Everything you Need to Know, Catalina - Episode 108 - Lady K Sailing

[@jessekrawiec9691]

Nice video but I have a couple of issues. First, the Catalina smile is only on pre-1989 boats. It's caused by the rotting of hardwood that was used to stiffen the keel stub. The top of the bolts weren't sealed so bilge water could get to it. So as the wood rots it compresses and the opening develops. That is the Catalina smile. The repair you discussed, that you did on Lady K is maintenance and cosmetic. Keels are held to the boat by the bolts and bonding compound (typically 5200). Structurally nothing more needs to be done. But to make them smooth and more efficient in the water (and prettier) the surface area of the hull to keel joint is faired with typically a thickened epoxy with a couple of layers of glass (Catalinas actually use vinylester because it resists osmosis blisters). Through periodic hauling of the boat or from hard groundings it will start to crack. Like you said the epoxy and glass repair is longer and stronger and how I typically choose to address this maintenance item. Lastly, engine hours. I fundamentally disagree that "high" hours on a diesel engine is a bad thing. Low engine hours typically means the engine was used for 5-15 minutes to get on and off the mooring or dock. This is actually the worst thing for diesels because most done run it at full throttle once warmed up and then allow it to cool down before shutting it off. This causes far more issues than anything else. If you want to treat your engine and get years out of it, warm it up for 5-10 minutes, when you are moving run at full throttle for a minute or so and then allow it to cool down at idle for 10-15 minutes. For Catalina (most marine diesels actually) are based on the Kubota tractor engine block that has been used in millions of Bobcats, Skid Steers, tractors, pumps, generators etc. Go to a construction site and watch for the day. The first thing they do is turn on all the machines and let them idle (warm up) and then they run all day (typically through lunch). At the end of the day they idle them for another 20-30 minutes (cool down) before shutting them off for the night. I have personally seen some of these engines go over 250,000 hours without rebuilds and that was in the Northeast where they would run in.weather from sub zero to over100°F. So having 2,000-4,000 hours on a 20 year old diesel is not an issue. But how it was treated and maintained for those years is the issue. We moved to the Caribbean in 2015 and I began working on boats full-time then. I work on a lot of charter boats. For these the generators see the most use and almost never shut down (guests need to have their air conditioning). They also are maintained poorly. Even then most are still getting 15,000 hours. The engines are getting 5,000 hours with again some of the worst maintenance you will ever see. Captains in the Caribbean are often new, not experienced and don't get paid well enough to car about the maintenance. I caught one captain throwing away brand new oil filters. He said the owner counts the number of filters he buys and has on the boat to make sure he was doing the maintenance. But instead of changing the oil he was throwing out brand new filters in the box and a 4 quart bottle of oil (2 of each actually because it was a catamaran). He was on that boat for 3 years and the engines had 4,500 hours. The only time I know the oil got changed was the once a year service I did before it headed to Grenada when I changed the motor oil and filter, fuel filters, impeller, often rebuilt the water pump, saildrive oil and gave it a once over for any other issues. My point is diesel engines die because of poor use practices and poor maintenance, not engine hours. If I was looking at a boat and the engine had 5,000 hours but the previous owner had great maintenance records, I would not hesitate to buy the boat if everything else look and performed well at a sea trial and survey. Fair winds

[@scowley86]

Yep. Wisdom and experience in the wrenching world almost always trumps arm chair conjecture (even if there's some basic truth and good intention behind said conjecture). Maintenance maintenance maintenance. Ye ole' Iron Jenny dont give a dam about hours. She needs maintenance dammit.

[@ocxb]

I love my little 69 coronado 25, sails in rough seas and scoots along in a blow.

[@peer5160]

Owning a Catalina 25 swing keel..... from 1980. I will grow old with her. Love her. She is in perfect shape. Love her till death.

[@locutus8496]

