Which one? Cat 270 or 28

[inarathree]

My wife and I have decided its time to move up from our 22'. We have sailed a Catalina 27 and a 270, and my wife prefers the 270. Then while looking we saw that there is a Catalina 28. Besides the 1' and a different interior, can anyone shed some light on why a manufacturer would build two models 1' different?

And can anyone address pluses and minuses of each? Both models we saw are 1993 and close enough in price.

 

[Calif. Ted]

A 28 usually has refrigeration, although I ran into someone who ordered one without.
The 28 also has Jib winches on the coamings while the 270 has a single pair on the cabintop.
The forepeak on a 270 is cramped and not too comfortable.

 

[Joe]

The Genoa track and winch option was a very common factory ordered addition to the 270... so.... don't buy one that doesn't have it... the winches, tracks and blocks would cost you at least $2000 to add.

 

[keys please]

The 28 had a bit more room and i like the head setup.... and it was the biggest boat i could fit on my current boat lift.... 10,000. lb lift... ... ... i really like the 270... but just opted for more room... they are both good boats but i think both are out of production now... seems to me they make the 25' and the next one up is the 30'...

 

[Edlo765]

The Genoa track and winch option was a very common factory ordered addition to the 270... so.... don't buy one that doesn't have it... the winches, tracks and blocks would cost you at least $2000 to add.

The Admiral and recently moved up to a C28 from a C25. What a huge difference. You be amazed regardless of your choice. We picked the C28 because it came with triple axle trailer. Not nearly a trailerable boat but we have actually set tabernacle mast step with a hinge and step the mast with a gin pole system. Standing headroom, large enclosed head, galley, fairly easily accessible aft cabin and a generously sized V Berth are all terrific. I haven't been on a 270 but I have heard positive reviews. The only negative was that the aft cabin is pretty tight. We are still getting used to wheel steering. After 50 years of sailing tillered boats I have a tendency turn the wheel the wrong way. Inboard diesel is not nearly as quiet or responsive as my Yamaha High Thrust 9.9 4 stroke. The M3-20 is simple and the access is very good. I'm a bit prejudiced, get the Catalina 28.

 

[LakeOntario270]

I purchased a 1996 270 last Spring and I love it. I considered a Catalina 28 also.

My reasons in no particular order
1. 28 always about 10K more.
2. I like the open cabin, without the bulkhead. The forward V berth seems small but the seat infront of the table will extend the berth until you have 6 ft.
3. I prefer the entrance to the aft cabin on the 28. The door on the 270 is small but once inside the berth is very roomy. I can stretch out and not hit anything (I'm 6ft).
4. 270 is 2000lbs lighter which means much smaller sails to handle.
5. Nicer looking wing keel.
6. Tracks on top of cabin work fine. However you shouldn't have more than a 135 Genoa or else get the optional winches and tracks.
7. The 270 flies down wind with a cruising spinaker. I have Lewmar 16 winches on the comings for the spinaker.
8. I prefer the stern railing seats on the 270, best seats on the boat.
8. If the 270 is too small, get a 30 footer.

 

[Ajay73]

I personally like the looks of the first edition of the C28's, not the MKII's. I don't think the price difference for a used boat of the same year is too much different. I just like the look of the outside on the C28's better than the C270. Looks more like the earlier Catalinas. I don't care for the "Euro" look, if I'm using that term correctly.