Why no Catalinas in the Caribbean?

[soulfinger]

As I was reading my "Mainsheet" magazine, I found an apparent paradox. The one story from a C400 owner who had cruised the Caribbean mentioned that he hadn't seen any other Catalinas in his voyages. Then there was another article about a C36 owner that raced the TransPac (and won, if I remember right). What's the deal? I know Catalinas aren't really considered bluewater cruisers (or racers, for that matter), and aren't really the old-shoe types many advocate for cruising on a budget. However, I don't really see why a Catalina isn't suited for live-aboard island hopping. Sure, maybe something like a Caliber would be a bit better, but it's also twice the price. If all those Beneteaus and Jeanneau's out there can suffer the abuse of the charter trade, certainly a Catalina could survive some extend cruising.

I think "Sail" magazine summed up the Catalina philosophy best recently when they said that they are certainly built to a price, just not the lowest price. I guess I'm just surprised that more people don't choose them to cruise on (CD is obviously the exception).

[Cruisingdad]

I know there are catalinas down there - I have no idea why they are not more prevalent.

Brian

[smackdaddy]

In perusing yachtworld obsessively, I have noticed that Catalinas seem to hold their value far better than the other production boats - and there are fewer of them on the market.

That says something.

[CaptainForce]

We were just at Rodneys Bay, St. Lucia & Ile de Saints a couple weeks ago and I saw Catalinas in both harbors. 'take care and joy, Aythya crew

[Cruisingdad]

Originally Posted by smackdaddy

In perusing yachtworld obsessively, I have noticed that Catalinas seem to hold their value far better than the other production boats - and there are fewer of them on the market.

That says something.

THat is because of my reputation. Everyone is trying to emulate me!!!

Brian

[Cruisingdad]

The reason you do not see as many Catalinas is that they are out there sailing... not hanging around the mooring field scared to go out!

(What a great thread!!!)

Brian

[creedence623]

Love my Catalina 36, and you can bet I'll be taking it to the Carribean when I move down to Florida!

[smackdaddy]

Originally Posted by Cruisingdad

THat is because of my reputation. Everyone is trying to emulate me!!!

Brian

Emulate or annihilate? I always get those mixed up.

[GeorgeB]

It might be that Catalina owners are tequila (and not rum) drinkers. They are all over Mexico. But seriously, Butler charges for shipping separately, traditionally making them a little more expensive and on par with the Beneteaus and Hunters on the east coast, hence fewer. They are common as grass here on the left coast. (I understand that Bene and Hunter charge a “flat” rate for shipping.)

[Cruisingdad]

Originally Posted by GeorgeB

It might be that Catalina owners are tequila (and not rum) drinkers. They are all over Mexico. But seriously, Butler charges for shipping separately, traditionally making them a little more expensive and on par with the Beneteaus and Hunters on the east coast, hence fewer. They are common as grass here on the left coast. (I understand that Bene and Hunter charge a “flat” rate for shipping.)

I also do not think Catalina is very heavy into the charter fleet. I think there are some down there, but no comparrision to the Benes or Jeauneaus.

B