Hi, My father and I are looking to purchase a 35-40ft sail boat for weekend and vacation cruises. We selected this specific size to accomodate family and our rather tall height (i'm 6'2" and my dad is 6'4"). Additionally, he specifically wants more room. We have been looking online (such as boats.com, etc) as a primary source of research and we've found a lot of information and help around 1990 and later models. We came accross various Catalina models (400 mk2, 42-2 mk2, 42-3) for prices ranging from low 100k to mid 150's. Some of the ammenities we are after are (to name a few): -Accomodation for 5+ -Tall headroom -Large head w/ shower -Heat/AC and various electronic/navigation options (stereo, GPS, Autopilot, etc). -Burner/oven/stove and other kitchen ammenities, etc. My question is if there is a particular model of the Catalina's that we should focus on based on quality and best value for the $$$? We seem to have "connected" with Catalinas, although we are also looking at various Beneteau models (Oceanis 400, 430, 411, etc). Any specific problems we should be aware as part of the inspection? I rather go in prepared than not knowing anything about catalinas at all..... Thanks for any help. Vinnie
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catalina 40
vinnie, catalina porbably has the largest percentage of satisfied customers than any other maker, but rather than focus on a particular model, focus on the best boat you can find based on your general wants. please note that no sailboat going to provide anything like a house bathroom. esepecially note holding tank water for those who cannot dump in the waters we sail is extremely limited.
vinnie, catalina porbably has the largest percentage of satisfied customers than any other maker, but rather than focus on a particular model, focus on the best boat you can find based on your general wants. please note that no sailboat going to provide anything like a house bathroom. esepecially note holding tank water for those who cannot dump in the waters we sail is extremely limited.
Brands to stay away from
Thanks for the reply. Let me ask you in another way......any brands out there for the ammenities we are after that we should stay *away* from? I heard Hunter is one of them, but I can neither confirm nor deny by my personal experience..... Thanks again, v.
Thanks for the reply. Let me ask you in another way......any brands out there for the ammenities we are after that we should stay *away* from? I heard Hunter is one of them, but I can neither confirm nor deny by my personal experience..... Thanks again, v.
Association websites
Vinnie Each of the models has their own association and most have websites, where owners discuss "issues" with their boats. Usually www.catalina[boatsize].org Unfortunately some of them have chosen to go onto Sailnet for their detailed technical discussions rather than saving them on their own websites, so you'd have to log on to Sailnet for each model/size, and check out the archive posts. Give it a try and do some reading. Based on our experience, it's really hard to say if any particular model has any specific issue. They've been making these boats for so long now, that most of the kinks have been taken care of. There are the guys who are unhappy about their plasma screens, but the boating technical stuff is solid. So much has to do with layout preferences, and as you say, headroom. Also check out the brochures on the association websites. Print 'em out and start drooling... What you'll also want to look at is the electrical system. Usually larger boats have heftier systems, but unless you are knowledgeable about electrical systems, do some research on that so you know what you are looking at when you start finding the real, kick the tires, boats. All the best, welcome to the club, Stu
Vinnie Each of the models has their own association and most have websites, where owners discuss "issues" with their boats. Usually www.catalina[boatsize].org Unfortunately some of them have chosen to go onto Sailnet for their detailed technical discussions rather than saving them on their own websites, so you'd have to log on to Sailnet for each model/size, and check out the archive posts. Give it a try and do some reading. Based on our experience, it's really hard to say if any particular model has any specific issue. They've been making these boats for so long now, that most of the kinks have been taken care of. There are the guys who are unhappy about their plasma screens, but the boating technical stuff is solid. So much has to do with layout preferences, and as you say, headroom. Also check out the brochures on the association websites. Print 'em out and start drooling... What you'll also want to look at is the electrical system. Usually larger boats have heftier systems, but unless you are knowledgeable about electrical systems, do some research on that so you know what you are looking at when you start finding the real, kick the tires, boats. All the best, welcome to the club, Stu
Catalinas
You will find that most of the models you are checking will come with the majority of items you mentioned as standard equipment. Also, you will find that we are quite bias on this forum, we love our Catalinas. You might want to check out the Catalina web site, it has the specs on all boats. www.catalinayachts.com Or you could call them (yep, the factory): 818-884-7700.
