sailboat data catalina 27

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Catalina 27

The catalina 27 is probably the most popular 27-footer ever built. though cheaply made, owners love them..

Catalina Yachts is a strange company. The builder does no advertising—it’s left up to the local dealers. The operation is owned and run by Frank Butler, who designs the boats, decides on who the dealers will be, sometimes answers his own phone, and for all we know sweeps up at the end of the day. He is probably one of the few people in the marine industry who has made money from building sailboats.

Catalina probably produces more pounds of sailboats every year than any other US builder, and has done so for a long time.

The Catalina 27 has been in production since 1971, and well over 6,000 of them have been built.

This is undoubtedly the largest production run of any 27′ sailboat in US history, and probably the biggest anywhere.

The flip side of the coin is that Catalinas are known as cheaply built boats, with lots of corners cut

in places they shouldn’t be cut. According to owners, Catalina dealers have what may be the worst track record in the business in providing warranty service. Yet the owners keep coming back for more, and they love their boats.

The Catalina factory, by contrast, has a pretty good record for solving customer complaints. It is quite common for Frank Butler himself to return owners’ calls, making that owner a Catalina customer for life.

Because the Catalina 27 has been in production for so long, there have been numerous changes in the boats over the years. Most of these are small, but as a rule they have represented a steady stream of improvements. For this reason, more recent models are usually more desirable as used boats than earlier models.

At the same time, Catalina 27 owners seem to be inveterate tinkerers, constantly changing and improving small details in the boat. It is not unusual to see an older Catalina 27 meticulously upgraded with many of the changes that are standard on newer models.

Sailing Performance

The variety of options that significantly affect the performance of the Catalina 27 means that you must carefully evaluate the individual boat when determining how she is likely to sail. Most Catalina 27s are the standard keel, standard rig model. About half of these have optional inboard engines, while the others have outboards mounted in an awkward cockpit well. The outboard-powered versions are slightly faster than the inboard boats, since they have less weight to drag through the water.

There is also a shoal keel model, and a tall rig model. The shoal keel has a less-efficient foil, and is heavier than the deep keel to give the boat comparable stability.

The tall rig is favored in light air areas. Boats with the standard rig are generally equipped with 150% genoas to give them additional power in light air.

The standard keel, standard rig boat with inboard has a typical PHRF rating of 208. This puts the

Catalina 27 at the fast end of the fleet of boats of its size and type, such as the Hunter 27, Ericson 27, and O’Day 27. Tall rig and outboard versions are slightly faster.

Because of the large number of Catalina 27s built, you are likely to find good racing for the boat in many areas all around the country, from southern California to the Great Lakes and Chesapeake Bay. A boat that is actively raced may have upgraded sail handling equipment—bigger winches, reinforced chainplates, better mainsheet traveler, more and better sails, etc. This could be a real plus in a used boat.

Because of the differences in rig, ballasting, keel, and engines, the various versions of the boat can’t fairly race against each other as one-designs. The fastest version of the boat is the tall-rig, deep keel boat with outboard; the slowest, the short rig, shoal keel with inboard. You pays your money and takes your choice.

You can find everything from a beat-up 15-year-old outboard to a brand new diesel pushing the Catalina 27. Originally, you could have your choice of outboard or Atomic 4 gasoline inboard power. The Atomic 4 is twice as much power as the boat needs, but it was one of the most compact inboards made.

All the inboard engines are tucked away under the cockpit, and owners uniformly condemn the installation for its lack of access for service. On a scale of 1 to 5, with one being awful and five being great, the installation is typically rated one or less. Forewarned is forearmed.

At the same time, the outboard well doesn’t win any points for accessibility either, and remote controls in the cockpit are a must for ease of operation. Getting the engine in and out of the well is a chore.

A 10 horse outboard is just about the right size for the boat, and should push her at hull speed in any conditions in which you would care to motor.

Inboard powerplants have been another story. In the late 1970s, a single-cylinder Petter diesel of about 6 hp was offered as an option. Owners report that the boat is grossly underpowered with this engine. In addition, parts are likely to be hard to find. We would definitely avoid the Petter diesel. Far more desirable is either the 11 or 14 horsepower Universal diesel offered in more recent models.

