[tjr3c]

Just four days ago, I attended the AC Sail Expo and stood next to a cut -away hull display at Catalina''s display area.. It clearly and plainly stated that the Catalinas (above 30'') were CE - A rated for open ocean cruising at Force ? wind and wave conditions. I repeat - CE-A means that a boat is rated for "Open Ocean Cruising". I attended the same show last year and was disappointed that the Hunters in the low 30'' category were rated only CE-B. I maintain that the original statement by Jeff is pure opinion and not based on the design ratings. Contrary to what has been posted here by others, all boats are not CE-A rated. That rating has to be achieved by design, construction, materials, and testing. The following statement is not accurate based on the current advertising and ratings put out by Catalina Yachts..

"The Catalina 350 is designed to do two things be cheap and offer a lot of room. All else is secondary. For marina hopping on Long Island Sound they are Okay. For making a jump out and around Cape Ann beating in a blow, they are not a very good choice."