You will find that most of the models you are checking will come with the majority of items you mentioned as standard equipment. Also, you will find that we are quite bias on this forum, we love our Catalinas. You might want to check out the Catalina web site, it has the specs on all boats. www.catalinayachts.com Or you could call them (yep, the factory): 818-884-7700.
things to consider
The best site for used boats is yachtworld.com . As far as a Catalina vs Hunter or Beneteau..there r pluses and minuses to all. Cats are great- i own a 320- i sail in protected waters- with a large cockpit and wide beam- chances of righting past 120+ degrees is slim. The wide beam will cut some speed and the bathroom (at least on mine) is small. Those are the only negs...accessibility to all areas of the boat, components used, handling, resale..all are excellent. Its a great boat for my needs. I single handed and stayed on a Hunter just recently- was impressed by its use of space. However, at the boat show in Miami- i wanted to walk away with a new Beneteau 34. Both less beamy than cats- with supposed quicker hull speeds. Anyway... All are good- before u get the larger boat- charter one and have the family sleep on it. You might decide day sailing or overnighters are the thing for u..not week long get-aways. The bigger the boat- the more maintenance & costs along with the greater forces- possibly making it tougher to single hand... good luck..make sure u get a good surveyor..and auto nav, which is a must...
The best site for used boats is yachtworld.com . As far as a Catalina vs Hunter or Beneteau..there r pluses and minuses to all. Cats are great- i own a 320- i sail in protected waters- with a large cockpit and wide beam- chances of righting past 120+ degrees is slim. The wide beam will cut some speed and the bathroom (at least on mine) is small. Those are the only negs...accessibility to all areas of the boat, components used, handling, resale..all are excellent. Its a great boat for my needs. I single handed and stayed on a Hunter just recently- was impressed by its use of space. However, at the boat show in Miami- i wanted to walk away with a new Beneteau 34. Both less beamy than cats- with supposed quicker hull speeds. Anyway... All are good- before u get the larger boat- charter one and have the family sleep on it. You might decide day sailing or overnighters are the thing for u..not week long get-aways. The bigger the boat- the more maintenance & costs along with the greater forces- possibly making it tougher to single hand... good luck..make sure u get a good surveyor..and auto nav, which is a must...
One thing I forgot
that Ken brought up. If you are at all handy and like to actually work on your boat, accessibility to stuff is VERY important. When you look at boats, imagine what you would need to do if you had to repair a wiring harness or a hose. Check each boat out as to access, access and access to engines and equipment. I once had to literally tear the aft cabin of a (rental) Beneteau 350 apart merely to get to the engine oil dipstick. And one is supposed to do this everyday! Just check the details. It's the details that'll getcha. Stu
that Ken brought up. If you are at all handy and like to actually work on your boat, accessibility to stuff is VERY important. When you look at boats, imagine what you would need to do if you had to repair a wiring harness or a hose. Check each boat out as to access, access and access to engines and equipment. I once had to literally tear the aft cabin of a (rental) Beneteau 350 apart merely to get to the engine oil dipstick. And one is supposed to do this everyday! Just check the details. It's the details that'll getcha. Stu
Catalina 30 owner
I purchased a Catalina 30 in the spring of 2003. At the time I had never owned a boat nor did I have any experience sailing. I did know I wanted a sailboat and the salesman who sold me the boat also owned this model. Since his family has been in the boat business for about 50 years I knew the Catalina 30 had to be decent. It turned out I was right. It is a 1988 model and I purchased it for 36,000. It was more money than I wanted to spend but was well worth it because everything works and is in good shape. We have sailed it for two summers and are looking forward to going on longer trips this summer. It sleeps 7 so it can accommodate family and friends. The Catalinas are excellent boats that are stable althought not too fast. The company is excellent and is still owned and operated by the founder. When you look for a boat find one that suits your needs in terms of size. Also it is better to pay more for a boat in better condition since it will serve you better and longer if it had been treated properly. Beware of boats that have problems. To answer your questions about height. The boom is about 6 feet above the cockpit floor so you will have some difficulty with this model. If you want to be comfortable you should look into other brands or larger boats. Since I am well under six feet I have no boom problems. I think you are wise to consider this as an important factor in your decision. I chose a boat that suited my needs and included the entire family in the decision which was a smart move because I was able to consider their opinions. You should probably do the same. Catalinas are excellent because they constantly change according to the needs and requests of their customers. Also it remains one of the most if not the most popular American sailboat in production. Something to consider. But then again another make might suit your needs bette. Good luck Jerry