For years now I've been looking into smallish older blue water pocket cruisers such as Pearson Triton 28, Alberg 30, Bristol 27, Cape Dory 30, etc., thinking that if I start with one of those the cruising possibilities would be endless. (I can almost hear the wind in the palm trees of Tahiti calling to me, LOL.) But these boats are hard to find on the West Coast, and the ones I did see seemed pretty cramped and un-livable longer term. In reality, my cruising grounds will probably always be limited to the Pacific Northwest, British Columbia and possibly Southeast Alaska. Phenomenal cruising grounds to be sure, but the Admiral is unlikely to consent to an ocean crossing to the South Pacific Islands. (Nothing happens without the blessing of the Admiral, after all.) To ease myself into the sport, on a budget, I've tried several small boats, starting with a home-built Glen-L 21CB I bought, with trailer, for $100. Had a great week in the San Juans with this ultra cheap boat. Sold after one season. I then built a little Stevenson Skipjack for way too much money and time (It took 2 1/2 years). Beautiful little boat but it sailed like crap so I sold it for a 40% loss in material costs. My first experience with Catalina was a 1977 C22 swing keel. Fixed it up a bit and bought a new mainsail. Again, had a blast in the San Juans and other areas of Puget Sound, and this was a much better experience than with the cramped little Glen-L 21CB. The C22 seemed, at the time, to hit the sweet spot for solo sailing the San Juans and Puget sound. And as a trailer sailor, bonus of no slip fees. After selling the C22, I made the mistake of thinking too big. I bought a 1974 Nicholson 34. No doubt this was an incredibly tough and seaworthy blue water boat, and had in fact sailed on her own keel to the PNW all the way from England, via Panama. But it turned out to be a bit much for me as a single-hander, and was rigged to be sailed by a crew of at least two. Moorage cost was an issue too, so I got a slip in Kitsap County that was cheaper but inconvenient. So I decided it had to go. Sold it within 6 months of purchase. Back to home-built little wooden boats: In January of 2022 I bought a 15 FT Glen-L Minuet needing restoration. I haven't sailed her yet as of Dec. 2022 but it's nearing completion. The whole bottom was rotted out, including the centerboard trunk, so that was pretty major restoration work. Fun project though. Looking forward to launch soon. Meanwhile while the restoration was ongoing, I bought a Catalina 25 on a trailer. This may really be the sweet spot for single handed solo cruising. I can keep it at home in the off season and cruise it in the Summer, avoiding slip fees most of the year. Cozy but comfortable interior, good seaworthiness numbers on Sailboatdata.com. Doesn't need much, maybe new batteries and a bit of rewiring. Haven't launch it yet, as I've been focused on the Minuet restoration. But now, after watching this video and others about the Catalina 30, I'm having second thoughts about the C25. Only 5 FT longer, the C30 seems to be more than twice the boat with an extremely well laid out interior for its size, and seems like it could be comfortably lived in long term. Cost of ownership would be significantly higher than the C25 though, since it would have to be kept in a slip. And around here, that's about $400 to $500 per month depending on the city and marina. I'm sure the Admiral would enjoy the C30 much more, but I balk at the slip fees when I have a perfectly good C25 that won't need a slip. As a working stiff on a budget, for me slip fees are a major consideration. So, I dunno. Both boats are perfectly adequate for the local waters of Puget Sound, San Juans and British Columbia.

[@normanplotkin8105]

When I toured the Florida factory a few years ago they told us that their biggest competition is their old boats! I sail a 1998 Catalina 28mii . It is a very nice small pocket cruiser with all the amenities of a larger cruiser (walk through transom, hot and cold water, nice galley, transom shower, etc..).

[@jamesgudobba2974]

I live on a Catalina c30 built in 1981. Here in Alaska. I've lived abroad her for 8 years. It's my floating hunting cabin.

[@aquaholic3]

Great video and history on Catalina. I own and LOVE my 1995 270 designed by Douglas, who just retired last November. Sadly Frank Butler has passed away. As you mentioned, I appreciate the fact you can call Catalina and get a live person to speak and ask any questions. I’ve owned. Any sailboats in my life, but this one is by far the best I’ve ever owned.

[@grecopena]

I owned a Cat 22 in the early 80’s swing keel and loved it. Sailed it many times from Long Beach to and around Catalina with my wife and first two children. I also raced it. Fantastic value and a stout little boat.

[@cgrovespsyd]

Our first boat was a new Catalina 350, which we loved and wouldn’t have traded it but we got an offer on a new Catalina 445 that we couldn’t refuse. We have bare boat chartered numerous 42-44 foot Beneteaus and Jeanneaus and the 445 (which we really love!) is far superior. We are still going strong after 13 years and it is set up for extensive off the grid anchoring out. It has handled a number of unexpected storms in Lake Michigan (8 foot waves and 3-5 second wave periods) with aplomb. Having said that, I wouldn’t recommend doing so, especially as we, including our dogs, didn’t especially enjoy it. In addition, our son has a 1984 Catalina 27 which is still an excellent boat and super fun to sail. And the below deck area is surprisingly big and well laid out.

[@Catalina27]

The smile is usually attributed to improper blocking of the keel when on the hard, the bottom of the keel is at a slight angle and this must be accounted for when blocking and setting the stands. Just what I’ve found and not the only factor, just one that can cause separation even though there is no rooted wood involved.

[@neptunethedog7498]

Glad to hear of your hard groundings.....makes me happy, sort of.

