Catalina 36 or something else?

[Wolfsong]

I have an old Pearson 33 and a Tartan 34c and am shopping for something a little bigger for use on Lake Superior, mostly in some protection, but for crossings as well. My needs are for a boat to take youth groups of 6 or 7 plus me, so bunks and space are an issue, as is a USA made boat.

Catalina 36, mid 1980s, seems to be a possibility based on accomodations, but it is a much different boat--era really--than my others.

Of all the huff about Catalinas on this site, what are the real drawbacks? Is there evidence that they come apart at the seams in rough water or is the hull shape and lighter weight just less comfortable for long distance cruising? Or is it just little things like cabinets and furniture that fall apart when they go offshore? Hunter, Cata & Bene owners love them. Traditionalists despise them. Is there an unbiased opinion based on experience or statistics about their safety in 10'ers?

[sailingfool]

I don't think there are too many informed Catalina-bashers around, Catalina makes a good boat for what they intend, which is pretty much coastal cruising. You can learn something about the limitations of that boat from the story in EQUIPPED TO SURVIVE (tm) - Lessons Learned: Sailing to Hawaii...The First Attempt by Arnold Rowe.

I don't feel that story argues against considering Catalina for their intended purpose...The Catalina 30 for example is an absolutely classic cruiser...I think they a better production boat by a mile than the bottom end builder.

[camaraderie]

Ditto...as we've said before...all production boats get bashed...But they are ALL the boat most sailors need and are better choices than many bluewater boats for most casual lake and coastal cruisers. We also tend to bash Catalinas here in fun to tweak our other moderator who owns a C400 and is tech editor for them.
I wouldn't worry about a C36 coming apart at all....though you may wish to look at a C38 which is a completely different design and well regarded in many sailing circles that do not normally boost Catalinas.

[sailingdog]

Another boat to look at is the C&C 38.

[wfahey]

Wolfsong

I have a 1984 Catalina 36 and absolutely love it. I am on an inland lake where we don't get rough seas so take that for what it is worth.

At 14000 pounds it might get tossed like a cork in open water with large seas.

[Cruisingdad]

Originally Posted by Wolfsong

I have an old Pearson 33 and a Tartan 34c and am shopping for something a little bigger for use on Lake Superior, mostly in some protection, but for crossings as well. My needs are for a boat to take youth groups of 6 or 7 plus me, so bunks and space are an issue, as is a USA made boat.

Catalina 36, mid 1980s, seems to be a possibility based on accomodations, but it is a much different boat--era really--than my others.

Of all the huff about Catalinas on this site, what are the real drawbacks? Is there evidence that they come apart at the seams in rough water or is the hull shape and lighter weight just less comfortable for long distance cruising? Or is it just little things like cabinets and furniture that fall apart when they go offshore? Hunter, Cata & Bene owners love them. Traditionalists despise them. Is there an unbiased opinion based on experience or statistics about their safety in 10'ers?

The C36 is a great boat (though I prefer the Mark II version better). Many, many, many people cruise all over with them, inlcuding some in Europe, Hawaii, and a lot in the islands. As such, it would be great for your purpose. The fold up table (if that is the model you choose) will give you a lot of room and make the boat feel larger than it is. You will be very pleased on its lightwind performance and moderate air performance. You will reef about 20 or so though. Really heavy wind will make her feel a little tender, but you will not likely go out in those anyways.

In essnece, it is definitely the right choice for what you are looking for. You could even keep her and do some cruising.

The Catalina "bashing" here is solely pointed at me to harass me and is not aimede at the boats. I can understand how many members here that do not know the history would think otherwise though. I feel Catalina makes one of the best production boats of that class and in addition to being the tech editor, have owned four of them including a 400 right now. I ahve been on the 36 countless times (amongst many other models) and owned and lived on a 380 before my 400. The wsailing characteristics of the 36 in moderate air will far outperform the 380 - which is more of a medium displacement cruiser. I am not being negative on it as it will be a better boat in seas, but that is likely not where you intend to take her.

I hope that helps. PM or write back with any questions.

Fair winds,

- CD

PS Just a disclaimer: I am not suggesting that the boat be useed to cross oceans... just mentioning that people do and have and IT DOES NOT IN ANY WAY FALL APART.

[tommyt]

Agree totally with CD. The 36 should be a great boat for your needs. I sail a C34, and have sailed many trips on a C36, and love the way they sail. The boats are almost identical in size, cockpit is identical, a foot difference in LOA, and systems are identical by year. I agree that the MKII is a better set up for you, and the C36 especially for what you are planning on using it for.

As to what it will handle, I think again you will be happy with the boat. I have sailed them both in 8-10' Lake Michigan waves, and the boat was certainly more comfortable than some of my crew. Lots of smiles from most of us though as the boat did what she was supposed to. Now, I know we have some that believe that CataBeneHunters are poor boats, and that Lake sailing is not the same as ocean sailing. However, those high frequency waves have scared more than a few big pond sailors. As a Superior sailor you are more than aware of that.

That being said, weather windows are always to be watched if you are crossing any big body of water. Lake Superior can eat anyones lunch, no matter how big the boat. She sure is beautiful though!