What to look for in a Catalina 27?

[Mike Crawford]

I have almost decided to buy a Catalina 27 for my next boat. Currently, I sail a Catalina 22, 1986 model. One thing I have learned from this boat is that different models serve different needs. What principle differences are there between models/years of 27's and what should one consider when purchasing one?Thanks all,Mike Crawford

 

[LaDonna Bubak - CatalinaOwners]

Things to consider

Well, obviously the older the boat, the more likely it is in need of some repairs (minor or major). The early 70s models fit my budget but I only wanted the traditional layout down below; not the dinette version. Some come with inboards, some with outboards. I like the outboard, personally. The tall rig version has a little more sail area so typically goes a little faster that the standard model.Basically you have to figure out what needs you have and look at several different models to determine which best fills those needs. Mine are probably different than yours. Just get out there & start looking. You'll know "the one" when you find it.LaDonna

 

[Paul]

not really any bad choices

Mostly it depends on personal preferences and budget. I went for an older boat for price, an outboard for simplicity and my wife wanted the permanent table so we chose a dinnette model. I have the forward gallery which gives you 2 quarterberths and I didn't get a tall rig because none of the boats I looked at had one. Look at as many as you can and decide which features are important to you. Good luck and enjoy the summer.Paul1974 Catalina 27http://community.webshots.com/album/14287993qauQVQbYXp

 

[sloopercat]

I just moved from Pickwick

Now down in sunny FLA. The boat is "Sundown", dark blue hull. Too bad we could not get together before I moved it. Thinking real serious about selling it now. As these boat age, rigging, sails, blisters can add up to real $$ even though the boat may be cheap. I know. After a new Sobstad Genesis main and a 160 RR jib the boat really moves. Also did interior cushions. Won 1st place at Pickwick a couple of springs ago and second in the MUG race on the St. John's. Perfect boat for the light air in TN, great for weekending.You will really like the way a 27 sails. Not many at Pickwick, none others in ship shape that I saw.

 

[Bob Gulbrandsen]

Areas to note !

Mike Pay attention to forward bulkheads and thru deck turnbukles. They are known to leak , and if not maintained can cause structual damage to standing rigging. When hauled out look at thru hull fittings , Catalina uses plastic , they can become cracked or broken in time. But all in all they are great boats , I sail one myself and she's my baby !!! Good luke and have fun ...Bob Gulbrandsen

 

[Bruce Sutherland]

catalina 27 advice

I had a catalina for 7 years until I relocated to Texas and sold the boat. My catalina has a hull number of 771 and it was a 1973. First year boat. The inboard atomic 4 can be a nightmare. I have not met a catalina owner that has not has problems with this engine. I did everything to my engine including replacing it with another atomic 4. The atomic builds up scale in the engine since they are raw water feed. The older boats are a good value, but to replace the engine with a deisel is a waste of money ( I have experience with boat owner doing this)and don't let a dealer tell you he can switch it out for a few thousand. A few will cost you 5-7k. The long and short of it is the catalina gives you a lot of boat(room) for the dollar as long as you go with a deisel model.Brucelsutherld@aol.com