Do I want to purchase a 275?

Jun 28, 2026
4
Catalina 275 San Diego
I am considering the purchase of a 275 but want to get aboard one before flying somewhere to purchase one. I live in southern Orange County CA and sail on San Diego Bay. Is there any owner in the southern CA area that would allow me to tour your boat?
 
Jan 1, 2006
7,971
Slickcraft 26 Sailfish
If you are contemplating buying a boat remotely I think you need someone to look at the boat in person. Ideally that would be a surveyor. But at least a knowledgable friend. Pictures just don't cut it.
 
Jun 28, 2026
4
Catalina 275 San Diego
That is my experience as well. Hopefully there is an owner in southern CA that responds and allows me to get aboard to determine if it fits my needs.
Thanks for your response.
 
Oct 19, 2017
8,119
O'Day Mariner 19 3444 Littleton, NH
I have no experience with Catalina or the 275, but looking at pictures, she sure looks like a fun boat to sail. A performance weekender.

Tell us a little about your sailing experience and how you want to use your next boat. Are you racing, picnicking, just out for a fun day on the bay, sailing to Catalina Island and offshore, solo, with a small crew?

The 275 was first built in 2013, so none of them will have the issues of age many used boats often come with. What kind of repair, restoration, DIY work are you comfortable and prepared to do?

-Will
 
Feb 26, 2004
23,320
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada

This boat has an unusual layout down below, with a large cockpit. It is truly a daysailor. Catalina made the venerable C27 for decades with a more traditional layout down below.

As others have said, it all depends on what you want to do. I've owned a C22, C25 and C34. The 22 and 25 seemed to have more usable space down below than this boat does. It seems to be a fairweather day boat. Good luck, happy hunting.
 
Jun 28, 2026
4
Catalina 275 San Diego
Thanks for your interest in my considering the Catalina 275. I have also considered similar vessels including an Alerion 28, Tartan Fantail, J-9, Colgate 26. My criteria is comfortable cockpit with good back support for 4+ people, eneregetic sailing performance, a tiller, a cabin which provides a head, shelter, and simple overnight "camping" capabiltiy for 2 people. My prior boats have been a J-22, Pearson Ensign, and charter boats 40ft +. My wife and I have recently moved from the east coast to southern CA, are now retired, and have granchildren who need to learn the joys of sailing.
 
Jan 1, 2006
7,971
Slickcraft 26 Sailfish
I think it has got some game. The hull form looks like low wetted surface area. Under body reminiscent of a J80. No keel bulb but likely a lively sailer. Maybe a bit heavy but it is an inboard. It should compare nicely with an Alerion Express 28. I’d rather sleep on the Alerion.
A lot of boating is focused on the cockpit. Even on our H356 we would go below only to sleep. And to avoid bad weather. On a sportier boat you go back to the dock or enjoy Mother Nature’s wrath.
 
Jan 1, 2006
7,971
Slickcraft 26 Sailfish
On a different note I’m seeing my Derm guy tomorrow and he’s sure to have that N2 torch all gassed up. Prolly should have spent more time below.