I am looking to purchase this boat, TYPE: Sailboat Aft Cockpit YEAR: 1984 BUILDER: Catalina MODEL: 27 Catalina (Tall Rig) ENGINE(S): 14 HP Universal Diesel:1984; Model: M-18 SAIL AREA: 340 sq ft HULL SPEED (Max): 6.25 Knots LOD: 28' 1'' BEAM: 8' 10'' DRAFT: 4' HEADROOM: 6' RIG: Sloop HULL MATERIAL: Fiberglass COLOR: Light Grey DECK MATERIAL: Fiberglass HULL CONFIGURATION: Displacement Keel WEIGHT: 6,850 lbs BALLAST: 2,650 lbs ACCOMMODATIONS & LAYOUT: Sleeps 6 Vee-berth; dinette; settees; quarter berth Head (New) with lavatory (2) 12 volt fans GALLEY: Ice box Stove Stainless steel sink Pressure water ELECTRONICS & NAVIGATION EQUIPMENT: Compass Depth sounder; knot meter VHF radio AM/FM Cassette Flare kit ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: 12 volt (DC); 110 volt (AC) Batteries with parallel switch Dockside electrical cable. DECK & HULL: Anchor with rode Bow pulpit with rails; side stanchions with lifelines Fenders and lines; life jackets; navigation lights Swim ladder Bimini top SAILS & RIGGING: Equipped for cruising Aluminum spar; stainless steel wire standing rigging New halyards Backstay adjuster Mainsheet traveler Sails: Roller furling (135% with new cover), (2) main Winches: (6) MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT & ENGINE DETAILS: Carry on air conditioner Bilge pump Wheel steering Engine alarm (3) fire extinguishers Manual head (new) with holding tank Fuel filters, fuel shutoff valves Fresh water cooling system REMARKS: Very popular gulf and coastal cruiser. Well maintained and turnkey ready to cruise. Manuals available on boat and engine. Standing rigging replaced in 2000, and the backstay replaced in 2004. Also, it had a survey 6 months ago and everything came up clean except for some blistering in the gell coat, which the surveyor said does not have any effect on the integrity of the hull. I need to take it on a sea trial before purchase and would like any tips as to what to look for before final purchase. Thanks.
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He was asking $15,500 but
has accepted an offer for $15,000. I am buying it through a broker, so there is some commission involved. I know that this is not the deal of the century, but the boat is in very good condition, has some new rigging an AC and an inboard diesel and is a tall rig, so it has a lot of extra features. Did I say that it is in very good condition? The interior looks like a boat much newer, no leaks, the deck is in very good shape. The hull is in good shape but could use a cleaning and buffing, as the surveyor said. I made the offer just to hold the boat and to be able to take it out, but it is a boat that you can just buy and take out sailing without having to fix a few things first, which is the case with most of the other boats I have looked at. I have three businesses and want to just have something to get away on, not a boat to spend a lot of time working on. The boat looks very well cared for and I am hoping that there won't be many problems. Thanks for the link.
has accepted an offer for $15,000. I am buying it through a broker, so there is some commission involved. I know that this is not the deal of the century, but the boat is in very good condition, has some new rigging an AC and an inboard diesel and is a tall rig, so it has a lot of extra features. Did I say that it is in very good condition? The interior looks like a boat much newer, no leaks, the deck is in very good shape. The hull is in good shape but could use a cleaning and buffing, as the surveyor said. I made the offer just to hold the boat and to be able to take it out, but it is a boat that you can just buy and take out sailing without having to fix a few things first, which is the case with most of the other boats I have looked at. I have three businesses and want to just have something to get away on, not a boat to spend a lot of time working on. The boat looks very well cared for and I am hoping that there won't be many problems. Thanks for the link.
good deal
15k for a 84 Catalina 27 would seem fair to me for both of you. You just bought a really nice boat! It's a lot of money but it's a lot of boat. I'm glad you found a nice one. Jack
15k for a 84 Catalina 27 would seem fair to me for both of you. You just bought a really nice boat! It's a lot of money but it's a lot of boat. I'm glad you found a nice one. Jack
what do you know ??
what's your experience/boat knowledge?? great boat, but are you up to it.?? I,ve had 4 Cat 27's, they're great!! Do you know what you're doing. ??
what's your experience/boat knowledge?? great boat, but are you up to it.?? I,ve had 4 Cat 27's, they're great!! Do you know what you're doing. ??
