Catalina 36 Opinions Please

[CatalinaFan]

Well since I'm still boatless.

I love the Catalina 36 Mark I layout, but have never owned or sailed on one.
Driving 600 miles to look at a 1992 on Tuesday.

So help a brother out.


CatalinaFan

[sailingdog]

There's a Catalina 36 Mk II for sale in my marina. Probably out of your price range since I know it was newly commissioned last year.

[tommyt]

I have sailed quite a few times on a 2000 MKII. My understanding of the boats is that with the exception of the sugar scoop stern they are the same boat. Frank Butler is not into dramatic changes. I own and sail a C34, and 1800 of those later the changes are about the same as on the C36...sugar scoop. I believe that they may have powered up a little as well.

The boats come in both a standard and tall rig. The tall rig is great in light air, but I am not certain where you are sailing. With a standard rig most are set up with 150% genoas, and with the tall rig you can get away with a 130%...again dependent on your normal wind conditions.

I loved the configuration of the C36. It is a great family boat. It sails easily and will stand up to more than you will want to handle yourself. I have single handled the boat many times and find it easy to handle even in more difficult situations.

I would sugguest that you do some research on the Catalina 36 website. Since there are so many of the hulls out there, almost all of the Catalinas from 22-47 have member groups. They are a great resourse for new buyers and current owners. If you have a problem you can be sure that someone else has already fixed it...and probably wrote about it.

I believe that the C36 list is at Catalina36.org but a search will confirm it.

Probably the best recommendation for the C34 and especially the C36 came from a dealer that I was shopping for a used boat a few years ago. He was a dealer for Catalina and Beneteau plus a few upscale lines. I told him that I was planning to put the boat in charter to make certain that I had a marina spot as they were/are difficult to come by where I live. His statement was to buy the Catalina, and especially the C36, because the boat is bullet proof. It takes a beating but with a little TLC will still look great as it ages.At the time I was debating similar Benes and Catalinas in the 33-37' range and he had inventory in all of them.

Good luck shopping.

[tommyt]

CatalinaFan,

If you want to sail a C36 I know that there are quite a few listed in yacht charters around the country. I know that Bay Breeze in Traverse City, Mi (Bay Breeze Yacht Charters & Sales) has one in their fleet in Grand Traverse Bay. I have also seen them in the Pacific NW and in Lake Superior (wait till July for that sail).

So, dependent on where you are the best way to find out is to sail one and spend a few days on her.

[Cruisingdad]

CF,

I have no real knowledge of the MKI, but quite a bit of time on a MKII. Very good sailors. Just went out of production, but have been written up in many sailing mags as classic plastic. The MKI's had a few quirks as I recall. I wouldf opt for the MKII if you can. Great boats. You would not be dissapointed.

- CD

[Jaded]

I have owned a 1993 C36 since new. I have friends who have traded down from the MK II to 1992 because of the aft cabin. The 92 should have the 30hp Universal Deisel. I also prefer the older cabin layout (the commonly called MK II interior actually came out in 1993). The MK II started production in mid 1994, and therefore are 1995 models (the model year begins in the previous year). The walk through transom ("sugar scoop") came out in 1992. You lose some storage, but you will probably prefer it. You will be happy with the C36. Try posting on this link for more opinions (be prepared for some negative Hunter owners opinions).