Catalina 27 1980 Opinions

[Ajay73]

Cat 27 at a very good price. Seems OK. What is your view of these boats? Major problems?

[tommays]

Plywood in the original keel sump

Otherwise normal problems of any boat

[jameswilson29]

You might want to read the Jack Horner review:


BoatUS.com: Boat Reviews by Jack Hornor, N.A. - Catalina 27

[Sabreman]

My father owned one of mid-70's vintage and I worked for the dealer too. Installed an inboard for one while working at another yard. Great boat for what it is - Horner's review is accurate. Sailed out of Ocean City NJ and can say with certainty that the outboard is not an effective option even with a long shaft. When the boat pitches, the motor is too far aft that it rises and cavitates. Never really liked the dinette option, but that's personal preference.

[captain conrad]

A cat 27 was my first boat I loved it for six years then moved up to a bigger boat 30ft then 40ft .IF I had it to do over again I would go for a cat 30 just a bit larger but lots more room and not much more in cost!

[Mark1948]

First off what is your intent? As a 27 owner it has been a great boat for day sailing for 2-5 people. Difficult engine access, universal 18 great motor. Not a lot of complex systems and lots of variations. Tall rig with the fin keel might be the best option.

[chuck53]

Originally Posted by captain conrad

A cat 27 was my first boat I loved it for six years then moved up to a bigger boat 30ft then 40ft .IF I had it to do over again I would go for a cat 30 just a bit larger but lots more room and not much more in cost!

Agree that a 30' will offer lots more room for not much more money. Some years ago, my wife and I were in the market for our first boat and had pretty much decided a C-27 would best suit our needs. WE looked at a lot and after looking at one, the broker said he had a 30' we might want to look at. The minute we stepped on board, we knew it was the boat for us. Bought it the next day.

[smackdaddy]

I have a C27. As a first boat, I'd say it's hard to beat. Points like a mofo. But sails enough to make you get better.

[Ajay73]

Originally Posted by tommays

Plywood in the original keel sump

Otherwise normal problems of any boat

I know about this potential problem. As I under stand it the wood is just below a 1/8" layer of glass, so it's pretty close to the top of the keel sump. I've done quite a bit of glass work before so this should not be a problem correcting if necessary.

[Ajay73]

Originally Posted by Mark1948

First off what is your intent? As a 27 owner it has been a great boat for day sailing for 2-5 people. Difficult engine access, universal 18 great motor. Not a lot of complex systems and lots of variations. Tall rig with the fin keel might be the best option.

The intent is just daysailing on the great lakes. This boat is a standard rig and has the 5411Universal 11 hp two cylinder diesel. I noted the engine access but you can get to each side with the hatches that are standard. Hopefully with regular maintenance it will last a long time. Mostly I've read that these boats sail well even with the standard rig.