sounds good ... get another survey
Love my C27, great boat. I echo what Jim is asking ... do you know sailing? If not, don't let that stop your purchase but get some sound lessons and experience. Nothing ruins an anticipated relaxing afternoon away from the business like a stressful "things going wrong" sail. Was your offer contengent on a survey? Personally, I'd never buy a boat this size/cost without a survey I arranged and paid for ... not a sea trail, which only shows you how the boat handles. I assure you that C27's sail nicely. Spend your money on a survey, and be there when it's done. The survey should not be arranged by the broker, and the broker should not be "hanging around" while it is done. Gel coat blistering is not a kickout, but it's also something that needs to be dealt with now. Get a quote from a couple of people on doing the work ... or if you want to try it yourself (I don't recommend this), visit the Interlux website. And ... HAVE FUN!!! Tom Monroe Carlyle Lake
Love my C27, great boat. I echo what Jim is asking ... do you know sailing? If not, don't let that stop your purchase but get some sound lessons and experience. Nothing ruins an anticipated relaxing afternoon away from the business like a stressful "things going wrong" sail. Was your offer contengent on a survey? Personally, I'd never buy a boat this size/cost without a survey I arranged and paid for ... not a sea trail, which only shows you how the boat handles. I assure you that C27's sail nicely. Spend your money on a survey, and be there when it's done. The survey should not be arranged by the broker, and the broker should not be "hanging around" while it is done. Gel coat blistering is not a kickout, but it's also something that needs to be dealt with now. Get a quote from a couple of people on doing the work ... or if you want to try it yourself (I don't recommend this), visit the Interlux website. And ... HAVE FUN!!! Tom Monroe Carlyle Lake
Heartfelt appreciation
Tom and Jim, I am a bit misty eyed at the concern that you have for my well being. Let your hearts be not troubled, I started going on and operating boats in 1964. I started sailing in 1976, and bought my first sailboat in 1980. I have chartered in Connecticut, Florida and the Caribbean, and have crewed on racing boats. To me, the 28'Catalina is a small boat and the $15,000 is not a big deal, but I do appreciate your concern for my welfare. FYI, what I was looking for were any tips on particular items of concern this this specific boat to look into with more depth when I see it again and take it out. Perhaps you did perceive that from my question since neither of you responded to that specific request, but that's OK, as they say advice is only worth what you pay for it, and yes, I plan to do some more research, and possibly another survey after I do some research on this broker with his references, the BBB and so forth. And Tom, don't worry, I'll be OK, thanks. Good sailing to all!
Tom and Jim, I am a bit misty eyed at the concern that you have for my well being. Let your hearts be not troubled, I started going on and operating boats in 1964. I started sailing in 1976, and bought my first sailboat in 1980. I have chartered in Connecticut, Florida and the Caribbean, and have crewed on racing boats. To me, the 28'Catalina is a small boat and the $15,000 is not a big deal, but I do appreciate your concern for my welfare. FYI, what I was looking for were any tips on particular items of concern this this specific boat to look into with more depth when I see it again and take it out. Perhaps you did perceive that from my question since neither of you responded to that specific request, but that's OK, as they say advice is only worth what you pay for it, and yes, I plan to do some more research, and possibly another survey after I do some research on this broker with his references, the BBB and so forth. And Tom, don't worry, I'll be OK, thanks. Good sailing to all!
Joe said it already
Kevin follow Joe's suggestion. The C27 website answers all your questions. Big thing is the wiring harness and they have the best writeup on it on the planet. www.C27 or Catalina 27.org Stu
Kevin follow Joe's suggestion. The C27 website answers all your questions. Big thing is the wiring harness and they have the best writeup on it on the planet. www.C27 or Catalina 27.org Stu
Thanks Stu
Yes, I appreciated that response and have followed up on it, that was exactly the kind of info that I was looking for.
Yes, I appreciated that response and have followed up on it, that was exactly the kind of info that I was looking for.
Cat 27 issues
There are several issues to consider when looking at the Cat 27 1. The Chain plates attach to the bulkhead at the forward end of the cabin. They often leak and rot the wood they are attached to. Check them carefully. 2. The deck mounted attachments for the lower shrouds are not always the strongest. There is a U bolt kit you can purchase. It is a good idea and easy to install. 3. There may be cast aluminum sockets for the spreaders. Thse are prone to failure with severe risk of losing the mast. There are stainless steel sockets available which you should install. Let us know if you need more info but there are entries in the archives on all of these topics. By all means get your own professional survey including in-the-water tests. Don't accept somebody else's survey, especially not the seller's. Catalina Direct sells both the U bolt kits and the ss spreader sockets.
There are several issues to consider when looking at the Cat 27 1. The Chain plates attach to the bulkhead at the forward end of the cabin. They often leak and rot the wood they are attached to. Check them carefully. 2. The deck mounted attachments for the lower shrouds are not always the strongest. There is a U bolt kit you can purchase. It is a good idea and easy to install. 3. There may be cast aluminum sockets for the spreaders. Thse are prone to failure with severe risk of losing the mast. There are stainless steel sockets available which you should install. Let us know if you need more info but there are entries in the archives on all of these topics. By all means get your own professional survey including in-the-water tests. Don't accept somebody else's survey, especially not the seller's. Catalina Direct sells both the U bolt kits and the ss spreader sockets.
