Catalina 47 Purchaser

[Tim]

I am seriously considering buying a 47 so doing some gunkholing! Just interested in any feedback about the 47 from owners. Which fit out have you preferred, which main furling system any bugs etc?Thanking in advance.TimN York

 

[Rob R.]

Great boat, but gunkholing?

Wow - I was on a 470 recently at the Houston in water Boat Show. Really nice boat.I am certainly not a 470 owner, but I don't know if I would like to take it "gunkholing". I am nervous enough running my Catalina 27 in less than 10 feet of water. I am not sure what a 470 runs as far as draught, but I would bet it is 6 to 7 feet, right?My bet is that you would need a serious set of ground tackle, including a hundred or so feet of chain, and twice as much again in serious rode if you wanted to get close to shore (with tide taken into consideration). There are tons of suggestions for anchors - you can find that in the archives here.I think a windlass would be a necessity, not an option here.Best of luck in any event - that's a hell of a boat!Rob

 

[Chris Hyland]

470

Hey Tim, I assume you'll be getting a wing keel on this baby if your looking to get into the hide away places.The 470 is a great boat, or should I say floating house. I see no reason why, with a reasonable degree of prudence you can't get that boat into tight places as long as your keep the tides in mind. Also I would say for that boat in tight places a feathering prop is a must! You can't afford any prop walk in tight places. It's also been my experience that the heavier the boat the worse the prop walk gets, because it requires more effort to get some way on.Enjoy, it's a great ride!Regards,Chris