Hey all,
So, I commited the second worst sin my pocketbook could concieve of. I went to a boat show.
I got a chance to get aboard the catalina 270. I know catalinas sail well enough. It''s got a double spreader rig, fully battened main, roller furling, a swim step with mount points so I can bring my dingy up on it, one of the best below decks layouts I''ve seen ever, my pet weakness, a HOT WATER SHOWER, and I can almost afford one... er... if I finance it (damn it, A boat tied to a bank, I know, but I could probibly pay it off in 5 years or less)
The only things I dont like about it are the limited space for ground tackle, wheel stearing, travler placement and big cocpit. Other than that, it seems perfect.
Right now I am just cruising around the California channel islands, but I do intend to do some real sailing soon. Mexico, Panama, maybe even a transpac.
Does catalina still suffer from their historic woes (the catalina smile, thin glass, etc?) or have they gotten better? Also, I''m not sure if this should factor into it at all, but I live about 20 miles from the Catalina factory, and theoreticly could go there and pound down the doors should anything happen to my baby. I''m supposed to tour the factory next month with some sales guy (who I have to admit, is the most sailboat literate boat broker I''ve ever met)
Someone talk me out of this (and show me something that is similar down below, but a better choice for real sailing)
oh, and on a side note, I also stepped onto a Beneteaux (sp?) and realy liked it, but the smallest one they had at the show was a 361 which is still WAY out of my leauge. Anyone know if they make boats comperable to the Catalina 270? How do they stack up?
Thanks.
-- James
So, I commited the second worst sin my pocketbook could concieve of. I went to a boat show.
I got a chance to get aboard the catalina 270. I know catalinas sail well enough. It''s got a double spreader rig, fully battened main, roller furling, a swim step with mount points so I can bring my dingy up on it, one of the best below decks layouts I''ve seen ever, my pet weakness, a HOT WATER SHOWER, and I can almost afford one... er... if I finance it (damn it, A boat tied to a bank, I know, but I could probibly pay it off in 5 years or less)
The only things I dont like about it are the limited space for ground tackle, wheel stearing, travler placement and big cocpit. Other than that, it seems perfect.
Right now I am just cruising around the California channel islands, but I do intend to do some real sailing soon. Mexico, Panama, maybe even a transpac.
Does catalina still suffer from their historic woes (the catalina smile, thin glass, etc?) or have they gotten better? Also, I''m not sure if this should factor into it at all, but I live about 20 miles from the Catalina factory, and theoreticly could go there and pound down the doors should anything happen to my baby. I''m supposed to tour the factory next month with some sales guy (who I have to admit, is the most sailboat literate boat broker I''ve ever met)
Someone talk me out of this (and show me something that is similar down below, but a better choice for real sailing)
oh, and on a side note, I also stepped onto a Beneteaux (sp?) and realy liked it, but the smallest one they had at the show was a 361 which is still WAY out of my leauge. Anyone know if they make boats comperable to the Catalina 270? How do they stack up?
Thanks.
-- James