I used to sail with my dad. We had a Catalina 25, then a Cal 29. It's been 20 years. My buddy (who's done alot of sailing with his dad, too) and I want to go in on a previously owned Catalina 27. A few people have told me that it's a "hole in the water that you throw money into". Is having a boat like that really a money pit?
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Joe Passanisi
love it
My catalina 27 is a 1974 std rig with an out board. This boat has so much room in and out its not funy. sails like a dream. There are so many websites that list how to repair and modify the boatits not funny. I bout mine for $6,700.00 and have invested about another 1,500 in the engine and electronics sails etc. Parts are easy to get and are pretty cheap. It's a do it yourselfers dream. Look around and find a boat with a good hull and rigging. I prefer the out board model because it leave you with so much extra storage diwn below where the inboard engine would go. When you find a boat you like have it survied and go from there. Check the catalinas for sail on this sight and compare prices. My boat was a one owner boat and was in imacculate condition. Not one blister on the hull. well Good luck Joe
My catalina 27 is a 1974 std rig with an out board. This boat has so much room in and out its not funy. sails like a dream. There are so many websites that list how to repair and modify the boatits not funny. I bout mine for $6,700.00 and have invested about another 1,500 in the engine and electronics sails etc. Parts are easy to get and are pretty cheap. It's a do it yourselfers dream. Look around and find a boat with a good hull and rigging. I prefer the out board model because it leave you with so much extra storage diwn below where the inboard engine would go. When you find a boat you like have it survied and go from there. Check the catalinas for sail on this sight and compare prices. My boat was a one owner boat and was in imacculate condition. Not one blister on the hull. well Good luck Joe
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John Eastin
Absolutely!
We've had ours for a couple of years. While most of my sailing friends have stepped up to 30 footers, we find ours is still more than adequate. Yes, boats require some cash output but so does everything else - especially those things we do for recreation. Our boat is a C27 with an outboard. I'm the 3rd owner and the boat came with all the original documentation up to and including the owners manuals for the princess two-burner stove and the head. It's seen some weather and really could use a new paint job but I had it surveyed pre-purchase and found it to be in very sound condition. Ours is a non-traditional design (has a dinette instead of facing setees)and tons of storage. I don't think you can go wrong with a Catalina. There are faster boats, fancier boats, larger and smaller boats but I doubt you'll ever find a more forgiving boat. Good luck to you.
We've had ours for a couple of years. While most of my sailing friends have stepped up to 30 footers, we find ours is still more than adequate. Yes, boats require some cash output but so does everything else - especially those things we do for recreation. Our boat is a C27 with an outboard. I'm the 3rd owner and the boat came with all the original documentation up to and including the owners manuals for the princess two-burner stove and the head. It's seen some weather and really could use a new paint job but I had it surveyed pre-purchase and found it to be in very sound condition. Ours is a non-traditional design (has a dinette instead of facing setees)and tons of storage. I don't think you can go wrong with a Catalina. There are faster boats, fancier boats, larger and smaller boats but I doubt you'll ever find a more forgiving boat. Good luck to you.
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Mike
For what it's worth
I have a 1985 C27 inboard diesel. It's a nice boat, but not worth the money I have to spend. Being in Michigan the season is very limited. The payments on the boat are only around 300.00 bucks a month, not bad. But after figuring maintenance, slip, storage, insurance & etc. my total cost average about 900.00 per month. If you are worried about money, don't buy a boat! Good luck, by the way if you are looking for a nice 27 I have one for sale. Mike
I have a 1985 C27 inboard diesel. It's a nice boat, but not worth the money I have to spend. Being in Michigan the season is very limited. The payments on the boat are only around 300.00 bucks a month, not bad. But after figuring maintenance, slip, storage, insurance & etc. my total cost average about 900.00 per month. If you are worried about money, don't buy a boat! Good luck, by the way if you are looking for a nice 27 I have one for sale. Mike
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LaDonna Bubak - Catalina Owners
Yup
But so is every boat. You can find older boats that are in good shape for very little initial outlay but then they need upgrades, etc. Newer boats don't need as much work but cost more initially. All in all, Catalinas are typically a lot of boat for the money. LaDonna
But so is every boat. You can find older boats that are in good shape for very little initial outlay but then they need upgrades, etc. Newer boats don't need as much work but cost more initially. All in all, Catalinas are typically a lot of boat for the money. LaDonna
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Dave B.
It's the little things
There are fixed costs to figure in beyond the purchase price like insurance, registration, taxes, hauling and storage as well as the 'little' things you find you really 'need' like the GPS, radio, fishfinder etc. Rule of thumb is that you can spend half the price of the boat during the first year for the 'little things'. Catalina's are like the Chevy of sailboats. Decent value for the money, plenty of parts available. The plus is the manufacturer is still in business which means a lot - not the same can be said for some of the other older boats of simular size.
There are fixed costs to figure in beyond the purchase price like insurance, registration, taxes, hauling and storage as well as the 'little' things you find you really 'need' like the GPS, radio, fishfinder etc. Rule of thumb is that you can spend half the price of the boat during the first year for the 'little things'. Catalina's are like the Chevy of sailboats. Decent value for the money, plenty of parts available. The plus is the manufacturer is still in business which means a lot - not the same can be said for some of the other older boats of simular size.
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Echo Gulf
Do'nt delay!!!