The Atomic 4 presents a dilemma. Though it has been discontinued, parts are readily available. On the other hand, access to the engine is so poor—oil changes require major contortions—that routine maintenance may have been neglected by the owner, shortening the engine’s life. If service access is bad, we suspect that access to replace the engine would be abominable. Some owners report that service access has been improved by cutting holes in the bulkhead between the quarterberths and the engine.

Construction

The Catalina is the Volkswagen of the boat market. It’s basic, but it will get you where you want to go. Originally, there were no backing plates on stanchions, rails, or deck hardware. This means that you’re likely to find gelcoat cracks around these fittings on older boats. Many owners have chosen to upgrade this aspect of their boats, so you may find an older boat that has been conscientiously brought up to higher standards.

The through hull fittings on older boats are simply gate valves screwed onto pipe nipples glassed into the hull—a poor practice. Many owners have replaced these with proper seacock installations. Another problem with through hulls is the placement of the skin fitting for the icebox drain—it allows water to run back into the box when the boat is heeled.

“Minor” complaints from owners include gelcoat voids, deck delamination, leaking chainplates, leaking ports, and leaking hull-to-deck joints. Not all

owners report these, of course, and the number of complaints may simply be a function of the huge number of Catalina 27s built.

Ironically, many of those with complaints love the boat, and say they would buy it again. While a number of Catalina buyers are first time boat owners, others buy the boat knowing the reputation for mediocre workmanship, but recognizing that they can get more boat for their dollar with Catalina than withalmost any other boat built. They are willing to either accept the limitations, or do themselves the upgrading that they feel is required.

This results in a much higher level of satisfaction with the boat than you would expect with a lowpriced product.

While some of the complaints about construction details are minor, others deserve immediate attention. In older boats, check the lower shroud U-bolt chainplates to see if they have been upgraded. A number of the original fittings have failed, causing the rig to go over the side.

Another rig weakness is the cast aluminum spreader sockets originally used on the mast. They should be replaced with the later stainless steel fabrications. Failures of the cast sockets have cost several rigs.

While the best location for a mainsheet traveler would be the forward end of the cockpit, there’s no bridgedeck there for mounting it, so you’re stuck with either the original location in the aft end of the cockpit, or the newer location over the companionway hatch. Unfortunately, there are several drawbacks to the latter spot: it wipes out the possibility of a companionway dodger, which would be a good idea due to the huge opening the hatch makes in the deck. Owners report that the forward location results in so much friction and additional sheet load that the mainsheet is hard to trim. In addition, the traveler in this position partially blocks off the main companionway opening.

Catalina hardware has never been much to write home about. Almost everything on the boat beyond the barest necessity is an option—and by “option” we mean, if you want it, you do it yourself. But of course if you like to fiddle with your boat, this can be seen as a plus.

There are few pieces of exterior trim: handrails on the cabin top, trim around the companionway. Trim takes time to put on, and teak costs money. Remember, this is a Volkswagen.

A big plus in later model boats is a seahood over the sliding companionway hatch. The old hatch design leaks badly if heavy spray or solid water comes aboard.

Later models also have a molded-in foredeck anchor well, a significant improvement.

The Catalina 27 has gradually gotten heavier over the years. The original displacement of the deep keel, outboard model was 5,650 pounds, with the shoal keel model about 500 pounds heavier. With the addition of a more sophisticated interior, inboard engine, fuel tanks, more interior trim, and many other improvements, displacement has crept up to about 6850 pounds for the deep keel versions, and 7,300 pounds for the shoal draft boat. This helps explain why a number of owners complain that the boat floats with her waterline submerged. It also means that if you want to race, you might want to consider an older, lighter model.

The Catalina 27 has more headroom than most 27- footers, and the huge companionway makes the interior seem exceptionally spacious when the hatch is open.

There have been two interiors: a traditional, aft galley layout, and a midships galley/dinette version. Although owners tend to prefer whichever layout they have, there is some consensus that the traditional layout offers better storage and a more reasonable use of space. With the dinette made up into a double berth, that version has six berths—at least two more than you really want on a boat this size. On the aft galley model, the starboard settee makes up into a double, once again giving you six berths. Unfortunately, not all the berths are very usable. Most owners report that the forward V-berths are too short and too narrow to be comfortable for two people, so try it out before deciding on the boat. The quarterberths are the only decent size berths on the boat.

Although there’s a fair amount of storage space under the main cabin settees, it’s hard to get to. A common owner modification is to add access doors to the settee faces, making it unnecessary to lift the seat cushions to get to the storage below.

