Thinking of Purchasing a 1984 Catalina 38

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Mickey Goodman

A good friend of mine is thinking very seriously of purchasing a 1984 Catalina 38'. I happen to be a Hunter 37' owner, I used to own a Catalina 25', and can't convince him that the Hunter is a better boat. So... I am asking any of you Catalina 38' owners to give me a unbiased (ha!) opinion of the boat. My friend wants to do some off-shore sailing as well as some blue water sailing. The boat has been sitting on the "hard" in a cradle with the mast up for 4 years. My recommendation to him is that all the cushions, halyards, sheets need to be replaced at a minimum. He also needs to have all the rigging checked. He also should spend the money and have a survey before he starts to negotiates price. Any help from you guys is really appreciated.
 
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Michael McCann

Catalina 38

Mick; Is your 37 a pre Miami Vice Hunter? i.e. an early 1980's H37? If so it might be an OK boat. The C38 (pre 380) is a good boat, with some downwind ideosyncrosies that need to be aware of when sailing her. She is well rigged, and very fast. You are correct about having all the standing, and running rigging checked. What makes you think that "The Hunter" is a better boat?
 
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Mickey Goodman

Hunter vs Catalina

I really don't think the Hunter is better than the Catalina. Both boats a good, affordable production boats. They are both well built and good boats to sail. I would not have hesitated to purchase a Catalina if one was available at the time I purchased my Hunter. My 37' is a 1988. Could you elborate on the downwind ideosyncrosies you spoke about in your response?
 
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Dean Bachelor

survey for sure

Yea Mickey, they should be sure to get a survey done!! Or go in there yourselves and open all compartments, stick your head in there with a bright light and look all around, Voice of experience!! Good luck, Dean
 
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Dave

The Catalina that isnt a Catalina

The Catalina 38 is based on a Sparkman
 
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Tom

Here is a Great Site to get more info on the C38

which as said before is very different from the C380.. http://www.catalina38.org/
 
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