and love it. Pat
Hi Fred, I have a 1984 C-27 last winter I posted a question as to either convert to a wheel or purchase a tiller mounted auto pilot. Everyone said go for the auto pilot. The reasoning was the space taken up when installing a wheel. Where as with the tiller once at dock, ball or hook, you pick up the tiller and you have a lot of space. I got a raymarine ST 2000 and love it. Pat
I am new owner and sale solo a bit.
I have a stock 27, I purchased it last winter and now after a full season of sailing I am ready to make some changes. All my changes were/are aimed at sailing shorthanded. I have added lazy jacks. My main halyard was already lead aft and the boat has a roller furler on the 150. It has a tiller, and I am looking to add an autopilot soon (next spring). I am also going to move the traveler to cabin top (double ended, so I can sheet from either side). I am also considering adding self tailing winches. The wife has difficulty sheeting so I may add 2 speed ST (more expensive). I love my boat, and sail it anytime I can, if there is no crew I go alone. What I find most difficult is the preplanning it takes. When I am not careful and forget something and need to dash below it takes what seems a long time. I guess an autopilot will cure that. One final word... safety. when I sail alone I ALWAYS wear my auto inflating PFD, no exceptions unless I am TIED to the dock. A tether is on my must have list. For now, I sail only when I am sure I can handle the conditions. Always safer than sorry.
I have a stock 27, I purchased it last winter and now after a full season of sailing I am ready to make some changes. All my changes were/are aimed at sailing shorthanded. I have added lazy jacks. My main halyard was already lead aft and the boat has a roller furler on the 150. It has a tiller, and I am looking to add an autopilot soon (next spring). I am also going to move the traveler to cabin top (double ended, so I can sheet from either side). I am also considering adding self tailing winches. The wife has difficulty sheeting so I may add 2 speed ST (more expensive). I love my boat, and sail it anytime I can, if there is no crew I go alone. What I find most difficult is the preplanning it takes. When I am not careful and forget something and need to dash below it takes what seems a long time. I guess an autopilot will cure that. One final word... safety. when I sail alone I ALWAYS wear my auto inflating PFD, no exceptions unless I am TIED to the dock. A tether is on my must have list. For now, I sail only when I am sure I can handle the conditions. Always safer than sorry.
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