C 38, is/can it be a good ocean crosser

[SailorMitch]

Interesting how the old C-38 brochure lists Frank Butler as the designer. He had nothing to do with that design!

[bestfriend]

Looks like the 380 ate too many bon-bons and got a big ass! (Thanks Cam.) I imagine that along with the changes, the overbuilt and over rigged C38 went by the wayside. I like the look of the older, more classic lines.

[Faster]

The 38, as mentioned was Frank Butler's project at S&S, and the one he took with him to Catalina.

The 380 is, I believe, based on a Morgan hull after Catalina's takeover.

Clearly very different boats, thanks for the pics Cam

[SailorMitch]

Did Frank Butler ever work at S&S? I wrote an article on the history of Catalina for Good Old Boat several years ago and talked for hours with him on the phone and at the Naptown boat show. He never mentioned working at S&S. I recall that 38 was designed for another manufacturer and Butler bought the molds when that outfit folded.

Btw, he is quite a guy. And he knows exactly what he is doing with his boats to meet the needs of his customers.

[camaraderie]

I believe that Butler took the S&S hull and redesigned some stuff on deck and mast etc. for Catalina.

[SailorMitch]

Originally Posted by camaraderie

I believe that Butler took the S&S hull and redesigned some stuff on deck and mast etc. for Catalina.

Yes, that is probably more like it.

[Faster]

Originally Posted by SailorMitch

..... I wrote an article on the history of Catalina for Good Old Boat several years ago and talked for hours with him on the phone and at the Naptown boat show. He never mentioned working at S&S. .....
Btw, he is quite a guy. And he knows exactly what he is doing with his boats to meet the needs of his customers.

Sailor Mitch:
I'm sure your information is better than mine and I stand corrected. Not sure where I heard that but it was some time ago and unfortunately it stuck.

Thanks for the correction. And I agree that Catalina has done an excellent job of meeting the market demands and more significantly a great job of updating older designs to appeal to changing markets.

[kwaltersmi]

That original 38 looks very un-Catalina. I like it except for the spade rudder (looks too exposed!).

BTW - The second inset picture of the 38 is a nice shot!