UPGRADES FOR OCEAN CROSSING?

[A.J.]

I'm considering the purchase of a Catalina 36 of '84 to '87 vintage. A question for anyone with extensive knowledge of Catalina rig and hull is; "What would need to be done to make the boat safe for possible circumnavigation?"A.J. s/v Deliverance (Endeavour 40)

 

[Tim Leighton]

DOWNSIZING?

A.J.: Surprised you are downsizing from a relatively heavy Endeavor 40 to a Catalina 36 with ideas for a circumnavigation. Lots of "coastal cruising" boats have do so, but I wonder if the larger/heavier 40 would be a better choice, even if you had to sink some bucks into upgrades. Having said that, and with limited Catalina experience (but over 15 years with a 31' Hunter), here are a couple of things I would look at. 1. Get a good survey of the boat! I cannot overemphasize the importance of this step, especially if you are considering an "older" boat for such a trip. 2. Replace all standing/running rigging and oversize when able. Same thing with sail handling equipment. 3. Take a hard look at ground tackle. Most long distance cruisers routinely use 2 anchors w/ all chain rode on at least one. You will have to factor in the addl. weight that far forward on a relatively light boat. 4. Electrical storage/generation. If you are going to have a lot of the "toys" and creature comforts (refrig, etc.) addl battery capacity would be a requirement as well as the ability to efficiently pump amps into them at sea (wind generator, solar panels, etc.). 5. Storage and related boat performance when you "sink" 3" further down when loaded! I'm familiar with the newer 36's, and even on an older one, you will likely have to make some modifications to provide adequate storage. 6. Sail/handling. You will want to start out with a new set of sails and probably several extras to handle replacement needs, storm conditions, etc. Those are a couple of area I've used when outfitting some offshore boats in the past. There are obviously a thousand things to think about when planning long offshore excursions. Bottom line is that if you really like the 36, do what you can to make her ready for ocean sailing, and go! Smooth Sailing. Let us know how you do.Tim Leighton (C-400)

 

[Les Murray]

Some things I have seen

A.J.,Although I have never taken my 36 offshore (yet), I have talked to a couple of owners who have. A member of my club has taken his '83 36 on the Newport-Bermuda 1-2. He has added an inner forestay for a hanked-on jib. He also added positive locks for all his cabinet doors and panels and a life raft on the cabin roof.I also spoke with a gentleman who has single-handed his mid-80s 36 to Alaska. He raised his waterline four times (a couple of inches) for all the storage weight. He added four anchors, most with all-chain rodes. He also added a self-steering vane.To me, what I would do with my 36 to make it off-shore capable beyond what I have already mentioned is add addition water capacity. There is usually space available in the bow for a third water tank. I would also upgrade the battery storage and charging capacity. Storage space seems like the biggest concern. I would prabably convert the forward hanging locker and the pull-out bins into shelve arrangements. Davits on the stearn for a dinghy would also probably be on my list.The only other thing that I can think of to add to my pretty-much stock 36 is to improve the anchor handling equipment. My 36 does not have a windlass. That would be a priority. I would also replace the bow roller with a much beefier and more capable unit. You should also check how many bow cleats you have. Mine only has one bow cleat. I would add a couple more 10" - 12" cleats.Of course, I am assuming that you will upgrade all the electronics to include radar, autopilot, SSB or Ham radio, backup GPS, and possibly chartplotter.Hope these ideas help. I have enjoyed my 36 so far (1 season). It is great for costal cruising, especially with my wife and four kids.Les Murrays/v Ceilidh'86 C-36 #560