A lot of owners consider the Catalina 27 a twoperson boat, despite the number of berths. Six close friends on a boat this size could become bitter enemies on a rainy cruise that lasted a week or more, but that’s a characteristic of 27-footers in general, not the Catalina 27 in particular. Nominal headroom is 6′ 1″. This is on the centerline at the aft end of the main cabin. It’s less everywhere else, but still more than you expect in a boat this size.

Originally, the boat’s electrical panel was on the face of the port quarterberth—a poor location, vulnerable to spray through the companionway or water from the bilge. That rudimentary switch panel has been replaced on newer models with a good circuit breaker panel located in the starboard quarterberth— well-protected and reasonably accessible. We’d relocate the electrical panel on an older boat.

Icebox insulation on older boats is non-existent for all practical purposes. It’s better on newer models, but it’s still a far cry from a good icebox.

You are unlikely to find the Catalina 27 equipped with anything more sophisticated than a two-burner alcohol stove. As long as you don’t do a lot of cooking this will be adequate, but longer cruises could turn into a grim test for the conscientious cook who wants to do much beyond heating up cans of stew or boiling water for coffee.

Ventilation of the interior ranges from poor to excellent, depending on either the age of the boat or the amount of upgrading done by the owners. In old boats, the forward cabin is stifling in hot weather. Newer boats have two aft-facing ventilation hatches over the head and passageway, as well as a hatch in the forward end of the cabin trunk. Unless added by owners, there is no provision for foul weather ventilation. Several cowl vents in dorade boxes would be a good addition for this boat.

All in all, the Catalina 27 has about as much interior room as it’s possible to cram into a boat with a waterline of less than 22′. There is reasonable headroom without ungainly height of topsides something a lot of small-boat designers have yet to accomplish.

Conclusions

Although there are smaller boats in the Catalina line, the 27 is a popular entry level daysailer and coastal cruiser. It’s a good-looking boat, and it sails well.

There are many trade-offs inherent in buying an inexpensive boat, and the Catalina 27 is no exception. You won’t find a lot of varnished teak or fancy systems in a Catalina 27. Unless upgraded by the owner, deck hardware and sail handling systems are likely to be rudimentary.

Because so many Catalina 27s have been built, there’s usually a number of them on the market at any one time. Careful shopping should result in finding a vintage and level of equipment that match your taste and pocketbook.

Despite the fact that the Catalina 27 was designed and built as a coastal cruiser-racer, several have actually made circumnavigations. We don’t recommendusing the boat this way, but it goes to show that good preparation and seamanship may be more important than your boat when it comes to successful offshore voyaging.

There have been so many minor changes made to the Catalina 27 over the years that we doubt if anyone has kept up to date on all of them. Some of these upgrades are structurally important, such as the modification of the shroud attachments and the change in spreader fittings. Others, such as the foredeck anchor well, make the boat more useful.

If you get seriously interested in a Catalina 27, get a normal marine survey, and in addition, look for a knowledgeable Catalina 27 owner to go over the boat with you to point out specific potential problems. This may be one case in which the amateur surveyor has some advantages over the professional.

Don’t buy a Catalina 27 thinking you’re going to get Mercedes quality at a Volkswagen price. This is basic sailing transportation, an entry level boat. But if you recognize the boat for what it is, you probably won’t be disappointed. Catalinas are always in demand, and they hold their value better than you would expect. Remember, however, that price will vary substantially with age, engine, and equipment. A new Catalina 27 costs several times the price of the original, 6,000 boats ago.

A lot of owners move up from the Catalina 27 to the Catalina 30. The boats are like peas in a pod in design, styling, and construction; anyone who is happy with the Catalina 27 is likely to be happy with the Catalina 30.

We’re sure that fact is not lost on Frank Butler. He has a good record with the Catalina 27, and we suspect he’s smiling all the way to the bank.

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Perfect for me!!!!

Les commentaires donnés sur le Catalina 27 s’avèrent concluant comme description. J’en possède un C27 1974 et acheté en 2016, dévêtu de ses accessoires électronique, avec un équipement minus de base. La cuisinière intérieur arrière bâbord retirée ainsi que la glacière et l’approvisionnement en eau potable. Il ne reste qu’un évier inutilisable, sauf pour y verser l’eau grise…

Pour le compartiment à batteries, via l’accès au moteur: 1- J’ai dû découpé un accès au moteur dans le mur de la cage bâbord, en passant de l’accès coque au moteur. 2- Pour les batteries, l’espace minable pour une banque est presqu’impensable, sauf si on est un peu bricoleur. J’ai refait des réparation sur le pont avant de repeindre et repeint l’extérieur. J’ai changé les encrages de haubans car une m’a lâché en naviguant.

