I am thinking about buying a 27' Catalina. I would like to use it on the coast and on a small inland lake. Can anyone help me with problems I might encounter towing a 27' Catalina? What type towing vehicle do I need? Where is a good sourse for used trailors? Typically how high will the boat sit on the trailor? I know I can get it launched with a travel lift at the coast but i am concerned with the depth of water on the ramps at the lake. thanks in advance. Tom
Trailoring a 27' Catalina
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Not a good idea
Hello Tom, I supposed that if you wanted to trailer the boat so that you could haul it out in the winter and launch it in the spring, that might be OK. If you plan on using the boat like a trailer-sailer, meaning that you will be hauling, trailering, and launching on a regular basis, I don't think that would work. The boat weighs close to 7,000 lbs. Add a trailer, and you will have a tow weight of 10K. That requires a serious tow vehicle. The beam is almost 9', which is wider than legal width (without permits). The draft is over 4', which means you won't be able to launch at most ramps. Finally, the mast must weight a lot, I don't know how you would rig (and take down) the mast. My first boat was a Catalina 22. We trailer sailed if the first year. What a pain! Even with practice it took a solid hour of work before the boat was floating, rigged, and the trailer parked. And that was with a 22' boat that weighed less than 2500 lbs. If you really want a trailerable big boat, the newer models from Hunter and Catalina are water ballast so they tow light, but sail heavy. I don't know much about them. Good luck, Barry
Hello Tom, I supposed that if you wanted to trailer the boat so that you could haul it out in the winter and launch it in the spring, that might be OK. If you plan on using the boat like a trailer-sailer, meaning that you will be hauling, trailering, and launching on a regular basis, I don't think that would work. The boat weighs close to 7,000 lbs. Add a trailer, and you will have a tow weight of 10K. That requires a serious tow vehicle. The beam is almost 9', which is wider than legal width (without permits). The draft is over 4', which means you won't be able to launch at most ramps. Finally, the mast must weight a lot, I don't know how you would rig (and take down) the mast. My first boat was a Catalina 22. We trailer sailed if the first year. What a pain! Even with practice it took a solid hour of work before the boat was floating, rigged, and the trailer parked. And that was with a 22' boat that weighed less than 2500 lbs. If you really want a trailerable big boat, the newer models from Hunter and Catalina are water ballast so they tow light, but sail heavy. I don't know much about them. Good luck, Barry
I have trailered a C27,
just to get it home for maintainance. It would be hard to launch on a ramp. If you have a travel lift at the coast and the lake, I think you could do it with a 3/4 ton pickup, but a ramp with no tide would be hard to launch, and a simple problem could turn into a cluster f**k (to use the technical term) in a big hurry. Visualise the trailer and C27 off the end of the paved ramp with the truck half in the water and the boat won't float yet. What do you do now? Once or twice a year the mast and rigging isn't too bad. There used to be a fleet of C27s in Southern California that moored in a cheap spot behind a bridge. They would lower their masts to get under the bridge and raise them outside every week to go racing. I think the legal width is 8'6" now. The Catalina 27 is close enough so you won't have a problem there. I think. I sold my C27 and got a Hunter 26 with water ballast. It's about the same size inside. Maybe more people room but less storage. My old Catalina didn't have a bunk under the cockpit, so the Hunter is a great improvement there. The mast on the H26 goes up and down very easily for that size boat. The Hunter isn't as seaworthy as the Catalina, but it's plenty seaworthy for the inside passage, Strait of Georgia, Strait of Juan De Fuca and Gulf Islands where I sail. The C27 will do ocean crossings with minor modifications. I wouldn't try a blue water passage with the Hunter 26. Always a compromise. Good luck with it!
