380 inquiry
In answer to your questions on a 380 Catalina...Mine is a 1998 with in-mast-furling system... It's GREAT!!!!! I sailed on other 380s and "yes" you do need an electric winch as the sail is "a heavy hoist".. What I really like about my main is the reefing ability. Any sailing compromise is not noticed. Other advantages include to a furled main are: no lazy jacks, dutchman, reefing lines, or sail cover. Putting the boat to bed is very easy. I believe that is the way of the future in boating. Some dealers say that 80% of the new boats ordered, are that way.....The rear berth is nice! Yes, you will bang your head (at first), but just like learning about being on your boat, you will adjust to it. I can't say what the attachment they used for securing the hull to the deck is, however I have never heard of any problems in that area. I have the 6000 auto pilot, with 2000 heart trace inverter, deck washdown, dodger, bimini, full cockpit enclosure, automatic oil changer, foam luff in the jib, etc.etc. I have done some other cosmetic things that I am really happy with and that make it more user friendly. I sail S.F. Bay and the Pacific Ocean. She is smooth, fast and friendly. Like you , I have intentions of moving UP and right now the 47 is very appealing...Prior to the 380 , I owned a 36 Catalina before the 380, which I out-grew fast. The live aboard ability is altogether different. The 36 is a good boat, but for living aboard, they are in two different leagues. The stand up shower and the rear berth will make living aboard really nice. You can email me and I will go into further detail for you. Regards, Gary sail1752@aol.com