J’ai ajouté de l’équipement de navigation électronique et un peu accessoires …

Si je songe le vendre je ne sais combien il vaudra. Merci pour votre résumé de commentaires.

Puis refaite avec des renforts résinés et des boulons de fixation.

Would a Catalina 27 be suitable for blue water sailing, say to cross the Pacific?

‘capable’, barely. “suitable’ not really. By the time you brought it up to standards to be considered a “Blue Water Cruising” boat you might as well have spent the money on a better boat. Search ‘traits of a blue water boat’. You will find things like deck to hull joint construction, Are the chainplates accessible and mounted to the hull not the bulkheads. Stoutness of the rigging. Comfort Ratio (how it handles big seas). Capsize screening formula (how easily will the boat right itself if knocked over) What navigation equipment does it have? Does it have a water maker? Some questions are about comfort and convenience, some about safety. Can it carry a life raft? Does it have davits? Or do you have to lift the dinghy on/off the foredeck? Solar charging? Enough battery power for off grid for 3 weeks at a time? Heck, Sam Holmes Sailing went to Hawaii on a Ranger 23 (YouTube). It can be done. Boats float. The trick is keeping afloat!

Like the article said, it can be done with good planning and more importantly good seamanship. I wouldn’t do it but I’m a novice sailor.

I just did discovered this personally…

“ Another problem with through hulls is the placement of the skin fitting for the icebox drain—it allows water to run back into the box when the boat is heeled.”

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Bluewater Sailboat – Catalina 27

Also called: jaguar 27.

The Bluewater Sailboat Catalina 27 has been a fan favorite since its introduction in 1971, and its financial success has resulted in one of the longest and greatest production runs of its era, spanning 22 years and 6,600 boats. She was always intended to be economical (some have even stated cheap) for weekend getaways, club racing, and coastal cruising – offshore work was always out of the purview of the design. Despite this, at least one circumnavigation has been completed, indicating that with the proper planning and expertise, this vessel can be an ocean journey maker.

This Bluewater Sailboat was chosen for its popularity rather than its inherent seaworthiness.

• LOA: 26′ 10″
• LWL: 21′ 9″
• Beam: 8′ 6″
• Draft, Standard: 4′ 0″
• Draft, Shoal Keel: 3′ 5″
• Displacement, Standard: 6,850 lbs.
• Displacement, Shoal Keel: 7,300 lbs.
• Ballast, Standard: 2,700 lbs.
• Ballast, Shoal Keel: 3,150 lbs.
• Sail Area, Standard: 340 sq. ft.
• Sail Area, Tall Rig: 364 sq. ft.
• Bridge Clearance, Standard: 38’3″
• Bridge Clearance, Tall Rig: 41′ 0″
• Headroom: 6’ 1″
• Engine: Atomic 4 Inboard / Outboard, Various
• Fuel: 15-20 US. Gal.
• Water: 18 US. Gal.
• Designer: Robert Finch / Frank Butler
• Builder, United States: Catalina Yachts, California
• Builder, Canada: Cooper Enterprises, British Columbia
• Builder, United Kingdom: Eric Birch, Essex / Russell Marine, Essex
• Year Introduced: 1971
• Year Ended: 1991
• Total Built: 6662

Robert Finch and Frank Butler, the founder of Catalina Yachts, collaborated on the design of the Catalina 27 in 1970. Butler manufactured an astonishing number of 27s at his boat factory in Southern California, employing modern boatbuilding techniques that are not dissimilar to those used today. The first models were produced in 1971. She had an exceptionally roomy cabin and was reasonably priced at a time when cruising sailboats were popular. These qualities contributed to the boat’s instant success; in fact, 1,500 boats were produced in the first three years, or 10 each week.

Early variants were only available with outboard engines; in 1973, an inboard Atomic 4 engine was added, which was then expanded to various engine variations in subsequent years. In 1989, the outboard engine option was taken out. In 1979, a shoal draught winged-keel version was created for shallow waters. There was also a version with a taller, more efficient, high aspect ratio rig that added 24 sq.ft. of canvas that was popular among club racers.

