Looking at 34's

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foolproof

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Jul 7, 2009
218
Catalina 30 Mark I Stockton, Mo
Hello all:

I currently own a '76 Catalina 30 and like a lot of owners, am looking at moving up. I really like the 34'...it is bigger than the 30 obviously, and would suit our needs well.

I know all of the regular stuff about the boats, ie rigging, sails, etc. I need to know if certain years are better than others for fit and finish, problems, maintainability...that kind of stuff.

Any input you might have would be greatly appreciated! Stu: can you put up a link for the 34 owners group please?
 
Stu Jackson

Stu Jackson

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Feb 26, 2004
23,051
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
www.c34ia.org

Review the tech wiki material which has the history of the boats.

No years better than others. Mark IIs started in the mid-90s.
 
Swimnfit

Swimnfit

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Oct 20, 2010
6
Catalina 34 MK I San Diego
I have a 1988 C34. I love it! Although at times I may long for either a "sugar scoop" or open transom available in the later models, I love having the extra space beneath the lazerette in the MKI's. Personally I like the look of the more wood trim in the earlier models... later years do away with some wood to replace with Stainless and more fiberglass. Regardless of the year you decide upon... come on over to the C34 association and join in on the fun and the vast expertise that Stu and many others offer.
 
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WilliamH

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Jan 22, 2008
15
Catalina 34 South Portland ME
The Catalina 34 interior was designed to maximize interior living space. the design is still being copied today by many manufactures. The first year they port windows were Beckson opening ports whick were replaced by a newer improved port lights. The forward hatch was changed over to a see through hatch on the 87s and newer. There have been very few changes in the boat until the Mark II with the walk thru transom. On inspecting the boat look for water intrusion from stantions and chain plates. This can cause rot in countertops and bulkheads. As with many Catalinas the keel can have a Catalina smile. If it is under 12" long it is in most cases this not serious, look to see if water weeps out of it on the hard, then you might have to do something about it. Have a survey done by someone who knows Catalinas. The 34s are great boats.
 
Stu Jackson

Stu Jackson

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Feb 26, 2004
23,051
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
WilliamH said:
The first year they port windows were Beckson opening ports whick were replaced by a newer improved port lights.
Click to expand
Good writeup, William.

I disagree about the ports. Lewmar followed the Becksons, although until the Mark IIs there were still two Becksons in the aft cabin. The Lewmars were prone to leak. While the Becksons were lighter duty, they are still in production, can be easily serviced or replaced and have been just fine for us on our '86 boat owned since '98. I've replaced or rebedded three of the eight we have. I have listened to years of Lewmar leak stories and glad I don't have those issues. :) Plus Lewmar/Catalina used some different sizes over the years, some no longer made. All the Becksons are a simple 5 X 12.

Can you tell I like our Becksons? :)

Shouldn't be an issue with choosing a boat, though. :dance:
 
F

foolproof

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Jul 7, 2009
218
Catalina 30 Mark I Stockton, Mo
Is there a certain year that Catalina got away from the wood compression post in the keel, or is that not an issue in the 34? I have the wood in the bilge in my 30, but someone evidently took care of it as it is in good shape today.

William mentioned the Catalina smile; is this really an issue with the 34 like it is in the 30? I figured they would have resolved that sometime in the 80's...?
 
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