Catalina 34

[kekkul]

Hi, I am looking at buying a Catalina 34. Im currently just researching and would be very grateful for any info that any one might have.
Kekkul

[chuck53]

Go to the Catalina 34 association web site.

The Catalina 34 International Association

Where do you plan to use it?

I might add, I'm in the market for one as well. Will probably buy one in the early spring. We've looked at a number of brands and feel this model will best fit our needs.

[winddancer88]

I agree with the previous poster -- check out the C34 association web site. it's a great source of info.

I think the C34 is a great choice for coastal cruising. It's a good sailing boat, with moderate displacement and ballast. Not a canoe bottom like the new designs, it gives a good ride. The interior is ideal for a family of four. The only reason I might eventually trade up is to get more headroom. My Mark I has only 6'3" headroom (newer models have 6'4"). It's disappointing that Catalina has moved away from this design towards the newer, fatter boats. I had hoped they'd replace the C36 with a stretched C34, but my hopes were dashed by the C375 (13ft beam, canoe bottom, smaller v-berth, forward head).

[Faster]

In general I think the C34 (and/or the 36) are very nice coastal cruising boats. In both models, though, the MKII improvements are significant both in terms of aesthetics and function. Bigger engines, larger cockpits, walkthru transoms are among the improvements.

Unfortunately the MKIIs are also often listing at near twice the price... so your budget will have a large bearing here.

[jackdale]

The C34 is a good coastal cruising boat. I have a sailed a couple of them.

There are lots of them around so you should get both good dealership and owner support.

The layout is good, nothing spectacular, just utilitarian. The 36 does not have that much more room; I think it was stretched to allow for the entertainment unit.

If you are in an area with light winds, the tall rig is advantageous.

The only problem I have ever had was a stuck Y valve.

[kekkul]

Originally Posted by chuck53

Go to the Catalina 34 association web site.

The Catalina 34 International Association

Where do you plan to use it?

I might add, I'm in the market for one as well. Will probably buy one in the early spring. We've looked at a number of brands and feel this model will best fit our needs.

I plan to use a Catalina 34 arround the Caribbean Sea, and i want live aboard.

[kekkul]

Originally Posted by chuck53

Go to the Catalina 34 association web site.

The Catalina 34 International Association

Where do you plan to use it?

I might add, I'm in the market for one as well. Will probably buy one in the early spring. We've looked at a number of brands and feel this model will best fit our needs.

Okkey very interesting, in dead i did'n find a good place where looking for a Catalina 34, so you can assist me about that, i am italien and i have some problem with english language.....

[chuck53]

Hey, your English is way better than my Italian. No need to apologize.

The Catalina 34 is a pretty popular boat and there a quite a few for sale on the east coast. You may still have to travel some to get one.

What is your budget?

[PalmettoSailor]

Originally Posted by Faster

In general I think the C34 (and/or the 36) are very nice coastal cruising boats. In both models, though, the MKII improvements are significant both in terms of aesthetics and function. Bigger engines, larger cockpits, walkthru transoms are among the improvements.

Unfortunately the MKIIs are also often listing at near twice the price... so your budget will have a large bearing here.

I disagree that the changes on the MKII make it a "better" boat. They make it a "different" boat but not necessarily a better boat.

My 1991 C36 has the walk through transom so I give up nothing there. However, my boat retains the narrower stern which looks better to me. (though the Admiral does like the MKII aft cabin). I also have a reasonably sized, forward facing nav station which I prefer. The last couple of years of MKI's changed to a outward facing, smaller nav station to allow for a door to the "aft cabin" and I think that follows through on the MKII's. I think it was wasted space on the MKI's and not at all an improvement. On the MKII's its that huge aft cabin that dictates the wide stern, which does nothing to make the boat a better sailer or more attractive to the eye for many people.

I also, don't have portlights through the hull, so that's one leak I'll never worry about. I do have darker teak below than the newer models, but I actually prefer it, however its a purely aesthetic preference.

Both models are designed for easy owner maintenance and are great boats for coastal cruising or day sailing with a family or friends. The changes to the C34 MKI's series took place about the same time (1990 or so) before the MKII's came out so there are C34 MKI's with walk through transoms if thats what you want.

[kekkul]

Originally Posted by chuck53

Hey, your English is way better than my Italian. No need to apologize.

The Catalina 34 is a pretty popular boat and there a quite a few for sale on the east coast. You may still have to travel some to get one.

What is your budget?

My budget is $40.000 US
and i plan to travel a soon a possible to east coast of U.S.A. About my english, thanks Chuck53.