Need help: Catalina 36', 34' or 32' cockpit size?

Oct 31, 2019
3
Hereshoff 20 sloop Mere Point Brunswick Me
My brother and I are in the market for a used boat for our father. We are very interested in a mid 1990s or newer Catalina and we are looking for something with a cockpit that could accommodate six people comfortably. I have sailed Catalina 36's and I think it would fit what we are looking for. I have been told the 34' and 32' have about the same size cockpit. I can't find any drawings with cockpit dimensions. I am looking for feedback from any 36', 34' or 32' owners. I appreciate the help. I am new to the group but with any luck within the year I will be participating regularly. EJ
 
Nov 18, 2010
2,441
Catalina 310 Hingham, MA
All of the Catalinas you have mentioned have the traditional "T" shaped cockpit. This is where the benches down each side are cut away for the wheel. I would recommend expanding you search to include the 310 and 350. Both of these boats have "round" cockpits. On our 310 we have had 12 people hanging out to drink, play games and watch fireworks. We have had 8 out for a sail. And we regularly have 6 for dinner. The folding wheel is a great add for non-sailing times hanging out in the cockpit.

Our boat often becomes the hangout in the anchorage. Even though we are only 31 feet long our cockpit is more comfortable for more people than monohulls 15 feet or more longer. So it's either a catamaran or us.

The rum tank doesn't hurt the draw either.

Good luck and fair winds,

Jesse
 

JRT

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Feb 14, 2017
2,037
Catalina 310 211 Lake Guntersville, AL
We seriously considered a 34, the cabin space was huge but the cockpit seemed less roomy then our 310. The 34 was the wrong keel and too dated so we passed and love our 310.
 
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Jun 4, 2009
92
Catalina 309 Swantown Marina Olympia, WA
Checkout the Cat 309 it is also 31 feet like the 310. Also if you want to spend the bucks the 315 is also on the same hull.
 
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Nov 18, 2010
2,441
Catalina 310 Hingham, MA
Checkout the Cat 309 it is also 31 feet like the 310. Also if you want to spend the bucks the 315 is also on the same hull.
The 309, 310 and 315 are all different hulls with different feel and different layouts. Throw the 320 in on that list too. They are all close but not the same.
 
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Oct 31, 2019
3
Hereshoff 20 sloop Mere Point Brunswick Me
Thanks to all. I'll expand my search to include the 309, 310 and 315. I appreciate all the responses.
 

JRT

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Feb 14, 2017
2,037
Catalina 310 211 Lake Guntersville, AL
Good Luck @Odie0711 we loved our time living in Bath ME, my son was born in ME and it is a special place for us that we hope to cruise back up to in 5-10 years when kids are gone and on their own.
 
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