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bear_tm4
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USA
143 Posts

Initially Posted - 07/14/2007 : 22:33:47

Dave I took your advice. Btw, I still cant get the email thing to work, logged in to site every way I can think of.

Anyway, MY Question?? I am looking at upgrading from my lovely Catalina 25, (not now, lol soon if 4-5 years counts as soon)
I am considering another Catalina, I love the way the boat is easy to work on, owner support from the company and other owners is over the top when compared to other boats that are out there, you search Catalina you find it all owners company you name it...and easy to use compared to someone else...Hummmm....

(forgot to mention the more boat for you buck thing, thats pretty big part to)
SO, The boat that I have been really looking at for awhile is a Catalina 36, love the lines and all the good stuff I have read, but just recently I read about how some feel that the Catalina 42 is the 36's big sister, so, I started looking at the 42.
My goal is to use the boat for costal cruising, right now not limiting myself to a coast East or West, and would like to sail to Hawaii possably, (guess thats off shore)...as well as the Caribbean, Belize, (special request cruise, there) so all kinds of places. So This is where all you great previous owners come in with your wealth of advice, bias and good humor,....So Let me have.
Cheers happy sailing,

Thanks to Dave for the great Idea, what I like about Catalina owners, wealth of good ideas....

Capt.Bear, C42MKII "Surprise" #998 WK

Edited by - on

britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 07/15/2007 : 06:06:57

Dave, if you are logged in when you read this (At the top right of the page you will see either Login or Logout in big big text) then, click on my name above the posts count of this post over on the left, you should see my profile, then click on the link Email (one click) Email User.

Paul.

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 07/15/2007 : 09:55:59

"Bear" is Barry... I'm Dave.

Barry: You don't have to sign into the members' area--just do what Paul describes from right here. You can test it by sending one to yourself (I presume).

Everything you say about Catalina is true--new or used, I think they generally provide the best value and support across the board. I'm sure Oscar will weigh in on the 42, and a few others can talk about their 34s (which I really like--especially the Mk II). If I were a "couple" now, we'd likely be in a 320 or 34/II (unless I came across a Cape Dory 36 cutter in good shape!

)

That said, if I wanted to sail to Hawaii, I probably wouldn't choose a Catalina (even though I know a C-42 won its class in the Transpac). My feeling is if you're gonna be several days from anywhere with nowhere to hide and the weather forecast turns out to be wrong, you want something heavier, with more of a bridge deck, keel, and other blue-water characteristics. But that's just me, and I'm not doing that in any case.

Have fun gathering your data! But don't wait forever!

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 07/15/2007 11:27:43

existentialsailor
Master Marine Consultant

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1180 Posts

Response Posted - 07/15/2007 : 11:59:53

I think for the kind of money you could spend on a C42, listed from $60-308K on Yachtworld, and the type of sailing you say you want to do, I'd take a look at a Caliber 40.

Edited by - on

johnsonp
Admiral

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USA
606 Posts

Response Posted - 07/15/2007 : 15:06:23

I met some members at the Seattle boat show....

http://www.oceancruisingclub.org/

I'm just a wanta be.
paulj

Edited by - on

Admin
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460 Posts

Response Posted - 07/16/2007 : 11:47:02

Hey Barry, after you log on in the upper right hand corner from the main screen does the following screen show "LOGOUT" next to your username (in the same location as the login)?

Edited by - on

Oscar
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2030 Posts

Response Posted - 07/16/2007 : 13:27:30

Yup, I'll weigh in. All around, the 42 is in it's class the best value, depending on your needs. In my case it was coastal cruising with three real sleeping cabins, two heads, lots of volume below and a low price of admission.......

I can always pick my weather. I'm never more than a day to a day and a half from a US shore, and the data allow to paint the picture accurately enough to know that I most likely won't encounter anything I can't handle.....Mind you, I've been in 40 to 45 knot winds and although "sporting" it was quite manageable. When we're talking much more than that I want to get off the lake, although I'm sure the boat would probably not let me down as configured now....