[@michaeldenicola6725]

Great review of Catalina sail boats. I have sailed on a lot of Catalina's 30, 320 a 380 and the 42. The one i like the best is the 42, the 320 and then the 380. The newer boats are not in my price range, but are still very nice boats. Thank you for sharing and safe sailing.

[@LadyKSailing]

Thank you for watching!

[@loganoneill8671]

Just bought a 1984 Catalina 30’, this video was very informative. Thanks.

[@peteroneill2633]

Many thanks for all your great reviews. U r the man. I’m pretty new to sailing but your insight is invaluable. Again, many thanks. Please keep doing you are doing. Cheers mate.

[@LadyKSailing]

Thanks for watching!

[@bzrider29]

O bought a 1977 cat 30 in 1997 as a full time liveaboard cruiser. I moved my family aboard and started cruising with no expierience. When I had boat questions I relied on Catalina by phone . Their Customer service was amazing. They would even send us . Updated parts free of charge.( chain plates, bulkhead ties. Inspection points and direction. Great boats. Great company. The boat made it through 3 named storms and finally sold due to a direct lightning strike crysalizing the keel . Melting the mast ground to the keel bolts.

[@TheFalconJetDriver]

Must First sail boat was a Catalina 22 Swing keel with the pop up top. I had a lot of enjoyment on that boat. I bought it used in 1993 had 2 years and bought a Irwin 45 Ketch., that was Blue Water Sail Boat. It was easy to handle, I sailed it several times from the upper mid Atlanic states to the BVI’s ( I do not like to admit I resided in South Jersey) enough about me. I really enjoyed this video, and I learned a few things. Thank you.😁🛫

[@clarkkent772]

We purchased a 2005 Hunter 41DS. My neighbor purchased a 2006 Catalina 42. Storage on my Hunter was twice that of his Catalina because there is no storage behind the cabinets as they are mounted all the way out to the hull. With the rake of the hull the only garbage can under the galley sink that would fit was a small two gallon can. On our Hunter we had a 15 gallon can. I agreed that you can “Modify” your Catalina to get some storage but with the Hunter you don’t have to. 😎

[@steveburke7675]

I've owned 2 Catalinas...a 1984 C22, my first boat and a 1990 C30. They are well made simple boats with great parts availability. Sailed both all over the Salish Sea for a combined total of 17 yrs. My 1990 C30 did have some "smile" issues...over 12 yrs of ownership I repaired the smile twice during routine haulouts...it's an easy fix. The C30 does need a downwind sail. Currently looking at a C36. Cheers.

[@MrNewcast]

Until a year and a half ago I had a 1982 C25 and absolutely loved it. Sailed lake Huron and trailered to Cape Coral, Fl. in the winter to sail the keys. Was very easy to sail and just have fun with. Now have Beneteau 321 in Florida but some days (usually all summer) back here in Michigan I miss my C25. Very interesting video. Keep them coming. P.S. The factory is near Tampa Florida and tours are given. It is worth it just to see how these boats are built.

[@okcpicker]

By and large, Catalinas are very fine boats for their intended purpose which does not include extended offshore bluewater cruises. I crewed on a number of boats on San Francisco Bay, back in the early 80's when the ULDB's were all the rage. Catalinas were regarded by the serious racing crowd as inferior slow pokes, yet those overpriced, mostly underbuilt ULDB's, (I won't mention builders) haven't been in production for years and aren't worth much on the used market if you can find one that's still afloat. We owned and sailed our first boat, a Catalina 22 swing keel on the bay in conditions the boat was never designed for, yet we learned to handle the high winds and we survived. We've had several yachts over the years, but none has given us as much owner satisfaction as the Catalinas. We now have a Catalina Capri 16 WK and a good old Catalina 25 fin keel, not the fastest or coolest boats compared to some hot rods we had back in the 90's, but we sail in confidence now in our golden years. Catalinas have stood the test of time.

[@micahgerdis1008]

Frank Butler unfortunately died Nov. 15th 2020... Hopefully the company is in good hands to continue his great legacy.

[@stevepolson7359]

We own a 2006 42 that we've sailed down the Pacific coast from Canada to Mexico so they are certainly capable cruisers. Many have traversed oceans with Hawaii and the south Pacific popular destinations. The high freeboard makes for a relatively dry ride in all but the worst conditions. But sure, if my goal was Cape Horn or the Indian Ocean I would choose a different boat. Where it counts, Catalina went the extra mile. The hull is solid glass below the waterline and cored above with a modern glass ladder frame to add stiffness. The separatefor added rigidity in the stern. The hull shape itself is a nice trade-off between comfort and performance. It's not perfect as the interior storage isn't all it could be and there are no real sea berths. But it's very comfortable at anchor and considering this is where you spend 90% of your time it seems like a reasonable trade-off. In terms of value for $$$ you'd be hard pressed to find better.

