In-mast furling and other opinions re: the 28mkII?

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Mar 10, 2005
35
- - Barnegat Bay, NJ
Hi experts! I'm considering a move from a Capri 22 to a 28, and I'd like to know anything you'd like to tell me about the newer 28mkIIs, and especially, does anyone here have experience with the in-mast furling? Has it ever jammed on you, does it sail well when 'reefed,' is it a pain or the greatest thing since sliced bread? I'm not sure about the whole idea, but I love the furling jib on my Capri. How' sleeping in it? Will we enjoy spending a night or two on it with 2 adults and 2 teens? I don't have any plans for long distance cruising, but would like to see how it all develops, and right now I'd just be happy for accomodations that aren't as noisy as the Toms River Holiday Inn, and don't cost quite as much as a house on LBI in NJ... I'm hoping we can get some more feedback at the Rendezvous in Newport in August, if any 28 owners out there are attending, may we please buy you a drink and hear your tales of high adventure? Thanks!
 
Jun 8, 2004
2,933
Catalina 320 Dana Point
I have a 270 with Dutchman flaking system

which works quite well, I thought this was standard for the boats up to the 310 & was unaware of a furling main option for the 28. That being said, IMHO furling main is not necessary on boat this size, I would consider a furling main on a larger vessel where shorthanded. If I was looking for a boat I probably wouldn't reject if it did have furling main. Most people will not sleep in the very aft portion of the aft cabin as it is so confining. Look at the spaces you think people will sleep & have them lay their to make sure they fit, then figure out if you could live with it. In warm weather sleeping in the cockpit can be nice, especially for the young.
 
M

Merrythought

C28 space

We are moving from our 2003 C28 to the C320. We sail the Chesapeake Bay with two adults and two standard poodles. The aft berth on the C28 is big enough for two and quite comfortable. Teens would probably sleep with one in the vee and one on a salon settee. Our C28 has the Dutchman as roller furling mains for this model were not available until 2005. The boat sails and powers beautifully. The ice box is super insulated and food stays fresh. We're moving up because we want more space and amenities as we plan to spend as much time aboard as possible.
 
Jun 30, 2005
15
- - Santa Cruz, CA
Great Choice

Our 2005 Catalina 28MK anniversary edition has the in-mast furler. It's very easy to use and we've had no problems at all to date with it. You do need to get used to the mainsail foot not being attached to the boom, however. Recommendation: get it if you can. Our 28 is very roomy for its size, except for storage space and has a full 6 ft of headroom. Two adults and two large labs are not a problem over the weekend, but for 2 teens, I sometimes think there isn't enough room for them on a 50 footer!. Excellent sailing characteristics, good value for the money, although if you want to race, forget it. In short, we are very happy with tis boat. Hope this helps.
 
R

Rob

?forget it

Mr_Lucky- When you say "if you want to race, forget it", are you referring to the C 28MKII itself, or to the in-mast furling?
 
Jun 30, 2005
15
- - Santa Cruz, CA
I Meant To Say

forget about racing the boat. IMHO, it's strictly for cruising. No idea whether how well an in-mast furling system would work for racing.
 
Mar 10, 2005
35
- - Barnegat Bay, NJ
Thanks! Now we're doin' the 28 or 310 dance...

Thanks for all the help. We're trying to make a good decision for a boat that will be right for us for the next 5 years at least, and now I'm also wondering about the 310. As you can see from the pic of Altair at the helm for the first time w/my husband, we're gonna need a bigger boat. ; ) The thing is that right now we're in Barnegat Bay and the amount of shallow areas concerns me, as we haven't ventured anywhere near the inlet yet, but I'd like to have a boat that we can explore the coast with once we're really ready, and also, the sleeping arrangements part will be very important either way. If we're going to stay on the boat even just on weekends, it needs to be comfortable for my husband and me and at least one if not both of my teenage daughters. (The consensus I get on this forum seems to be that the QM II isn't big enough for 2 teens!) And yes, we will want to be able to watch some movies together on it in the evening. (Captain Ron!) But I don't want it to be just a condo tied to the slip. I want to be able to really sail the hell out of it too. (Yes, I am the obsessed sailor in the family.) Has anyone else waffled between the 28mkII & the 310?
 
T

Tim McCarty

Looks like shallow water may not be your...

only problem in Barnegat Bay! My wife and I purchased a new C310 in Feb of this year,and I have to say that, despite a few minor problems, this is an awesome boat. I love it! The dealer is the key, as they do most of the prep work, and our dealer (so far) has come through for us. Also, we sail on Lake Erie, and shallow water is a constant concern. We opted for the shallow draft, wing keel, and in-mast furling. I could go on for hours about all of the standard items on this boat that you won't see on other comparable boats. Go for the 310...you won't be disappointed!
 
Mar 10, 2005
35
- - Barnegat Bay, NJ
310 vs. the Orca?

We are definitely checking it out, and, yes, we would have to go with the wing keel on whatever we get. I'm hoping to look them over more at the Rendezvous in August. Do you have any recommendations for specific options if we go with it? Last summer when we were moving our Capri from one marina to an new one due to the awful ramp situation at the first, my husband got his thumb caught in the winch and was bleeding a bit. We motored thru the Bay and (my version) either bounced against a sandbar or were whacked with a wave on the beam or (his version) a shark smelled the blood dripping from his thumb on the outboard handle and attacked the boat. I maintain that the slight chip the new marina found and touched up on the keel while painting the bottom was due to the bad condition of the old marina's boat ramp, he says they're tooth marks. So I couldn't help adding a little excitement to the shot of my older daughter taking the helm for the first time! : )
 
T

Tim McCarty

Options...

We chose the factory dodger for our boat...it fits the boat perfectly, and has covers that protect the plastic when not in use. The boat comes with top notch hardware (Lewmar winches, Sheafer roller furling/hardware, Universal 3 CYLINDER engine, anchor windlass)...most boats in this price range come with 2 cylinder engines (Hunter, Beneteau), 3 cylinders add power when you need it. We also opted for the 3 blade prop which does have a tendency of slowing you down about a half knot (on average). Also, with the in-mast furling option, you loose some sail area, so we went to the Cat 150 genoa for added sail area. Some things to think about. Have fun looking!
 
Mar 10, 2005
35
- - Barnegat Bay, NJ
The fun of the hunt

Thanks, Tim, I'll keep these in mind. I'm trying to get a look at some boats, but they all have this nasty habit right now of either zooming out of the dealers quickly or going out for the day instead of staying put! I'll catch them. Susan
 
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