Crossing oceans is a different story. You WILL encounter weather you didn't ask for sooner or later. And, more importantly, assistance is not always near. The day to a day and a half off shore I mentioned above is a two hour helicopter ride..... Halfway to Hawaii there is only a large ship to pluck you out of your raft.....and they may be more than a day away. The transpac is a busy affair with lots of boats around, boats that will come to the aid of fellow racers.

So, you have to plan for a different scenario. As is, my 42 is not ready for that, and getting it ready is quite the job. I would have to remove things I have in now, to add mods. In fact, it would be better to start with a bare, "standard" boat.

Things I would do include, but are not limited to SSB, inner forestay with runners, crash bulkead in the front. A waterproof bulkead between the lazarettes and the engine room (now one big open space)
mods to bunks for prolonged sleeping at sea, more support for working in galley, improved waterproofing and reinforcing of hatch and companion way, in other words :"Picture this thing on it's side under a few tons of water....."

Which begs the next question, one of economics. Will all these mods put you in a price range where you can buy a boat that has all this in place?

The above would imo hold true for any Catalina.

No easy answers.....

Edited by - Oscar on 07/16/2007 13:35:58

Admin
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Response Posted - 07/16/2007 : 14:32:48

In my mind I am seeing Tartan, Island Packet, Morgan, O'day, Swan, Jeneauu, Nelson Marek etc. as a boat that would be suitable for a trip to Hawaii.

All of them in the 40 or larger range as far as LOA.

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 07/17/2007 : 09:35:54

O'Day?? With all due respect (and I like many O'Days), if you've ever been near a Pacific or N. Atlantic storm with 30' breaking seas, 1000 miles from anywhere......

(What's LA-Hawaii--2400 miles?)

As Oscar says, once you're really out there, you'll get caught eventually. The biggest O'Days and Catalinas are very nice, roomy, coastal cruiser/racers with many vulnerabilities, starting with their medium-duty rigs, exposed rudders and comfortable companionways.

If I buy a boat to cross oceans, it'll be a Valiant.

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 07/17/2007 09:38:39

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Response Posted - 07/17/2007 : 13:29:06

I only said that because I was under the impression - based on conversations with the marine surveyor and other sailors - that the larger (39 and 40) O'days were built for real off-shore cruising. (not because I own one)

Those two models were designed by Jeanneau (sp?) and have some serious offshore rigging as standard. I'll give you the comfortable companionway and rudder - but not the rigging.

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 07/18/2007 : 19:50:31

Here's my choice--she just visited us here in Mystic...

You can Google "Hetairos" to see more. Actually, there's a little too much wood for me--like the entire boat (except the rig that includes a mizzen boom about the size of my boat).

Think they're yelling "Starboard"?

Edited by - on

Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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6855 Posts

Response Posted - 07/21/2007 : 13:19:54

Okay, how about one of these hans christian things

The guy across from me at Edgewater just came back from roughly 18-20 months of sailing the boat around the world in one of these 38 footers....

After looking at this thing, the definition of Brick $@##@$ house has just been upgraded.

Edited by - on

John Russell
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3444 Posts

Response Posted - 07/21/2007 : 13:39:55

How'd he get that pilothouse to balance on the boom?????