[@nitzansneh5552]

Great review and here I do agree. I have owned a Catalina 28 Mk II tall rig and fin keel back in the mid 90’s. An excellent boat and the basic build quality. There were annoying compromises on the fittings, but overall very good. Over the years I moved to more serious blue water cruisers but really appreciate the package provided by Catalina.

[@idiotbob5026]

We had a 1975 Mark II Columbia 26 ft, LOVED it! we now own a 2001 Catalina 22 ft Mark II, only for a year now but enjoying it.

[@just-dl]

I’m glad I watched this. Thank you.

[@LadyKSailing]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@gonefishing1939]

I have always been a fan of Catalinas, i was actually the old owner of the 36 Catalina your talking about, Barefoot. I have sailed over 30 years and had many boats. the thing that amazed me the most, the 36 so fast. my best speed was 8.9mph in 25mph winds. i sure do mis that boat. to comment, yes, she was awesome. very well made and roomy.

[@stephenfishman4964]

My wife and I lived aboard a (new) Catalina 320 from 1994 to 1998 in Kemah, TX. We had some issues with water not draining in the grid below the sole but solved it by using s hole saw to cut 1" and 1 1/2" tunnels between grid sections and installing a second automatic bilge pump. Frank wanted to see our solution and we talked about other things, such as accessories we added that we supplied only for the larger boats. He was a nice guy but insisted the only canvas colors should be either teal or blue. Ours was gray (Lady Greyhawke, or Lady G for short).

[@aquaholic3]

Really enjoyed this history and information on Catalina. I own a 1995 Catalina 270. Would love know more about this history of that model. I 100% agree with your statement that the people at Catalina are very responsive and caring of their customer.

[@ushillbillies]

so 5 years ago we were finally in a a position to by a the boat of our dreams after 17 years sailing our Mac26x .. we looked at so many boats it was eye watering that is except Catalina. we seen the one we now own on line and it was obvious it was rite for us , Catalina 380..99 model , she was a bit neglected , and had some not so obvious issues that the brokers buddy surveyor didn't see the need to put in the report , but we managed to make a deal far less than we had budget for . since owning this boat we are still learning about its attributes..

[@WindwardToEden]

Good video, like hearing about the Catalinas. We just bought a Catalina 25, 1984 Tall rig fin keel. So far, we like it. Needs some work. Sails well. It's our first sailboat larger than a sunfish, so it will be interesting sailing her around the Great Lakes in all kinds of conditions to see what she does. We named her SV Yemoja. Great to learn the history and what you had to say. With ours, we plan on playing with it a bit...from adding a swimming platform, to adding a second furler and bowsprit. Possibly even a windless. Some solar, and more? It's not what we plan on liveaboard on in a few years when the kids are gone, but hope it will do for now. Again, thanks for this video on Catalinas! Love your work. Nick

[@aeastman59]

love these stories about the different types of boats!!

[@LadyKSailing]

Glad you like them!

[@johnnybehealthy5720]

Amazing boats! I did a lot of research and ended up buying a Catalina 30. Amazing customer support. Access to parts and hardware is unsurpassed by other boat manufacturers. I am refitting my boat, so for me this is very important.

[@ThomasColeFZ]

Excellent video Tim. I really enjoy this style of video especially the ones with historical insight. Please keep up the good work.

[@tomd.3082]

When I started boat shopping, I looked at a Catalina that was supposedly refit from stem to stern. Unfortunately, some people don't know what "refit" means and it turned out to be a piece of junk. So, I bought a 41 year old Gulf Star 37. S/V Celtic Star

[@timcastle165]

My wife and I got our ASA101 certifications on a Catalina 22, very well handling boat and handled fairly stiff winds very well. If we were in the market, we would shop for a Catalina for sure..

[@patweber3733]

Great Video, I have owned a Catalina 27 Tall Rig for 10 years and am now just getting around to dealing with the famous Catalina Smile. I plan to use a product from West Systems called G Flex to fix the issue. I hadn't planned on using glass, but after the video I may look at that as well. I did purchase some 1708 fiberglass in case it may be needed. I sail out of Marina Real in San Carlos, Mexico, so getting all the materials necessary is sometimes a challenge. There are people at the dry dock that do great work, so I'm sure it can be taken care of. I did talk to Catalina and they asked why I was going to check the keel bolts as they should not need it. I was a little confused as everything I have read says to do exactly that. I was told the torque is 30lbs. which seemed low, but that is what I will check them against.