Speaking from experience, I feel the Cat 27 is the best bang for your buck. I don't know of any other boat in the same class that is better suited for those with a limited or fixed income. If you are at all mechanically inclined and posses some basic tools, most maintenance and upkeep/upgrades can be performed by yourself for a considerable saving. The personnal enjoyment and satisfaction you'll get from this vessel will more than make up for the costs. Try it, you'll never look back.
Speaking from experience, I feel the Cat 27 is the best bang for your buck. I don't know of any other boat in the same class that is better suited for those with a limited or fixed income. If you are at all mechanically inclined and posses some basic tools, most maintenance and upkeep/upgrades can be performed by yourself for a considerable saving. The personnal enjoyment and satisfaction you'll get from this vessel will more than make up for the costs. Try it, you'll never look back.
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Rob Rich
Go get one..
All boats are money pits. Find one, get it surveyed, minimize your losses. You are going to have to put money into any boat, but a survey will keep this to a minimum. I love my C-27. Sailed her for 4 hours under the stars last night - fantastic! Best Regards, Rob
All boats are money pits. Find one, get it surveyed, minimize your losses. You are going to have to put money into any boat, but a survey will keep this to a minimum. I love my C-27. Sailed her for 4 hours under the stars last night - fantastic! Best Regards, Rob
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Jackson
Yes
I have a C-27 and it is a really fun boat. And for the money it is great. However, there seems to be an expense threshold that starts between a 26' and 27' boat. Slips are several hundred $ cheaper for a 26' boat as are services such as bottom painting. Gear is also cheaper for the 26' and under boat, such as roller furlers and autopilots. A newer C25 (1990s)will cost in the mid teens, is just as fast and will have fewer maintenance issues than a comparably priced C27. Something to think about. Good Luck!
I have a C-27 and it is a really fun boat. And for the money it is great. However, there seems to be an expense threshold that starts between a 26' and 27' boat. Slips are several hundred $ cheaper for a 26' boat as are services such as bottom painting. Gear is also cheaper for the 26' and under boat, such as roller furlers and autopilots. A newer C25 (1990s)will cost in the mid teens, is just as fast and will have fewer maintenance issues than a comparably priced C27. Something to think about. Good Luck!
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Paul
It's not if you love to sail
I've lost track of how many people have told me that boats are a "hole in the water that you throw money into". Most of them are ex-boaters who either bought more boat then they could afford or bought one for the wrong reasons. If you have to have the biggest, best and latest of everything, then boating can be very expensive. However, if you buy a boat that's simple and solid like the C27 and learn to do most of the maintenance yourself, it won't cost more then most hobbies do. I choose an older well cared-for boat so I didn't have to finance it and went for an outboard version to keep the maintenance simple. There are lots of C27s out there, look at as many as you can before you buy. If you really enjoy sailing, you won't regret it. Paul 1974 Catalina 27 Vancouver, BC http://community.webshots.com/album/14287993qauQVQbYXp
I've lost track of how many people have told me that boats are a "hole in the water that you throw money into". Most of them are ex-boaters who either bought more boat then they could afford or bought one for the wrong reasons. If you have to have the biggest, best and latest of everything, then boating can be very expensive. However, if you buy a boat that's simple and solid like the C27 and learn to do most of the maintenance yourself, it won't cost more then most hobbies do. I choose an older well cared-for boat so I didn't have to finance it and went for an outboard version to keep the maintenance simple. There are lots of C27s out there, look at as many as you can before you buy. If you really enjoy sailing, you won't regret it. Paul 1974 Catalina 27 Vancouver, BC http://community.webshots.com/album/14287993qauQVQbYXp
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Brian
go for it
I have one that I love she sails great she looks sweet and she is worth every cent I've put in to her.Invest the time find the right boat' if your smart you will be making a wise investment. I looked at ten different boats before I found mine .Boats are a lot of work so are partnerSHIPS GO LEAFS
I have one that I love she sails great she looks sweet and she is worth every cent I've put in to her.Invest the time find the right boat' if your smart you will be making a wise investment. I looked at ten different boats before I found mine .Boats are a lot of work so are partnerSHIPS GO LEAFS
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Roger
Great Boat
I had a C27 for almost 10 years. Kept it in very good shape and enjoyed it. Outboard was helpful to keep it simple. I sold it in May because I bought a C30. I sold it in one day with about 20 people responding to the for sale ad. The new owner loves it and he just stepped aboard and sailed away. Look for a good one and you can't go wrong.
I had a C27 for almost 10 years. Kept it in very good shape and enjoyed it. Outboard was helpful to keep it simple. I sold it in May because I bought a C30. I sold it in one day with about 20 people responding to the for sale ad. The new owner loves it and he just stepped aboard and sailed away. Look for a good one and you can't go wrong.
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Bob Gulbrandsen
Perfect Size
Catalina 27 is a great size for a sailboat . It is a nice boat that feels big but handles small , MONEY wise they are less expensive to maintain than there larger sisters . Parts are not as pricey as big boats are , but it is a boat that you would want to wet slip , this adds to the cost over a trainerable boat . Great weekend cruiser ,upkeep can be low , but thats up to you . Boats of any kind cost money , you just have to luv being there. A happy 37 tall rig owners advise. .... Bob.
Catalina 27 is a great size for a sailboat . It is a nice boat that feels big but handles small , MONEY wise they are less expensive to maintain than there larger sisters . Parts are not as pricey as big boats are , but it is a boat that you would want to wet slip , this adds to the cost over a trainerable boat . Great weekend cruiser ,upkeep can be low , but thats up to you . Boats of any kind cost money , you just have to luv being there. A happy 37 tall rig owners advise. .... Bob.
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