I purchased a Catalina 30 in the spring of 2003. At the time I had never owned a boat nor did I have any experience sailing. I did know I wanted a sailboat and the salesman who sold me the boat also owned this model. Since his family has been in the boat business for about 50 years I knew the Catalina 30 had to be decent. It turned out I was right. It is a 1988 model and I purchased it for 36,000. It was more money than I wanted to spend but was well worth it because everything works and is in good shape. We have sailed it for two summers and are looking forward to going on longer trips this summer. It sleeps 7 so it can accommodate family and friends. The Catalinas are excellent boats that are stable althought not too fast. The company is excellent and is still owned and operated by the founder. When you look for a boat find one that suits your needs in terms of size. Also it is better to pay more for a boat in better condition since it will serve you better and longer if it had been treated properly. Beware of boats that have problems. To answer your questions about height. The boom is about 6 feet above the cockpit floor so you will have some difficulty with this model. If you want to be comfortable you should look into other brands or larger boats. Since I am well under six feet I have no boom problems. I think you are wise to consider this as an important factor in your decision. I chose a boat that suited my needs and included the entire family in the decision which was a smart move because I was able to consider their opinions. You should probably do the same. Catalinas are excellent because they constantly change according to the needs and requests of their customers. Also it remains one of the most if not the most popular American sailboat in production. Something to consider. But then again another make might suit your needs bette. Good luck Jerry
bigger is better
Hi vinn I like the Catalinas Ive had three of them I have aC 30 becouse this is the smallest boat that would work for me I think I would be happer in a 34' or 36' and Im sorry I did not step up to that size Im in a 32mil lake and the guys at the yard have problems moveing the 11000lb C30 .I like all the Catalinas I think the C36 would work for you. but if you think the 36 is to small i would step up to a C42. The 42 was made around 1987 or so and there are more of them around so it would be easyer to find a nice one. I would try to find one that has every thing you want in it becouse adding stuff takes alot of time and its very hard to to make changes.My projects seem to be on a 12month delay. I read some where that the cost of up keep doubles for every 5' over 35' but if you have the bucks go for it we cant take the money with us when we kick . John
Hi vinn I like the Catalinas Ive had three of them I have aC 30 becouse this is the smallest boat that would work for me I think I would be happer in a 34' or 36' and Im sorry I did not step up to that size Im in a 32mil lake and the guys at the yard have problems moveing the 11000lb C30 .I like all the Catalinas I think the C36 would work for you. but if you think the 36 is to small i would step up to a C42. The 42 was made around 1987 or so and there are more of them around so it would be easyer to find a nice one. I would try to find one that has every thing you want in it becouse adding stuff takes alot of time and its very hard to to make changes.My projects seem to be on a 12month delay. I read some where that the cost of up keep doubles for every 5' over 35' but if you have the bucks go for it we cant take the money with us when we kick . John
Wow thanks for all the help
Jerry, Thanks for yours (and all of the other) very helpful replies! Being a "beginner" into this brand and size of sail boats, your comments really help out. We have appointments this weekend in annapolis, md to see a few catalinas and beneteaus 38-42ft size. I'll provide feedback on our outcome after saturday. Again, thank you for all of your help. Very useful site and forum. Vinnie
Jerry, Thanks for yours (and all of the other) very helpful replies! Being a "beginner" into this brand and size of sail boats, your comments really help out. We have appointments this weekend in annapolis, md to see a few catalinas and beneteaus 38-42ft size. I'll provide feedback on our outcome after saturday. Again, thank you for all of your help. Very useful site and forum. Vinnie
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