Not sure about the years or what specific issues they might have as they aged but a Catalina 27' was a decent boat. Growing up on the Great Lakes ~20+ years ago we knew many people with mid-to-late 70s era Catalina 27s. They were decent enough respected boats. We had a Ericson which was also a very nice boat. It was probably a little more over built and a little nicer than the Catalina but in comparable class.

With a larger used sailboat once you find something you think is decent find a good experienced marine surveyor and have it surveyed. This is especially important if the boat is older. Try to be there when they do it too. There may be deal killers or things you'll need to do to get it ship shape. An older boat can be a good boat but you want to be very careful. If your financing you might be required to do so anyway.

27' is managable for a first boat especially if you have reliable crew that wants to sail and participate. However, it can still be a handful. I'd avoid anything larger unless you have solid boat handling experience. I am not saying you couldn't but each step up becomes more of an issue. Nothing with going downward either. Some nice ballasted boats in the 24' to 25' range undoubtedly. Personally I haven't been on a keelboat in years. Gone inland and have a Johnson 18 (J-18 sportboat not the weekender). Lots of fun.

I haven't looked at in years but here is a link to the articles list on Sailnet. Should have some information on buying a boat and other things of interest if you haven't seen it.



posted by 69.130.19...

http://www.sailnet.com/collections/articles/index.cfm?show=all&type=1

• OT: Catalina or other sailboats, JG, Mon, 4 Sep 2006 16:18:30
  • Re: OT: have boat for sale in NY area..., RickP, Tue, 5 Sep 2006 20:18:18
    • Re: OT: have boat for sale in NY area..., JG, Wed, 6 Sep 2006 17:55:29
  • Re: OT: Catalina or other sailboats, ChrisF, Tue, 5 Sep 2006 17:27:42
  • Sailing clubs and trailerables....., Mike Lynch , Tue, 5 Sep 2006 13:33:07
    • No clubs here, JG, Tue, 5 Sep 2006 18:14:44
      • Yacht clubs...., Mike Lynch , Tue, 5 Sep 2006 18:56:03
  • Older boat more likely to have issues., EricG, Tue, 5 Sep 2006 06:19:19
  • Go with the boat in the best condition, Noel, Tue, 5 Sep 2006 05:25:18
  • Go for the one in better hull condition, Jeff B, Mon, 4 Sep 2006 22:06:45
  • Re: OT: Catalina or other sailboats, saw, Mon, 4 Sep 2006 18:50:51 <-- Viewing This Message
  • Re: OT: Catalina or other sailboats, LesH, Mon, 4 Sep 2006 16:56:21

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