Catalina 36 vs. Allied Princess 36

[Les Murray]

I am moving up from my Hunter 20 and and I would like some advice from the Catalina side. I am looking at a 1986 Catalina 36 and a 1977 Allied Princess ketch and having a tough time making my mind up. Both boats are in decent shape, though I would consider the Catalina to be a little rougher (brightwork, deck gelcoat cracks). The Catalina is about $10K more. What do you guys consider the pluses of the Catalina 36 in terms of sail performance, cruising comforts, resale, sailplan, etc.? I have seen your postings on the 34 vs. the 36.The Allied is a blue-water cruiser with a ketch rig, but I don't see myself doing alot of off-shore cruising.Any opinions would be helpful. Thanks for your input.Les MurrayH20 Limerick

 

[LaDonna Bubak - Catalina Owners]

Sweet little boat

I just fell in love with the Allied Princess. What a pretty little boat! And little she is. Seems to me she has a LOT less below decks space than the Catalina. I would imagine the beam is considerably less, which would lead to the smaller cabin. Since you indicated you're not interested in doing a lot of offshore work, comfort might be something you're more interested in.Now I personally like split rigs for sail handling purposes. I prefer yawls cuz the mizzen is aft of the cockpit rather than smack dab in the middle of it, but that's just me.Doesn't the Princess have a modified keel? That would affect your performance, as it is a more "blue water" characteristic. As far as resale value goes, it seems that both boats are old enough to have already taken their big depreciative dump and both should hold reasonable value for a while.Which do you like better? Forget all the mental logical stuff. Which do you *like* better? Which makes you feel complete when you climb aboard? That's the one to go for - to hell with everyone else's "opinions." Good luck & keep us posted!LaDonna

 

[Bob Robeson]

We have a 1986 C-36

We bought our 1986 C-36 in San Diego in June of 1999. Had it moved to Portland Oregon and have been sailing it since Jan. 2000. While our boat needed a lot of TLC, we have sailed her a lot. She sails great. I can point at 30 degrees apparent. Sails well with either main or jib, performs better with jib. We also have a Genneker. Every time we take her out, it still surprises me how well she handles, and how well she sails, with little or no unwelcome traits. Smooth, stable and fast.There are couple of WATCHOUTS for the 1986 model.The first thing is the fuel tank is located right over the bilge and will corrode the bottom and diesel smell is hard to get out of everything.The heat exchanger is too small, and you may have a small heating problem.What I have seen is that the C-36 holds its resell like no other boat out there, it may even go up in value. Catalina support is great, and parts and service still available.It is a popular boat and everything is a available from after market seats, heads, vents, hatches, props etc. with a data base to work from. I would diffidently buy another c-36. Great boat, great resale, great sailing boat. You will not go wrong with the C-36.I am not familiar with the Allied so I can not help there.BobC-36 #586Emerald OdysseaBrobeson@quixnet.net

 

[Les Murray]

Going with the Catalina, for now...

I am making an offer on the Catalina. The extra room below, plus the popularity of the Catalinas is what swayed me. however, if I can't get the offer I want I will go back to the Allied. Thanks for the help.Les Murray