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bear_tm4
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143 Posts

Response Posted - 08/04/2007 : 22:42:16

Well thanks for all the input, sorry I have not been around much, my wife passed away this last month so have been super busy.
I think I have made my choice, I looked at some other boats...Caliber 40 is a really cool choice...and one I might consider in the future...but decided to stick with Catalina and go with the 42. I am working with St. Louis sails...the are great...have treated me really well....so I am really happy with there help. They are going to have the boat delivered to Green Turtle Bay on Lake Barkley. I will sail her on Kentucky lake, to start with then branch off from there. I thought it would be a great boat for the stuff I plan for forsealbe future. If I ever go off shore to Hawaii or anything long distance, I can fix her up some more or go for a Caliber, that is nice boat. really liked what I read...but as Oscar said the Catalina 42 is good for coastal stuff and entertaning...friends...and wanting to bring the kids with me more now...since I have to spend lots more time with them...used to let them hang with mom...but plans have changed...besides they like being with me...and sailing...so mayas well insure the itch to sail is firmly planted. Well thanks for all the help...
So, I think that means that my Catalina 25 will be for sell pretty soon. Later gang.
Barry

Edited by - on

frog0911
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1349 Posts

Response Posted - 08/04/2007 : 23:05:15

Sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Stay safe!

Edited by - on

Oscar
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2030 Posts

Response Posted - 08/06/2007 : 10:14:32

My sympathies. Yup, take the kids sailing. A good thing to do. Are you buying new?

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 08/06/2007 : 12:46:56

I feel for you--been there... Change is good in those situations. Your change sounds exciting!

Edited by - on

bear_tm4
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143 Posts

Response Posted - 08/06/2007 : 22:49:16

Yes change is good, we will be making some changes slowly...some other quicker. I think a new boat is the quickest change, but wanted to get it out of the way and enjoy it in the new year.
Yes, I am buying new. Just waiting on some details, with insurance and then I will be making my order. I thought about buy used, but thought what the heck. I want something awesome that I can make mine from the getgo. put all my touchs on her from the start...well...Oscar, still open to suggestions from a future fellow owner.
Barry

Edited by - on

Oscar
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Response Posted - 08/06/2007 : 23:12:46

I can't look in your wallet, or your preferences. A new boat is NOT a trouble free proposition. It takes a year or two to get "the factory out of it" and to install all the options you want. But, everything is fresh and any scratches and dirt will be yours.

You can save a lot of money by buying a two year old one. Trick is to find one from a conscientious and knowledgeable owner who has done the above described process right, and has set the boat up the way you would want it, or very close. They are out there, just takes time. You can shorten the time by looking at a lot of boats in a short time of course.

Me, I got a 17 year old and severely neglected boat for about half price.....then put 25K and a LOT of elbow grease in it......that's all the budget would allow.

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 08/07/2007 : 13:52:52

I went new this last time... semi-custom, and literally one-of-a-kind (up to now). There was no boat on the used market that fit my criteria the way this one does. If you can work with the builder on the details, it can be exciting. Oscar is right--there are nice ones out there for less money... but if you can handle it and plan to keep it for a while, there's something special about having one built just for you.

(I put a brass plaque below with the names of the key people who built her--they really liked that!)

Edited by - on

bear_tm4
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Response Posted - 08/09/2007 : 21:43:29

Yes your right Oscar, I have been taking the time to read what lots of the owners on the C42 site have said about there boats new, newer, and slightly used. I missed a really sweet deal on a 42 up in Canada, was an 04 for 239, it was loaded, heck they where even includeing the dishes, but it went faster than I could buy, but thats ok, I have the dough, and I am enjoying the process, like Dave said putting my touch on it, and by the way I love the Idea of putting a plaqe below with peoples names on it. If I can arrange the time I might fly out and see her come out of the Factory. The idea of getting a brand new boat was always just a dream, but one of the last things she told me before the end was to make my dream real, she wanted me to that, (watery eyes thinking of her) so I decied that I would and would it do it big, going to put a little plaqe below for her, so we will always remember her,as we sail with her blessings, and her spirit will always be with us....Its amazing how people touch lives in such amazing ways....heck I got a card from Australia today, I find it amazing that she touched people from that far way. She knew them from the states and they where traveling there, and I know that asked people there to pray for her, and so thru that connection she touch people a world away. Amazing.
Anyway, Sail boats, I am looking forward to the process of getting this boat and putting sweat and work into her, it will be a huge challange, but I feel up to the task, and with help of friends and Catalina owners I dont feel alone. I am getting her with quite a few options to start with, I think that will keep me going for a while, I will be sure to post here and on the C42 site as I progress, and as always will have plenty of photos, as long as I remember,
CHEERS
Barry