[@Mechone11]

don't waste your time with gflex it doesn't flex in fact it cracks ,better off with 5200

[@patweber3733]

@@Mechone11 Thanks

[@unclebob6728]

I had both a Capri 22 and Capri 14.2. They were both great little boats. Thank you for the content.!

[@mariuszkijowski2180]

Thank you! Interesting video, lots of useful information.

[@Russellsperry]

I’ve almost bought a Catalina a couple times, and I’m sure glad you made this video.

[@kailaniandi]

I love my old Catalina 30.

[@erickamekonapeper4007]

I learned on a Coranado 25!! I love her!! It was Hull number 69 and I heard she sailed the Picific Cup and Transpack both ways on her own Keel but I heard it from the man who sold it to us so I would defer to the experts for final say but it’s a nice story and that keel was AWESOME! for me! 😌🖖🏼❤️🇺🇸

[@markleyg]

Catalina 38s were used for the Congressional Cup.

[@dtrguy2707]

Great video! I’ve enjoyed many of your videos. Very well produced! On the subject of Catalinas… I have several boats on my short list of notable boats of interest… such as Morgan 382,3,4; Tartan 37, Hunter 37C, now I stumbled across Catalina 36 MK1 as a possibility. I think you mentioned having cruised one in fact. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the only caveat I really see to the design and that’s a non skeg rudder. I know your boat is similar as well. Our uses are mainly Bahamas/Caribbean. Thanks!

[@wow.sailor.]

Thanks Sailor great episode

[@johnnyhag675]

Excellent video. Thanks for sharing.

[@drivingmsali]

I’ve known several Catalina’s to cross the South Pacific. I know we love ours!

[@bobdailey9533]

Good job Tim!

[@rwblocker]

Great video, thanks for all the info!

[@petec9686]

Any thoughts on the C30? Looked at one the other day. Solid boat. Just looks like 1974 inside, even though it’s an ‘80. Would use for coastal cruising New England and maybe eventually head down to the Caribbean. Love it’s galley layout, mid engine location great access and the saloon is enormous for a 42year old 30 fter

[@erikkarauss2944]

Appreciate you taking the time to share your knowledge and insight. Glad to also see a new video posting!

[@jackscott9928]

Love the new segment your doing keep it up !!!

[@ketchingmy2ndwindsvchopsticks]

Very informative!! My 1st boat was a 1978 Catalina 30" ⛵ Hull # 1012... 👍

[@cskaplan]

I also enjoy these videos. I have been watching the used market for while and it seems that Catalinas hold their value pretty well, especially the mark IIs. My impression is they they take a conservative approach to their designs where Hunter is more innovative. I have heard similar complaints about Catalina sacrificing accessibility for a more appealing look, kind of form over function.

[@Steelshooter]

I've owned a Catalina 30, 34, and now a Beneteau 440. My next boat will be another Catalina.

[@timothysomers2489]

What draws you back to a Catalina after owning a Beneteau? Never owned either but always assumed Beneteau was the pinnacle.

[@billhanna8838]

If the 44 is the farr designed one it is a great sailboat - except those winches on the coachroof, Bugger When your doing a watch & you have to tack , gotta call the below watch up, but fast & stiff

[@atreyuprincipalh4043]

Thank You For this great video,I own a cat 30 mk 2...I love her

[@jimswemba9851]

I had a 1980 Catalina 27. Repaired a lot of wet plywood core. Chipped out all the totally wet plywood they put in the keel stub and glassed in seven layers of 1708. Also took out all the plywood that they put in the deck beam that ran athwart the mast step. That beam you see from the inside is full of plywood. Unfortunately what Catalina did was run mast cable/wiring down through the mast step and through that plywood. Water just drips, drips, drips down the mast and cable over the years and nicely wets out all that plywood. My keel stub and the athwart beam were all soaking wet. Why did Catalina ever put so much plywood in area that were bound to have water get in, I can't imagine. Very poor design thinking. They eventually did away with the keel stub plywood but not until the last year or two of the C27 production run. And all the boat wiring was glassed in between the deck core so you couldn't get at any of it. Humm? Wonder why it was designed that way? Also, the deck coring was plywood instead of end grain balsa. The way the deck was built was to spray gelcoat in the mold, then, fiberglass, then plywood in the mold. So far so good. But no finishing layer of glass was put on the plywood as almost every other boat builder does. They poured in a polyester slurry over the plywood and let in cure up. I'm sure they did that to save labor and material cost. Then they bring in the headliner to finish out the deck assembly. That headliner is paper thin. I would be very careful buying a C27 or a C30 because of what I experienced and had to fix.

[@ToddMoore1]

Always a pleasure to see your vids!

