washing machine Catalina 400

playdirtca · #1 (**permalink**) 08-17-2011

My wife and I are hoping to buy a live aboard sailboat to cruise the Bahamas and Caribbean this winter. The admiral is buying in on plan but insists on a washing machine. If that's what it takes I will provide it.
We are looking at catalina 400's for many reason's.
Question is where would you suggest putting washing machine?
Boat will be primarily husband and wife with only occasional guests.
Thanks

Minnewaska · #2 (**permalink**) 08-17-2011

We have a Splendide non-vented unit under the counter in our galley. I'm not familiar enough with your layout to make a specific suggestion for you. I've seen them everywhere from the galley, to underneath tables to sail lockers.

I would offer some observations for the use of a W/D aboard. First, they burn power, so plan to run the generator or be plugged into the dock. Running the genset for a load of laundry will be expensive. They only use a few gallons of water to wash. However, the un-vented models use a ton of water and power to dry. Sounds funny, but they can't exhaust the heat, so they blow heat inside the drum, create condensation and wash it down the drain with fresh cool water. If you think you can find a place to vent it, all the better, but I've never seen that yet. Quick dry clothes are best, perfect actually. Small loads only. Heavy cotton, like denim, will not fully dry.

TQA · #3 (**permalink**) 08-17-2011

Errrr WHY ??

I am about to get two large loads done. It will be washed dryed and folded so well it looks pressed. I do have to take it to the dock here in Grenada in lots of other places you have pickup and delivery from the boat at anchor.

The charge will be $18.50 US for the two loads

cupper3 · #4 (**permalink**) 08-17-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by TQA

Errrr WHY ??

I am about to get two large loads done. It will be washed dryed and folded so well it looks pressed. I do have to take it to the dock here in Grenada in lots of other places you have pickup and delivery from the boat at anchor.

The charge will be $18.50 US for the two loads

Almost $20 for TWO loads of laundry?

Wow, that's sure an incentive for doing it yourself. Currently my at home washing machine is defunct.

It's a pretty simple solution to throw dirty clothes in bathtub, add soap, do the traditional grape dance stomp on them, drain, rinse, repeat and throw in dryer. I'm almost thinking, do I really NEED a washing machine. Besides good practice when I'm on a boat.

dhays · #5 (**permalink**) 08-17-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by playdirtca

My wife and I are hoping to buy a live aboard sailboat to cruise the Bahamas and Caribbean this winter. The admiral is buying in on plan but insists on a washing machine. If that's what it takes I will provide it.
We are looking at catalina 400's for many reason's.
Question is where would you suggest putting washing machine?
Boat will be primarily husband and wife with only occasional guests.
Thanks

I have a C400 and I think it a great boat. Having said that, I don't think it would be my choice for a live aboard. It doesn't have a huge amount of storage and I can't imagine where you would put a washer/dryer.

Dave

playdirtca · #6 (**permalink**) 08-18-2011

I am concerned about storage space.
I have been on 470's and 445's. Have not yet been on a 400. Will be going to Annapolis boat show in October and should be able to get on 400 then.
470's have nice volume but are a lot of boat. 445's are sweet but still pricey as they are so new.
Anybody want to comment on suitability of 400 for livability for couple, 6 months a year in Caribbean washing machine issue aside.
We are Canadian eh!
After considering most other brands I like the value factor of the Catalina and a decent centre line island berth and a sugar scoop stern are high on priority list.
Thus the narrow focus.
Appreciated,
Brian

dhays · #7 (**permalink**) 08-19-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by playdirtca

I am concerned about storage space.
I have been on 470's and 445's. Have not yet been on a 400. Will be going to Annapolis boat show in October and should be able to get on 400 then.
470's have nice volume but are a lot of boat. 445's are sweet but still pricey as they are so new.
Anybody want to comment on suitability of 400 for livability for couple, 6 months a year in Caribbean washing machine issue aside.
We are Canadian eh!
After considering most other brands I like the value factor of the Catalina and a decent centre line island berth and a sugar scoop stern are high on priority list.

The C445 is an absolutely beautiful boat in so many ways. It has a lot more storage than my C400. I didn't buy one for a couple reasons however. One of course was the cost. It is an expensive boat and buying a used boat in good condition is so much cheaper. The biggest reason however is that my wife and I are too big for the C445 forepeak berth.

However, if you have the money and you and your wife are only of average height and size, then the C445 may be a great boat. I can't tell you how much I was impressed with it when I was on board.

Still, I love my C400. I think it is one of the best designs out there for a coastal cruiser.

Dave

jorgenl · #8 (**permalink**) 08-19-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by playdirtca

I am concerned about storage space.
I have been on 470's and 445's. Have not yet been on a 400. Will be going to Annapolis boat show in October and should be able to get on 400 then.
470's have nice volume but are a lot of boat. 445's are sweet but still pricey as they are so new.
Anybody want to comment on suitability of 400 for livability for couple, 6 months a year in Caribbean washing machine issue aside.
We are Canadian eh!
After considering most other brands I like the value factor of the Catalina and a decent centre line island berth and a sugar scoop stern are high on priority list.
Thus the narrow focus.
Appreciated,
Brian

I have a C400 as well. I think you will be out of luck getting aboard one during the boat show. Catalina has not had a 400 in the show for the past 3 years, they are also ceasing production of the C400, From what I hera they have about two hulls left.

I would consider a used 470 over a new 445.

playdirtca · #9 (**permalink**) 08-20-2011

All good points. There are some 400's brokered in Annapolis area so I expect a can arrange to get on one or two while there to assess the storage concerns. Maybe a 445 will come up for sale sometime soon as it's looking like the best fit although as usual the most costly option.
Thanks, Brian

MikeinLA · #10 (**permalink**) 08-21-2011

As a Cat 36 owner who has thinking about "moving up" for years, I'm curious that there has been no mention of the Cat 42 as an option. Am I the only one that just LOVES that master stateroom?

Mike