just to get it home for maintainance. It would be hard to launch on a ramp. If you have a travel lift at the coast and the lake, I think you could do it with a 3/4 ton pickup, but a ramp with no tide would be hard to launch, and a simple problem could turn into a cluster f**k (to use the technical term) in a big hurry. Visualise the trailer and C27 off the end of the paved ramp with the truck half in the water and the boat won't float yet. What do you do now? Once or twice a year the mast and rigging isn't too bad. There used to be a fleet of C27s in Southern California that moored in a cheap spot behind a bridge. They would lower their masts to get under the bridge and raise them outside every week to go racing. I think the legal width is 8'6" now. The Catalina 27 is close enough so you won't have a problem there. I think. I sold my C27 and got a Hunter 26 with water ballast. It's about the same size inside. Maybe more people room but less storage. My old Catalina didn't have a bunk under the cockpit, so the Hunter is a great improvement there. The mast on the H26 goes up and down very easily for that size boat. The Hunter isn't as seaworthy as the Catalina, but it's plenty seaworthy for the inside passage, Strait of Georgia, Strait of Juan De Fuca and Gulf Islands where I sail. The C27 will do ocean crossings with minor modifications. I wouldn't try a blue water passage with the Hunter 26. Always a compromise. Good luck with it!
Truck
Agree with the recommendation for a 3/4 ton truck. Anything smaller/ligher could not handle that much weight.
Agree with the recommendation for a 3/4 ton truck. Anything smaller/ligher could not handle that much weight.
It'll work, but.......
I have a Coronado 25, (5260 lb boat, 1800 lb trailer)and I trailer it around a fair amount. Just brought it back from a two week trip to the San Juan Islands around Bellingham, WA. I use a Chev 3500(one ton)diesel dually pickup and it tows OK depending on what you're willing to accept. The biggest problem is set-up and take-down. My old McGregor 21 could be ready to launch in 15 minutes, Now it's an hour or more. I use a gin pole and my main sheet tackle but will soon modify the trailer to add a hand winch that goes up and down with CONTROL (big issue). When you feel the weight and leverage of the mast at 45 degrees and imagine a shackle or line breaking and an uncontrolled fall, all your sphincters slam shut. Not a day sailer or even weekend kind of thing, but a few times a year? Sure. The situation described above about backing out and going off the ramp (usually a big ledge) and not being deep enough to launch is a valid fear. I don't know what you would do to get out of the situation, everything is just too heavy to deal with at that point. I check the ramp carefully. Also the trailer needs a L-O-N-G tongue extension (mine's 25 feet)to get the boat deep enough to launch. Hope this helps, "good sailing"
I have a Coronado 25, (5260 lb boat, 1800 lb trailer)and I trailer it around a fair amount. Just brought it back from a two week trip to the San Juan Islands around Bellingham, WA. I use a Chev 3500(one ton)diesel dually pickup and it tows OK depending on what you're willing to accept. The biggest problem is set-up and take-down. My old McGregor 21 could be ready to launch in 15 minutes, Now it's an hour or more. I use a gin pole and my main sheet tackle but will soon modify the trailer to add a hand winch that goes up and down with CONTROL (big issue). When you feel the weight and leverage of the mast at 45 degrees and imagine a shackle or line breaking and an uncontrolled fall, all your sphincters slam shut. Not a day sailer or even weekend kind of thing, but a few times a year? Sure. The situation described above about backing out and going off the ramp (usually a big ledge) and not being deep enough to launch is a valid fear. I don't know what you would do to get out of the situation, everything is just too heavy to deal with at that point. I check the ramp carefully. Also the trailer needs a L-O-N-G tongue extension (mine's 25 feet)to get the boat deep enough to launch. Hope this helps, "good sailing"
Strap Launch
Many people use heavy duty nylon straps to hook up the tow vehicle and trailer while launching. We use 60' of strap. The vehicle is not even close to waters edge even though the trailer is submerged. Folks at my club launch C27's this way. Still, they seem a bit heavy to tow much. People here just tow them from winter storage to the ramp, a distance of about 100 yards. I'd go the route of a C250 or Hunter 260 if you really want to tow much distance.