[@janicearmstrong9645]

I like your positive review of Catalina and specifically the C42 .Regards Harley sv Folly

[@liveaboardsailor3787]

I’d love to see a video just on the Catalina 42. Production run, number of hulls built are impressive. It also straddles that design trend from moderate stern to today’s excessively wide docking nightmare designs!

[@markpoinelli]

Great Video. Was wondering were you've been. Recently been going back through your Bahama's trip. Damn you did a great Job. Keep it going!!

[@SV_DogHouse]

Awesome info!

[@svStargate]

Forgot to mention the Yankee connection. That’s when Frank bought the mold from the Yankee 38, a S&S IOR design with tumblehome , and that’s when the Catalina 38 was born...

[@eldridgerawls4983]

I own a Catalina SS 38 1982. Hull # 173. It is a love affair that is beyound description.

[@svStargate]

@@eldridgerawls4983 yes it is. I own #198

[@mountainmandale1587]

Pretty good video, and good job on the toss ins. Sputnik was great! Missing the VinWiki shirt, my brother!🤣

[@martijamesn]

I was just gifted a 1977 Catalina 22 needs some work but I'll have her out on Lake Erie next summer

[@philiporourke7896]

Great vid, thanx.

[@jasonmcintosh2632]

I love these boat info videos. Great job! I also love your theme song. Great tune. Where did you get it?

[@danvitale1825]

When I had to make a decision on my first boat, it had to be a Catalina 22, the finest first boat ever.

[@svStargate]

I have own several sailboats, and I’m also on the boat refit business. Have worked on all the brands that you just mentioned., and Catalina is way ahead of those you mentioned. That’s why I decided to get one. Catalina’s construction is really solid.... some of those you mentioned are really cheaply built. Starting with Iron keels and weak hull keel joints (That’s why they can’t withstand a hard grounding without any hull damage), cheap plywood hidden behind nice veneer in the interior, really thin hulls, crappy hull/deck joints, and the list goes on... those are the ones I call Tupper boats or Hyundais..

[@clayfarnet970]

Wait a second, you’ve worked on Hyundai? 😂😂😂

[@svStargate]

@@clayfarnet970 nope... bu those are really crappie cars. LOL

[@sheddski2942]

hey hyundais are creaping up in quality trying to beat out toyota and honda

[@jeffallen8026]

@@sheddski2942😂

[@svmagnolia]

Great video with good information and history. I've owned both Catalinas and Hunters (Cat 22 and Cat 30, Hunter 23, 28.5, and currently a 410), and can't say too much negatively about any of them. They are all decent boats for their purpose and price point, although my '86 Cat 30 was relatively slow and backed like a pig. Like you, I really like the Catalina 42 and came very close to buying one. On a different note, I saw a Canadian-flagged cruiser in the anchorage next to my marina at Solomons- have the Covid-related border restrictions been eased for cruising boats?

[@markleyg]

I had a first year production Catalina 22, hull number 220.

[@cdr-sailor]

The January 2021 issue of _Sailing_ magazine brought news that Frank Butler died on November 15 at age 92.

[@ushillbillies]

May he rest in PEACE

[@sheddski2942]

the funny thing is i never seen catalina smile in all the boats i looked at but for some reason i noticed Sabre 28 30 having the Keel Smile and seen boatyard repairing a 30 sabre and found out i knew who owned it he said this is the second time so he hired a professional to repair it

[@romansivers]

Excellent video! Any chance you could do Nonsuch next?

[@MondoRockable]

I know this video is 3 years old, and a number of events have taken place during that time. Frank Butler passed in 2020, and Gerry Douglas retired in 2022. Being 2023, who owns Catalina Yachts these days? I can't seem to find any info on the company structure or strategy. Thx.

[@SteelDoesMyWill]

Not sure where you are getting your info about NACRA catamarans being a Catalina brand. It's not NARCA (NAR-KA), it's NACRA (NACK-RA) which stands for North American Catamaran Racing Association. While I find it believable that Catalina may have helped NACRA with manufacturing under contract, Catalina never had any ownership interest. I have no idea how Prindle Cats fit into that either. Catalina and NACRA were both manufactured in Orange County, So Cal up until the early 90's (maybe late 80's), Catalina moved to Florida and NACRA went bust in the early 90's and was purchased by a Dutch Corp who still owns the company and builds the Cats in Europe. BTW, I own a NACRA 5.2 from 1977 and a Catalina 22 from 1985 (both made in SoCal). Catalinas are great little boats for inshore and near shore recreational sailing, but their overall materials, craftsmanship, and quality are TERRIBLE, I'd never trust my life to a Catalina for bluewater sailing. I agree with other comments here that the best design was the Sparkman & Stephens deigned hull of the Catalina 38, but that was the hull only, not the cabin or interior (which in turn was ugly and poorly built). The same S&S hull design from the C38 can be found on other production boats that have far better construction quality and nicer design, I can't remember which models they were but I think you can still find that info on the S&S blog.

