What is the longest or most distant voyage you've ever taken on a Catalina 27? We sail ours (#3691) on Lake Ontario. I have dreams of sailing her down to the Carolinas and to further points south. Granted, the C27 may not be the best blue water ship, but certainly she's by no means meant only for lakes. How far have you been in a C27? Has anyone been across either ocean bordering the US? How about down through the Caribbean islands? To Papaette? Anyone lived onboard for an extended period? If so, was it by yourself or with others? I know there are many equipment, preparation, navigation, safety issues to address. But what I'm intested in hearing about is life on long distance voyages aboard the C27. I hope there are enough of you out there with such experiences who are willing to share your stories. Paul "Hamlet's Mill"
What's your longest, most distant voyage on a C27?
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charleston
a number of years ago my wife and i took a previous c27 from long island (new york) on our first extended cruise and ended up in charleston, s.c. where we left it for the winter and brought it back the next spring. the first leg was offshore to cape may, then up the delaware, down the chesapeake and then down the icw to charleston. years later we still have funny, scary, pleasant tales to tell and wouldn't take the experience back for anything. i think the c27 is fine for close-in coastal crusing, but without substantial upgrading, i wouldn't stray too far offshore. the accomodations are terrific for single handing, okay for a couple in love or two really great, understanding friends but for a larger crew over an extended period, it could get a bit dicey.
a number of years ago my wife and i took a previous c27 from long island (new york) on our first extended cruise and ended up in charleston, s.c. where we left it for the winter and brought it back the next spring. the first leg was offshore to cape may, then up the delaware, down the chesapeake and then down the icw to charleston. years later we still have funny, scary, pleasant tales to tell and wouldn't take the experience back for anything. i think the c27 is fine for close-in coastal crusing, but without substantial upgrading, i wouldn't stray too far offshore. the accomodations are terrific for single handing, okay for a couple in love or two really great, understanding friends but for a larger crew over an extended period, it could get a bit dicey.
Bahama cruising
We have a Catalina 30 which we regularly take to the Bahamas from South Florida, and we usually spend 5 to 6 weeks over there (my wife and I, plus 2 dogs). I can see no problem in doing the same thing with a Catalina 27, it's just a bit more cramped. The 27 is certainly a seaworthy boat; I guess it's just what you're used to.
We have a Catalina 30 which we regularly take to the Bahamas from South Florida, and we usually spend 5 to 6 weeks over there (my wife and I, plus 2 dogs). I can see no problem in doing the same thing with a Catalina 27, it's just a bit more cramped. The 27 is certainly a seaworthy boat; I guess it's just what you're used to.
Circumnavigation is possible
No, not by me ( my longest C27 cruise is Mission bay to Catalina - 150 mile round trip or so.) But if you grab a copy of John Vigor's "Twenty Small Sailboats to Take You Anywhere" you'll read about the C27's offshore quality. Even though it was rated #20 of the 20 boats, the fact that it made the book at all is amazing. Here's a heads up... there are no Hunters in this book, nor are there any Beneteaus. Anyway, the C27 chapter describes the modifications one sailor made to a C27 tall rig before making a circumnavigation. I would consider making some of those mods to my boat anyway, just to make it safer. For instance: Larger cockpit drains and a water seal for the lowest hatchboard to keep water out of the cabin. All C27 owners should read this chapter because it discusses the attributes and limitations of the boat's offshore capabilites. In fact everyone should read this book....
No, not by me ( my longest C27 cruise is Mission bay to Catalina - 150 mile round trip or so.) But if you grab a copy of John Vigor's "Twenty Small Sailboats to Take You Anywhere" you'll read about the C27's offshore quality. Even though it was rated #20 of the 20 boats, the fact that it made the book at all is amazing. Here's a heads up... there are no Hunters in this book, nor are there any Beneteaus. Anyway, the C27 chapter describes the modifications one sailor made to a C27 tall rig before making a circumnavigation. I would consider making some of those mods to my boat anyway, just to make it safer. For instance: Larger cockpit drains and a water seal for the lowest hatchboard to keep water out of the cabin. All C27 owners should read this chapter because it discusses the attributes and limitations of the boat's offshore capabilites. In fact everyone should read this book....
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