Catalinia retrofit article?

[Cruisingdad]

Originally Posted by blueranger

Sorry, I didn't mean to touch any nerves. I should have mentioned that the model I'm looking at (but do not own) is indeed a Catalina 27. At the moment all I have is a daysailer. Either way I'm looking at a new (to me), larger boat that given my budget is going to take some overhauling and I'll be doing most of the work myself.

I'm looking for first hand experiences, educated opinions and anecdotal information. Just because someone has crossed the ocean in a 7 foot canoe doesn't mean I'm about to try it. Dove was only 23' IIRC.

On the other hand if I hadn't done a few things that were considered ill-advised I wouldn't have as rich a life (or as many crash and burns).

Eric, thank you for the excellent resources. Peace y'all, and thanks as always for the help and information. The experience on this board is a gold mine for us beginners.

Mike

Mike,

You did not touch any nerves. It is always a debated topic here... always will be. At that size, I think there could be better boat choices. Ask PBeezer about his boat. It would serve that purpose well. THere are others. There is a thread going right now in Gerneal Discussion on a poster that just went from HI to CA on a small boat... I cannot remember the make at the moment. Check with him too.

- CD

[Catalina274me]

Blueranger,
As you can see by my login name I have a Catalina 27. It has been beefed up a little for the Oregon Offshore Race. But I know it's capabilities and would not do what you are planning on. I would coastal cruise with the right weather window but I mostly just cruise the Columbia River. The Columbia River Bar has scared the you know what out of me in this boat, but it can and has made it. You just can't add enough tankage without adding to much weight to go long distance IMHO. Just get a Real Blue Water boat.
Ed

[sailingdog]

John Vigor's book probably has much of the information you're looking for, as mentioned above, especially since you're interested in the Catalina 27, which is the boat that is detailed in the appendices.