[@albertbraun2055]

I've owned 3 Catalinas over 26 years, a 27, 320 and a 36, loved them all! Confused about the start of the Catalina line. I bought a new Catalina 27 in 1970 and Catalinas were popular then. You talk about 1968 as the start of the line, confused.

[@paulcailliet9942]

Nice informative vid as I’m contemplating buying, now retired, last time sailing owning was a Newport 32 back in early 80s - and I would longingly look at the Catalina 38s near me in Redondo Beach. I bought the Newport new, but couldn’t afford new now; so one question is how old can I safely go on a used boat, also considering lenders and insurance, as well as not going into a money pit?

[@daveholt9313]

One of my sailing goals is to be qualified to charter a sailboat in the Virgin Islands or other similar destinations. I'm wondering what certificates or licenses charter companies require that I could begin earning. Maybe an episode about this?

[@LadyKSailing]

ASA is usually what people consider the standard. I'd look into that but yes, illl see about putting a video together :)

[@brnhzrd]

Not one word about the 250...

[@Zseselja]

RIP Frank

[@elmerburley7710]

What do you think about the island packet?

[@LadyKSailing]

Have a review coming up! Aboard one!!

[@ES-xc6fk]

Thanks Tim for talking about the seam where the keel meets the boat. I am the guy that has the Grampian G23 that I want to get set to do the east coast and then jump over to the bahamas. Still would be interested to pay for someone like you to consult with about some of my plans and ideas.

[@timothysomers2489]

E S, let me know how that goes. I'm out here in Ottawa with a 74 Grampian 26. Like to know how your boat handles it. Fair winds 😷

[@ES-xc6fk]

@@timothysomers2489 How long have you had your G26, I think your boat was supposed to be the most popular of the grampians. [e-mail] is my email if you want to talk sometime.

[@timothysomers2489]

@@ES-xc6fk I just bought this G26, from ironically, the new webmaster of the Grampian Owners site. I've got your email, and I'll keep in touch.

[@LadyKSailing]

Hey you should really talk to Candice. She just got her own sailboat, a g23!!!

[@timothysomers2489]

@@LadyKSailing Thanks Tim! Keep up the great work. I find myself rewatching your technical videos often.

[@benkanobe7500]

What is the last year/model of Catalina I don't have to be concerned it was amongst the smiling Catalinas?

[@cindyrodger4867]

I am interested to know what 42’ model and interior layout from Catalina you would recommend. My husband and I are considering a Catalina and would appreciate your advice. Thanks

[@marcoslusso2163]

Can you put a number on what you consider high hours? I understand that maintenance plays a significant role on the engine but considering a well maintained and a poor maintained engine, what are the number of hours to stay away in each situation?

[@user-dy2qq5wh4b]

Anyone have advice between a new Catalina 445 or a new Beneteau 445 Oceanis (both having all the options and additions) for day sailing on the freshwater Great lakes, US? (for a newbie sailor)

[@vidguy007]

Hank McCune, an early pioneer of fiberglass boats, who had some terrible business practices, built the Victory 21, Champion 21, Olympian, and many others, including some popular cruising boats, like the Yorktown line, which you see to this day. Hank, an early TV host, who was credited with inventing the laugh track, (Wikipedia) built boats right up until about 1990, no he didn’t leave the country, Butler attempted to buy a Victory 21 back when there was a high demand for them, (early 60s) and had trouble getting it built. Hank, being a genius at some things, follow through not being one of them, so Frank Butler helped build his own Victory 21, taking over the line for his own company and reworking the molds, Hank liking round things, Butler, not so much. My guess is you are not aware of Hank McCune, a man who built some really ugly boats, being the first to use fin keels, spade rudders, and fiberglass techniques others copied On the larger Yorktowns, he’d build the hull with hallow keel, then “someone” would build the interior. They would then launch the ballast less hull, floating on its side, where they would add weight to the bottom of the hallow keel until the boat floated level then fill the bilge with concrete until it was on its lines No other builder takes the weight of the interior seriously which is why just about all boats, including my fiberglass trawler, float tilting towards the side with the galley, which weighs more than the dinette opposite I saw a Yorktown 33 that ran into a concrete pipe and damaged the pipe, the hull surviving quite nicely

[@clarkkent772]

The problem with newer Catalinas 2000-2010 is that they have very limited storage for longer cruises.

