I'm shopping for my first 'big boat' and trying to be realistic about how I will use it for the next 10 years until I 'retire'. There's alot I like about an older Catalina 36 (under $60,000) home ported in San Diego. I realize it's designed/built as a light weight coastal cruiser but I also have read where it's logged plenty of miles offshore. I expect to mostly sail the coastal areas from Baja to Catalina to San Fran. However, I would like to have the boat be capable of an extended passage shoud the need arise before I've upgraded to a true 'bluewater yacht'. I like (in theory) taking on the project of beefing up the C36 in a way that I maximize her bluewater capability. Questions - What are her weak points in the bluewater/passagemaking arena? What are the logical upgrades I can have done that will enhance her offshore capability while still retaining the good qualities I'll enjoy in coastal So Cal?
Thanks in advance!
Thanks in advance!