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 08/09/2007 : 22:34:09

I know about the watery eyes... You did it to me, taking me back a couple of years tonight. A slight variation on my plaque might read:

<center>"Inspired and watched over by (your late wife)
Custom-crafted for Barry (Whatsyourname)
by
(Name 1)
(Name 2)
(Name 3)
(...etc.)
Catalina Yachts
Woodland Hills, California"</center>

The Catalina plant and the C-42 are on a somewhat different scale from the little Eastern 27 and the NH plant where mine was built, but you can probably pick up a few key names... The most important ones are your "inspirer" and you.

All the best in your big new quest--this is exactly what you need to do.

Edited by - on

Oscar
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2030 Posts

Response Posted - 08/10/2007 : 17:09:03

I'll see you on the 42 site....what name are you under there...same? BTW if 42 site management gives you a hard time there, e-mail/pm me. I'll fill you in on the nitty gritty, although they have lightened up considerably lately. (Major pressure from membership).

At Catalina, put Kent Nelson in speed dial. He is technical support, and an all around knowledgeable and nice guy. As far as warrantee claims, EVERYTHING goes through Frank Butler....it can be a frustrating process...the squeaky wheel gets the grease....

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 08/11/2007 : 09:38:36

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Oscar
 ...As far as warrantee claims, EVERYTHING goes through Frank Butler....it can be a frustrating process...the squeaky wheel gets the grease....<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">...although it's nice to know the main man is watching the customer experiences (and attention given thereto). It suggests some pressure for quality down in the plant. And I would hope any squeaks from a C-42 owner get some high-quality lithium grease!

Edited by - on

Oscar
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Response Posted - 08/11/2007 : 14:17:16

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">It suggests some pressure for quality down in the plant.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Yes and no. My biggest, and probably only, peeve with Catalina is their quality control, both in product and process. The factory is a mess, literally. The boats are turned out full of construction debris, and a lot of the squawks are left for the dealers. There is for instance no leak testing..... Every Bavaria takes a long shower with an observer inside BEFORE they put the interior in. You may recall my "cubby incident".....there is no need for that, and that particular problem had been going on for 25 years.....

Don't get me wrong, I love the boats, I'm on my third after all. They are well designed, and well built where it counts. It's the little things that'll drive you nuts......(Admiral says it's a short drive...)

All I can say, is get a dealer who know what they're doing, and do it right.

Edited by - on

bear_tm4
Navigator

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USA
143 Posts

Response Posted - 08/11/2007 : 23:02:10

Oscar, Dave thanks for the input, I like the idea for a plaque, I have an idea already forming...so will give some more thought...
From my reading, other info and dealing with CD I feel the same, Idont have the inside info on factory, but I read alot of the forums, and they do stand behind the work, even if you do have to squeak a bit, so I am looking forward to it.
As for dealers, I think I have found a good one, I am very impressed so far by the way they are woking with me. They dont have a 42 for me to look at so they have found an owner thats close by and have him to let me look at his boat, he cant be there but has given them the key..plus they are going to show me other boats in the same size range and then set down and go over all the options and make sure I dont buy anything I dont need or that I can get cheaper aftermarket, the guy that helps set things up a delivery capt and has lots exp. I talk to him one day, very level headed guy, and smart. So far so good. I am headed to ST. Louis end of this coming week to check everything out. Wish me luck. Talk to you all later...OH, Oscar I am Barry T on the C42 forum, I have posted once to the AC thread. I having it instaled on my boat, but it has to be aftermarket they wont do it at the factory when its easy, lol, any how. thanks again. Cheers
Bear

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