Many people use heavy duty nylon straps to hook up the tow vehicle and trailer while launching. We use 60' of strap. The vehicle is not even close to waters edge even though the trailer is submerged. Folks at my club launch C27's this way. Still, they seem a bit heavy to tow much. People here just tow them from winter storage to the ramp, a distance of about 100 yards. I'd go the route of a C250 or Hunter 260 if you really want to tow much distance.
truck size & brakes question
Half ton trucks are too light duty now, gm only has one current model that would be marginal, 3/4 ton you need to check gear ratio & tow package specs, they don't build them like they used to. I know, I work on them. Echo Gulf, what brand brakes did you use, how did they hold up in salt water? Tim
Half ton trucks are too light duty now, gm only has one current model that would be marginal, 3/4 ton you need to check gear ratio & tow package specs, they don't build them like they used to. I know, I work on them. Echo Gulf, what brand brakes did you use, how did they hold up in salt water? Tim
Don't know,
Timo42, I don't know about the brakes in saltwater, like I said, I used a travel lift or crane for launching in salt water, I'm very uncomfortable with dunking any metal in saltwater. Fresh water seemed to have little or no effect, I did install clear bearing buddies so that I could keep the grease pressure up and possibly spot any water incurrsion. You may be right about the older vehicles. The 1/2 ton Suburban (not pickup truck) was early 90's and was definately rated for the weight, the Ford 3/4 ton was mid 80's had a 460 engine with 411 gears and was rated far beyond what we required. The Chev 3500 diesel/dually was mid 90's and was factory rated for just over what we required. Despite having a less pulling power than the Ford, I found the Chev 3500 to be the best suited for highway travel (more stability, better braking, greater comfort etc.). Mike
Timo42, I don't know about the brakes in saltwater, like I said, I used a travel lift or crane for launching in salt water, I'm very uncomfortable with dunking any metal in saltwater. Fresh water seemed to have little or no effect, I did install clear bearing buddies so that I could keep the grease pressure up and possibly spot any water incurrsion. You may be right about the older vehicles. The 1/2 ton Suburban (not pickup truck) was early 90's and was definately rated for the weight, the Ford 3/4 ton was mid 80's had a 460 engine with 411 gears and was rated far beyond what we required. The Chev 3500 diesel/dually was mid 90's and was factory rated for just over what we required. Despite having a less pulling power than the Ford, I found the Chev 3500 to be the best suited for highway travel (more stability, better braking, greater comfort etc.). Mike
Trailering
Doug, and Echo Gulf are the only ones you should listen to here. I trailered a 86 C25 fin keel with a 30' mast. My wife and I set it up, and launched in less than 1 hour. All over Idaho North to East from Boise, and to Anacortes in Washington using an 86 Ford Bronco with a 302 V8. Trailer and boat were 6-7000 pounds. I did it because I wouldn't settle for a fake boat.
Doug, and Echo Gulf are the only ones you should listen to here. I trailered a 86 C25 fin keel with a 30' mast. My wife and I set it up, and launched in less than 1 hour. All over Idaho North to East from Boise, and to Anacortes in Washington using an 86 Ford Bronco with a 302 V8. Trailer and boat were 6-7000 pounds. I did it because I wouldn't settle for a fake boat.
