Catalina 400 mkII - Worthwhile Changes?

[Steve Haas]

I am considering moving up to a Catalina 400 but notice there was a change a few years back where the steering was changed, engine size increased and other changes along with the MKII name(approx. 1998). Is anyone familiar with the differences and have a opinion if they were worthwhile changes?

 

[Gary Jensen]

considering the 400 also

I have the 380 (1998) and am considering the 400. the changes that you are talking about are the independent steering, which I like. If one fails you have a secondary (plus a third and forth counting the auto pilot and the emergency tiller. The engine change was good too. I'm told there was a heating problem with the Westerbeke 42 (on the 40s). I heard that they went to the Yanmar, which is bullet-proof. I was on several 400s (as of late) I'm ready for the move, and my wife is almost there!!