[mgmhead]

At the Annapolis show the only boat I went aboard was the 385 as I was too busy buying equipment and materials for our trip down the ICW. As I stepped aboard I thought the swim platform was very well executed. In the cockpit I was impressed with the beautiful table she was equipped with, an option I'm sure and not standard equipment. Below I was totally underwhelmed. Dare I say I thought it looked very Beneteau-esque. Not taking a shot at Beneteau's but their look is different than the traditional Catalina styling. I didn't like the forward head and thought it quite small. Also didn't like the aft berth which lacked a center-line bunk and appeared to not have room for one if it was offered. Most disappointing was engine access. On my C387 I can access the entire engine, front, rear and both sides by removing the companionway steps and a cowling over the rear of the engine. The 385 rear engine access was through a couple of removable panels. I hate working on things I can't see.

I attended the show on Friday afternoon and there were plenty of people visiting the 385 which limited the ability to really check out storage space.

As we left, my wife and I agreed we were very happy indeed to have a 387 with a center-line berth in the aft cabin. Oh, I think my cockpit is still larger than the 385 too.

Other than that I'm sure it's a fine boat for those that want it...MGM