Trailering a Boat
Echo Gulf has it about right. My guess is you'll be towing at least 10,000lbs. It can be done, but if you are looking for a trailer-sailer that is easily towed, splashed and pulled, the C-27 is not your boat. Most lake ramps will be a hassle. This is a great boat but was not designed as a trailer-sailer. It's center of gravity might be higher, the load is wider, and of course it's a lot heavier than the typical trailer-sailer. That said I've known some hardy souls who have tried it with this size boat. After a few launches they give up as being too much hassle and get a slip. If you want tow this boat safely, crunch the numbers first. There are a number of vehicles that will handle this load. Before you buy the boat, know the numbers and have the right vehicle. My experience is that most people underestimate the total weight of their load by a large margin. Don't use the manufacturers dry weight as a guide. Once you run the vehicle and boat/trailer across a truck scale and get all these numbers, you'll have a better idea of what it takes to handle this boat safely. A good idea is to require the seller to provide a weigh ticket from a certified truck sail before closing the deal. Here's a link that might help you sort all this out. http://klenger.net/arctic-fox/weight/
Echo Gulf has it about right. My guess is you'll be towing at least 10,000lbs. It can be done, but if you are looking for a trailer-sailer that is easily towed, splashed and pulled, the C-27 is not your boat. Most lake ramps will be a hassle. This is a great boat but was not designed as a trailer-sailer. It's center of gravity might be higher, the load is wider, and of course it's a lot heavier than the typical trailer-sailer. That said I've known some hardy souls who have tried it with this size boat. After a few launches they give up as being too much hassle and get a slip. If you want tow this boat safely, crunch the numbers first. There are a number of vehicles that will handle this load. Before you buy the boat, know the numbers and have the right vehicle. My experience is that most people underestimate the total weight of their load by a large margin. Don't use the manufacturers dry weight as a guide. Once you run the vehicle and boat/trailer across a truck scale and get all these numbers, you'll have a better idea of what it takes to handle this boat safely. A good idea is to require the seller to provide a weigh ticket from a certified truck sail before closing the deal. Here's a link that might help you sort all this out. http://klenger.net/arctic-fox/weight/
Get a Macgregor
MacGregor is a better boat for trailering. It was designed with water balast and mast raising system. I prefer the traditional 26S/D better then the newer X/M model because they sail better without a big motor hanging on the back. I owned and enjoyed a 26S for years before going to a bigger non-trailerable boat.
MacGregor is a better boat for trailering. It was designed with water balast and mast raising system. I prefer the traditional 26S/D better then the newer X/M model because they sail better without a big motor hanging on the back. I owned and enjoyed a 26S for years before going to a bigger non-trailerable boat.
Macxxxxxx doesn't compare to a Catalina,
It was, first owning a Macgregor (traditional model), that convinced us that trailering a C27 was well worth the effort. We have never had the slightest regret in that decision! In our opinion, the ease of trailering did not compensate for the lack of everything else in the sailing department. M
It was, first owning a Macgregor (traditional model), that convinced us that trailering a C27 was well worth the effort. We have never had the slightest regret in that decision! In our opinion, the ease of trailering did not compensate for the lack of everything else in the sailing department. M
Thats strange echo; as I have outsailed catalina's
more than once. They have outsailed me as well(a 27), but my mac (traditional 26s) has beaten them more than once...for a whooooole lot less money. The durability is not as good, the cabin not as nice, but it's durability has done very well for me, and, as much as I trailor it has saved me alot of dough. I was out at a large lake in Alabama a couple of months ago...very good wind; whitecapping, probably about 15-20 mph. Thre were hunters and catalinas in the marina with folks who came to sail, but did not want to go out in the wind. I reefed my main, kept my jib up, and had a great day sailing in wind that [these two; a 22 and 27] catalina owners, and a hunter 26 were intimidated to go out in. Of course that may have more to do with the sailors than the boat...but my point is that these boats were close enough where I went out and did fine, while they did not. The traditional macs sail extremely well (as previously stated I have outsailed a C27), cost less, and trailor lightly. They get a bad rap because they are built more lightly and have a spartan interior. You can fix up the interior some, and people have sailed many miles in the 25 or 26s...without reports of them breaking up or failing... Mine has been coastal off charleston, tampa, pensacola, panama city, several different key islands, and literally dozens of lakes. A good boat (and skipper for that matter) is one that gets sailed alot, yields pleasurable anchorages and brings you back home. I see many very nice boats that get sailed very little due to money, hard to trailor and set up, or being bored with sailing grounds. I am not saying do not get a catalina, they are great boats and have a faithful following. But I am saying that, in my opinion, the traditional macs do indeed compare to a catalina; esp. if you have a limited budget, or other places you want to put your money. And, most owners would buy the boat again.