Thanks Garry,
That's exactly the kind of info I was looking for. BTW, when I talked about a survey 6 months ago, I did not mean that I was going to purchase the boat based on that, but for a boat from 1984, which was 21 years ago, to have a survey from 6 months ago which gives it a clean bill of health is a very good sign. That, along with the general condition of the boat told me that it had been well cared for and maintained. It looks better in real life than in the pictures. A 21 year old boat does not look that good accidentally. I'll get an independent survey before I commit to purchase it, and I do appreciate your input. BTW, did you notice, "Well maintained, and ready to cruise. ....Standard rigging replaced in 2000 and the backstay replaced in 2004."? Those are big selling points that I have not missed, and they are true. Thanks again.
That's exactly the kind of info I was looking for. BTW, when I talked about a survey 6 months ago, I did not mean that I was going to purchase the boat based on that, but for a boat from 1984, which was 21 years ago, to have a survey from 6 months ago which gives it a clean bill of health is a very good sign. That, along with the general condition of the boat told me that it had been well cared for and maintained. It looks better in real life than in the pictures. A 21 year old boat does not look that good accidentally. I'll get an independent survey before I commit to purchase it, and I do appreciate your input. BTW, did you notice, "Well maintained, and ready to cruise. ....Standard rigging replaced in 2000 and the backstay replaced in 2004."? Those are big selling points that I have not missed, and they are true. Thanks again.
one other C27 trouble area
Kevin ... sorry to have read your experience incorrectly. On re-reading, don't know why I did. Probably because this list gets a lot of novice posts this time of year. Gary gave you a good list of the major concern areas. To that I would add three items: 1. a good look at the keel bolts. I think by 1984 Catalina was using good stainless steel bolts, but earlier models used bolts that rusted out. You're probably OK. 2. the bottom of the keel actually has a slight angle to it. So when stored, the block the keel rests on needs to have a comparable angle. Otherwise, most of the weight of the boat rests on the trailing end of the keel, and can result in pulling the keel away from the hull at the forward top edge. It leaves a little smile shaped crack, known as the Catalina smile, and all surveyors will look for it. Not a particular problem. Block the keel properly, tighten up the keel bolts, and epoxy the smile. 3. The rudder hangs on a post, without in my opinion enough structural support. Check to see that all edges at all angles clear the hull, and whether there are any nicks in the hull suggesting that it was damaged and later straightened. If it still has a Princess stove, most owners will give you some horror stories and tell you to yank the thing. Me, I've never been able to get the %^&*$^% thing to light at all, so I can't tell you personally that it will curl your hair, burn off your curtains, and otherwise disturb your harmony with whatever. BTW, draft on most of these boats is actually closer to 4'6" unloaded. Tom Monroe Carlyle Lake
Kevin ... sorry to have read your experience incorrectly. On re-reading, don't know why I did. Probably because this list gets a lot of novice posts this time of year. Gary gave you a good list of the major concern areas. To that I would add three items: 1. a good look at the keel bolts. I think by 1984 Catalina was using good stainless steel bolts, but earlier models used bolts that rusted out. You're probably OK. 2. the bottom of the keel actually has a slight angle to it. So when stored, the block the keel rests on needs to have a comparable angle. Otherwise, most of the weight of the boat rests on the trailing end of the keel, and can result in pulling the keel away from the hull at the forward top edge. It leaves a little smile shaped crack, known as the Catalina smile, and all surveyors will look for it. Not a particular problem. Block the keel properly, tighten up the keel bolts, and epoxy the smile. 3. The rudder hangs on a post, without in my opinion enough structural support. Check to see that all edges at all angles clear the hull, and whether there are any nicks in the hull suggesting that it was damaged and later straightened. If it still has a Princess stove, most owners will give you some horror stories and tell you to yank the thing. Me, I've never been able to get the %^&*$^% thing to light at all, so I can't tell you personally that it will curl your hair, burn off your curtains, and otherwise disturb your harmony with whatever. BTW, draft on most of these boats is actually closer to 4'6" unloaded. Tom Monroe Carlyle Lake
Are you looking to buy???
Hey, I just bought a 1986 Catalina 27. They are really great sailboats. Im on the South Shore, I noticed you are across the lake. Email me if you have any questions. I paid 14,000 for mine and although I begged to put wheel steering on it (I had a 37' Gulfstar before this one) EVERYONE said keep the tiller. It does have a Raytheon autopilot which is cool...never had one before. cjemanuele@cox.net (email)
Hey, I just bought a 1986 Catalina 27. They are really great sailboats. Im on the South Shore, I noticed you are across the lake. Email me if you have any questions. I paid 14,000 for mine and although I begged to put wheel steering on it (I had a 37' Gulfstar before this one) EVERYONE said keep the tiller. It does have a Raytheon autopilot which is cool...never had one before. cjemanuele@cox.net (email)
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