[@jessekrawiec9691]

Not really. It's very easy to retrofit some more storage if you plan to have less crew and cruise more. My wife and I have lived on a 2001 Catalina 310 for 8 years now. We are in the Caribbean and carry 4 plus months of food during hurricane season.

[@moriver3857]

Awesome video and very informative. Ou know your stuff. There's a Catalina 42 for sale with wing keel, next to my boat in a boatyard, and you're right, they are beatiful. But the $128k asking price is too rich for my blood. You're also right about customer loyalty for the product. I know several Catalina owner of 36 Mark II that bought their boats new in the nineties and still sailing them. Customer support is a great selling point here, as well as the production run. I walked away from a Catalina 34 once, only because the seller couldn't come up with documentation for many repairs on bow and mast step on compression post below the cabin sole, so by watching the surveyor body language, I walked. Im going to subscribe and possibly join the Patreon line up. Keep the video format.

[@rickzwolinski]

Hello, Could you tell me what most bids on sailboats are ? Im looking at a Catalina 320, 1997. Asking is 99,000. I want to offer 85,000 once I have a look at it and I like it of course. Your input please

[@MycSailor]

Bolt on keel no way!

[@harveyg845]

Are Catalina's not capable of doing more than just trips to the islands? What is your take on the thin hulls and thin rigging rumors? Does someone have too buy a Hans Christian to sail from Florida to Hawaii ?

[@scott.wallace8625]

From mexico too hawaii is just one long run. You could do it in a catalina 22. If you like squatting all the time...

[@harveyg845]

@@scott.wallace8625 Thanks Scott, I know that South America would be a little bit of a speed bump to sail from Florida to Hawaii LOL. I was looking to hear more about build quality, why people say or think that a Catalina cant do longer rougher passages without sinking out from under you. I have seen videos where they have been seen all over the Asia's.

[@scott.wallace8625]

@@harveyg845 so my understanding is alot of these boats are built with 3 moulds #1 hull #2 hull liner #3 deck. So the liner is part of the strength of the hull. It keeps you from getting too the hull incase of a puncture. My westerly is preatty much the british version of the catalina 22 but built to withstand the north sea. No core in the deck all glass. Still a tralier boat. And just everything is beefed up over a catalina or coronado. Those were built for fun weeked boats or regatta fun and are great for that.

[@scott.wallace8625]

@@harveyg845 kzbin.info/www/bejne/jp_We5mugsilebs this guy local to me describes a falmouth 22 beats mine although he used to have a cirrus. Alot of the differece is yes you can beef up gear on the sailboat but the keel weight of the boat keeps the mast pointing up in insane seas. The rigging doctor on youtube ha good explinations on these things so does tom cudliff? Retired british cruiser

[@scott.wallace8625]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4bMYZqprbt7kK8

[@nonormies2837]

So you’re saying you have a sparkman and stevens columbia northstar hughes 35

[@ALSmith-zz4yy]

I thought you meant the island.

[@gerryduquette6717]

Never never use hunter in the same sentence as Catalina .........😡😁😁

[@popsoldboats3406]

Wait what about this one. My thick hulls of my catalina 30 can crush a 35 hunter and still be seaworthy?

[@mountainmandale1587]

I've had both, and the Hunter gave me less trouble. I wasn't a fan of going downwind on her, but she was a beautiful lady with lots of room.

[@GrampalettasCamp]

Loved hearing the history of the company. I’ve sailed on all these brands and lengths. After watching a Cat 34 and a Columbia 29 bump each other far a few hours in side by side slips during a nor’easter I will never own a Catalina. The deck/hull joint is too exposed. The Columbia with a metal rail (like C&C) was fine but the Cat had a 3’ long gap at the joint and you could see the interior

[@bertram46]

When I think of a Catalina, I think of its power boat counterpart as a Bayliner (Meridian) or a Carver.......? What would be the Bertram, Hatteras, Tiara equivalent? Riva=Nautor Swan?

[@airborneranger-ret]

Here's what I need to know - where can I buy one? ;)

[@kevinhildum9186]

I had a Catalina 25 a Catalina 30 and a Catalina 36. And I have to say the Catalina 25 is faster than the 30 in fact the Catalina 30 is about the slowest boat on the water. But my favorite boat was the Catalina 36. I also had a Yorktown 39 aft cockpit that boat was okay but it was built by Hank McEwen or however you spell his last name and that thing was listing to Port the top deck was put on crooked and it didn't look too good listing to port and being able to go to the bow and see the deck twisted. that boat sailed around the world prior to me owning it though so whatever. Anyone out there thinking of buying a Yorktown I would just have to tell you to just say no.

[@joeldelamirande5792]

Don’t forget cnc

[@alpgurpinar7285]

👍😊