Catalina 34 mKII thinking of buying one? What to look for on this make boat?
- Thread starter Redhead
- Start date
It’s always a good idea to get a survey. They cost a few hundred dollars but will let you know if there are any issues major or minor. This will give you an idea of the boat’s value as well as what would be needed now, maybe needed soon, and would be nice but not required types of repairs. The buyer typically forks over the money for the survey, but sometimes the owner will split the cost as it gives him/her an idea of the vessel health as well.
If an owner will not allow a survey or a dive then I would pass on the purchase, unless you are willing to take the risk and do the work.
I purchased Lilly without a survey, but she was on a trailer and I could see the entire boat, inventory the entire set of sails/cushions and misc bits. With Luna I knew she would require an extensive amount of work and I purchased her at a marina auction. Prior to buying her I was allowed to go through everything onboard and give it my own inspection. The marina would allow a survey in the water, and a dive. I’m not a surveyor, but I am very good with mechanical repair as well as wood and glass work. So I knew what was needed on Luna was well within my skills, and I wanted a project.
So you need to decide if you have the required skills or deep enough pockets to repair anything that’s needed if you get or don’t get a survey.
If an owner will not allow a survey or a dive then I would pass on the purchase, unless you are willing to take the risk and do the work.
I purchased Lilly without a survey, but she was on a trailer and I could see the entire boat, inventory the entire set of sails/cushions and misc bits. With Luna I knew she would require an extensive amount of work and I purchased her at a marina auction. Prior to buying her I was allowed to go through everything onboard and give it my own inspection. The marina would allow a survey in the water, and a dive. I’m not a surveyor, but I am very good with mechanical repair as well as wood and glass work. So I knew what was needed on Luna was well within my skills, and I wanted a project.
So you need to decide if you have the required skills or deep enough pockets to repair anything that’s needed if you get or don’t get a survey.
Hi, I am the Secretary of the C34IA,since 1999. There is a wealth of knowledge about your proposed new boat at www.c34.org. We also have a forum: Main Message Board
An old archived topic includes this:
Read Looking and Buying. Not much has changed.
Good luck, it's a great boat. I've owned mine since 1998!
An old archived topic includes this:
Read Looking and Buying. Not much has changed.
Good luck, it's a great boat. I've owned mine since 1998!
Catalina boats have a wonderful value for a solid boat. Aside from that, what do you want to know? Do you actually have a specific boat in your sights or do you just want to know more about the model. There is lots to discuss in comparison with similar boats if that is what you need to know. You are very close to us ... There is a very beautiful 34 MkII sitting in the water right next to my very similar 320. You can see them side by side if looking for comparison. We are actually the same model year as well.
I'm just hoping we get thru this storm safely. It looks miserable for the next 4 days at least!
I'm just hoping we get thru this storm safely. It looks miserable for the next 4 days at least!
Wonderfull, comfortable and sea kindly boats, all-around great. the 'Catalina smile' is not an issue on the MkII. I have a MK1.5 and looooove it. It just comes down to how well it's been maintained and upgraded. The oldest MKII's are now 30 years old so any boat can have issues in that time. One good idea might be to take a look at the Catalina owners forum and the required upgrades section, then ask how many have been done. Will tell you how on the ball the previous owners are. If you're a northern sailor like me, also look for a good cradle and cover to come with the boat. If they've invested in those odds are the boats' been well-loved.