Catalina 400

[Mr Mac]

The wife and I are looking for the next last boat we'll ever own and have taken a liking to the C400. We know the C36 is a fine sailing vessel but know literally nothing about the larger boats and how they handle the deep blue (US to EU) or how easy they to to single hand if the need arises and so on.

Who has a 40 and what would you change about it or what do you love about it, etc.?

Mac

 

[duality]

i love this boat. i have singlehanded it no problem with the help of the autopilot etc. upgrades electric heads, generator,

check out catalina400.org or yahoo groups catalina400 for a look into the forums

mike

 

[sailorjackson]

i love this boat. i have singlehanded it no problem with the help of the autopilot etc. upgrades electric heads, generator,

check out catalina400.org or yahoo groups catalina400 for a look into the forums

mike

Are you talking about singlehanded sailing or everything? I have a Catalina 36 that I run singlehanded under all conditions. Sailing is easy, but even with the bow thruster I find myself near to a limit for singlehanded management when it comes to docking with a 15 knot crosswind. Singlehanded operation of the cruising chute is similar when the wind comes up.

I'd like to move up the the C400 or the new C385 but I'm concerned that the additional weight, higher freeboard, and general windage would make single handed docking a bit too much, even with a bow thruster.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Are you talking about singlehanded sailing or everything? I have a Catalina 36 that I run singlehanded under all conditions. Sailing is easy, but even with the bow thruster I find myself near to a limit for singlehanded management when it comes to docking with a 15 knot crosswind. Singlehanded operation of the cruising chute is similar when the wind comes up.

I'd like to move up the the C400 or the new C385 but I'm concerned that the additional weight, higher freeboard, and general windage would make single handed docking a bit too much, even with a bow thruster.

A bow thruster isnt a panacea. A spring on the midship cleat with the boat in slow forward will always hug the dock regardless of the wind direction. Lots of folks make it look easy by using a spring line set on a post within easy reach as you enter the slip.

 

[kappykaplan]

+1 on spring lines!

 

[sailorjackson]

A bow thruster isnt a panacea. A spring on the midship cleat with the boat in slow forward will always hug the dock regardless of the wind direction. Lots of folks make it look easy by using a spring line set on a post within easy reach as you enter the slip.

That's exactly what I do. Never the less, it's still a challenging process when there's a 15 knot crosswind. It also looks easy when you do it right. Let's call that "plan A". The big problem is that it's a bit of a ballet. As you come in there's little margin of error and it all happens in a couple seconds. It can get messy if you miss the cleat. On my 36' boat the bow thruster is "plan B" and saves my butt if I miss the timing or get a nasty gust and the midship line is out of reach. Without the thruster "plan B" would be bouncing off the leeward boat, posts, or whatever.
GJ

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

That's exactly what I do. Never the less, it's still a challenging process when there's a 15 knot crosswind. It also looks easy when you do it right. Let's call that "plan A". The big problem is that it's a bit of a ballet. As you come in there's little margin of error and it all happens in a couple seconds. It can get messy if you miss the cleat. On my 36' boat the bow thruster is "plan B" and saves my butt if I miss the timing or get a nasty gust and the midship line is out of reach. Without the thruster "plan B" would be bouncing off the leeward boat, posts, or whatever.
GJ

That's why God invented fenders

 

[Scotty C-M]

We own a Catalina 400 MKII. Love the boat. I single hand a lot with no problem. It has in-mast furling which makes it easy to run. Below 20 knots of wind, it is really easy to handle, and sails very well. Over 25 knots it wants to be reefed. Depending on the sea state and heading, I might reef the main, the jib, or both. With the boat de-powered, it stands up nicely, and handles swell and waves very well. Here in Santa Cruz (just south of San Francisco) I often sail in open ocean coastal conditions. The boat is very well suited for this. I have seen reports by owners who have taken their 400's across oceans successfully. Like any other crossing, preparation is the key.

There are a number of ways that these boats have been modified. See the Catalina 400 Yahoo Users Group, or the Catalina 400 International Association for examples. On my boat I've added grab rails for the two wheel binnacles, and a isolated cockpit VHS. I've got a bow thruster which is convenient, but not a deal breaker. Like I said, lots of possibilities.

We love the aft cabin, but recognize that the limited head-room while in bed is not comfortable for everyone. The interior is beautiful, with lots of hand-holds, although I would add several handholds to the galley if I were taking it offshore. Tankage and storage can be a challenge, but again can be handled to meet your needs.

I love the space, which is perfect for our week long cruises, but most of all I love the way it sails. Our boat moves with power and grace, tacks with ease, and balances so that it tracks along without the autopilot. Feel free to PM me if you want to make phone contact.

Scotty