I am currently looking at buying either a mid 80's Catalina 27 or Oday 272. I like the shoal draft of the 272 but worry that the boat may be a bit tender since it is about 1000 lbs lighter then the Catalina 27. I will mainly be using the boat on Lake St Clair in Michigan. Does anyone have experience with both boats? Thank you. Ryan
- Status
My experience
I've only owned the Catalina 27, not the O'Day. The C27 seems to have a slightly more classic look, not quite as sleek as the O'Day. My own preference was for the Catalina, especially since they are still producing boats, and available to provide technical help, and parts. Randy
I've only owned the Catalina 27, not the O'Day. The C27 seems to have a slightly more classic look, not quite as sleek as the O'Day. My own preference was for the Catalina, especially since they are still producing boats, and available to provide technical help, and parts. Randy
Catalina "BY FAR!"
Ryan, the reason there is a 1000 lbs difference is hull quality for 1. Catalina has twice the hull of an O'Day and the hull is the most important part of the boat (at least for this sailor). Catlaina uses better rigging. The quality of the interior is superior. Thiis is just to mention a few things. Now you will pay alittle more for the Catalina, but it's worth every bit of it. Promise! Howard R. SLO- Misty Blue Nashville,TN.
Ryan, the reason there is a 1000 lbs difference is hull quality for 1. Catalina has twice the hull of an O'Day and the hull is the most important part of the boat (at least for this sailor). Catlaina uses better rigging. The quality of the interior is superior. Thiis is just to mention a few things. Now you will pay alittle more for the Catalina, but it's worth every bit of it. Promise! Howard R. SLO- Misty Blue Nashville,TN.
C 27 not 272
Ryan, I got down to the same choice last spring. As you were, i was struck by the shalllow draft and light displacement. I asked the owner, who sailed the same waterI would be sailing how it was in a blow. He unwisely told me all kinds of horror stories. There are more 272's in my area than Cat 27's, but it is kinda shallow here. My one year experience with a 1982 c 27 standard rig has been superb, and I highly recommend the boat. Roger
Ryan, I got down to the same choice last spring. As you were, i was struck by the shalllow draft and light displacement. I asked the owner, who sailed the same waterI would be sailing how it was in a blow. He unwisely told me all kinds of horror stories. There are more 272's in my area than Cat 27's, but it is kinda shallow here. My one year experience with a 1982 c 27 standard rig has been superb, and I highly recommend the boat. Roger
I Got one
I just finished my rookie season in my Cat 27, 1973 hull #317. It is the perfect boat for Lake St Clair. Nice and stable for relaxing cruises and a big hatch for easy access for all. In heavy weather she was managable. Really hard to beat the price and value. -CB
I just finished my rookie season in my Cat 27, 1973 hull #317. It is the perfect boat for Lake St Clair. Nice and stable for relaxing cruises and a big hatch for easy access for all. In heavy weather she was managable. Really hard to beat the price and value. -CB
27 or 272
I have owned both a catalina 27 and an oday 272 . I now own a catalina 30. I owned a 27 in the early 80's and the 272 for a couple of years in the late 90's. I never found the wing keel on the oday a problem. I think the 272 was a better quality, although the 27 was built by a local Vancouver builder who wasn't know for high workmanship. My wife and I bought the 27 new and took many trips up the coast in it. If I had a choice I would probably buy the 27 - the main reason has nothing to do with the qualities of the 27 but because it is a Catalina. O'day is gone and owners are few and far between. But just look at this site !! The depth of information and support for Catalinas is phenomenal. Their Factory people are tremendous. I have received prompt replies to Catalina.com about wiring questions, window leak fixes etc. It is great not to have to solve these problems on your own. All boats have problems but owning a Catalina makes you part of a family especially 27 owners(I get all teary about it
) Go with the Catalina 27 you won't regret choosing it over the oday. PS I have owned a Catalina 22, 27 and 30. I water them regularly and they just keep growing ... I am waiting to go down to my berth sometime and find a Catalina 34 in place of my 30. Cheers Tom Irwin.
I have owned both a catalina 27 and an oday 272 . I now own a catalina 30. I owned a 27 in the early 80's and the 272 for a couple of years in the late 90's. I never found the wing keel on the oday a problem. I think the 272 was a better quality, although the 27 was built by a local Vancouver builder who wasn't know for high workmanship. My wife and I bought the 27 new and took many trips up the coast in it. If I had a choice I would probably buy the 27 - the main reason has nothing to do with the qualities of the 27 but because it is a Catalina. O'day is gone and owners are few and far between. But just look at this site !! The depth of information and support for Catalinas is phenomenal. Their Factory people are tremendous. I have received prompt replies to Catalina.com about wiring questions, window leak fixes etc. It is great not to have to solve these problems on your own. All boats have problems but owning a Catalina makes you part of a family especially 27 owners(I get all teary about it
) Go with the Catalina 27 you won't regret choosing it over the oday. PS I have owned a Catalina 22, 27 and 30. I water them regularly and they just keep growing ... I am waiting to go down to my berth sometime and find a Catalina 34 in place of my 30. Cheers Tom Irwin.- Status