more than once. They have outsailed me as well(a 27), but my mac (traditional 26s) has beaten them more than once...for a whooooole lot less money. The durability is not as good, the cabin not as nice, but it's durability has done very well for me, and, as much as I trailor it has saved me alot of dough. I was out at a large lake in Alabama a couple of months ago...very good wind; whitecapping, probably about 15-20 mph. Thre were hunters and catalinas in the marina with folks who came to sail, but did not want to go out in the wind. I reefed my main, kept my jib up, and had a great day sailing in wind that [these two; a 22 and 27] catalina owners, and a hunter 26 were intimidated to go out in. Of course that may have more to do with the sailors than the boat...but my point is that these boats were close enough where I went out and did fine, while they did not. The traditional macs sail extremely well (as previously stated I have outsailed a C27), cost less, and trailor lightly. They get a bad rap because they are built more lightly and have a spartan interior. You can fix up the interior some, and people have sailed many miles in the 25 or 26s...without reports of them breaking up or failing... Mine has been coastal off charleston, tampa, pensacola, panama city, several different key islands, and literally dozens of lakes. A good boat (and skipper for that matter) is one that gets sailed alot, yields pleasurable anchorages and brings you back home. I see many very nice boats that get sailed very little due to money, hard to trailor and set up, or being bored with sailing grounds. I am not saying do not get a catalina, they are great boats and have a faithful following. But I am saying that, in my opinion, the traditional macs do indeed compare to a catalina; esp. if you have a limited budget, or other places you want to put your money. And, most owners would buy the boat again.
Considered this myself
Very nearly did it too. While everything's possible, I'm very glad we didn't. TomC seems to have disappeared but I did his exact search 18mths ago. He specifically said "I'd like to use it on the coast and on a small inland lake" (and) "i am concerned with the depth of water on the ramps at the lake." Going on that........ IMHO this is not the way to have a simple day/weekend at a "small" lake. Strap launching was the only real opt at differing ramps and stepping the mast and rerigging was simply not going to be safe nor simple on this boat(but it was possible). Fabricating a trailer to safely pull it and buying a truck to pretty much exclusively pull this rig was financially unrealistic (but also possible). While an old C27 is a fine boat and many can be had at reasonable rates it is still not the choice for a trailerable boat. I don't even think I'd take the enormous effort and cash it would consume to fabricate a safe trailer to only move it a few times a yr. Buy a newer trailerboat OR pay dock space for the C27. Both have advantages. My decision fell toward (K.I.S.S.) a more easily portable, safe, trailer boat that's designed to travel well and setup easily. I've been to many places that I'd have NEVER been able to launch a fixed keel boat. Ours is decades newer, I'm more inclined to use it more often because it's simpler, and I pull it with a reg sized truck that we already owned. I can safely launch anywhere a bass boat can. ANYTHING can be done, but is it the best way to do it given your time and what else is available today. PS Anybody who says a trailer boat is a "fake boat" is blowing diesel fumes out their keel*butt (get real). Michael
Very nearly did it too. While everything's possible, I'm very glad we didn't. TomC seems to have disappeared but I did his exact search 18mths ago. He specifically said "I'd like to use it on the coast and on a small inland lake" (and) "i am concerned with the depth of water on the ramps at the lake." Going on that........ IMHO this is not the way to have a simple day/weekend at a "small" lake. Strap launching was the only real opt at differing ramps and stepping the mast and rerigging was simply not going to be safe nor simple on this boat(but it was possible). Fabricating a trailer to safely pull it and buying a truck to pretty much exclusively pull this rig was financially unrealistic (but also possible). While an old C27 is a fine boat and many can be had at reasonable rates it is still not the choice for a trailerable boat. I don't even think I'd take the enormous effort and cash it would consume to fabricate a safe trailer to only move it a few times a yr. Buy a newer trailerboat OR pay dock space for the C27. Both have advantages. My decision fell toward (K.I.S.S.) a more easily portable, safe, trailer boat that's designed to travel well and setup easily. I've been to many places that I'd have NEVER been able to launch a fixed keel boat. Ours is decades newer, I'm more inclined to use it more often because it's simpler, and I pull it with a reg sized truck that we already owned. I can safely launch anywhere a bass boat can. ANYTHING can be done, but is it the best way to do it given your time and what else is available today. PS Anybody who says a trailer boat is a "fake boat" is blowing diesel fumes out their keel*butt (get real). Michael
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