Production has also moved to Canada and the United Kingdom. Cooper Enterprises, one of the major Canadian boatbuilders at the time, produced well over a thousand boats under licence for the Canadian domestic market, and they are still a familiar sight on BC waterways today. While in the UK, the boat was constructed under licence under the brand name Jaguar since 1971 for the UK and European markets. Eric Birch Yachts (from 1971) and Russell Marine (from 1975) built them in Essex, with the hulls manufactured by Seamaster Boats.

In 1979, Patrick Childress, then 28, set off in his shoal draught Catalina 27, Juggernaut, on a three-year solo circumnavigation that included a 6400-mile, 53-day transit through the Indian Ocean.

Production ended in 1991, after an unparalleled 22-year run that resulted in 6,600 boats. Catalina succeeded the long-lasting design with the Catalina 270, an all-new water-ballasted and trailerable weekender.

The construction of this Bluewater Sailboat is quite light. The hull is made of solid fiberglass and is much thinner than conventional offshore counterparts, especially above the waterline, where mild impacts that would ordinarily result in only a scratch might cause fractures for the Catalina 27. As a cost-cutting strategy, early boats lacked sufficient support plates on deck fittings, stanchions, and rails, resulting in cracked gelcoat and, in some cases, fiberglass delamination. This was corrected in subsequent boats.

The Catalina 27 is a fin-keeler with a raked spade rudder hanging as far aft as practicable, propelled by a tall and efficient masthead sloop rig. The hull form is shallow and beamy, which is good for initial wind rigidity but limits liveable volume below the waterline. Butler compensated by designing deep topsides and a high cabin top while making the design visually appealing. As a result, this 27-footer has class-leading internal headroom and spaciousness.

Below deck, this boat is best described as light and spacious; it provides so much space that many people are ready to overlook her defects. The companionway and hatch are large, which creates a water intrusion concern at sea but gives the cabin a vast feel while at anchor. The typical aft-galley configuration has accommodations for six people – two in the forepeak and the port side settee will really only suit kids or extremely short adults, while the starboard settee transforms to a compact double berth and there’s a starboard seagoing quarterberth. The galley, with its two-burner stove, is positioned on port below the companionway, while the head is located on starboard just aft of the forepeak and is reasonably sized. A locker is located opposite the head, but as is usual of boats of this size, locker, and stowage space is limited.

Performance

The helm has a light feel to it, and she sails responsively, or, to quote the always amusing John Vigor in 20 Small Sailboats to Take You Anywhere, she handles like a dinghy, which is barely unexpected given what she is essential – a dinghy with grandeur. She is relatively stiff and does a good job of holding her canvas in a breeze. All of this adds up to a speedy, maneuverable boat. The disadvantage is the lack of seaworthiness. Vigor suggests keeping her cruising weight low for the best performance, as less weight means less stress on the rig and hull at sea.

It’s worth noting that the Catalina 27 is a beamy yacht with a proclivity for weather helm at higher angles of heel, which will need reefing the mainsail to maintain balance.

Quick Notes

There were over 6,600 Catalina 27s produced, so there are plenty to pick from. If you’re looking for a boat to sail in safe coastal waters at a reasonable price, she’s a good option. Do your homework and make sure you’ve modified your boat in accordance with recommendations. The most important is probably enlarging the cockpit drains, reworking the companionway hatch area to help direct water into the cockpit, and upgrading the rigging, including chainplates for the aft lower shrouds.

The following are some of the boat’s recognized flaws:

• As previously stated, early boats lacked supporting plates on hardware, resulting in fractures in the gelcoat and, in some cases, GRP delamination.
• Through-hull fittings were inadequately fitted, and secondary bondings of connectors were inadequate in several circumstances.
• Leaky chain plates have caused bulkheads to degrade, raising the risk of rig failure.
• Early inboard models had inferior fuel tank installations.
• The original spreader sockets were cast aluminium, which cracked when overstressed.
• Early through-hull fittings were merely pipe nipples glassed into the hull and will need to be replaced with suitable flanged, bolt-through bronze fittings.
• While heeled, some people have experienced seawater running back into the icebox through the drain. Install an appropriate seacock in the through-hull.

Looking for a used sailboat for sale? Check out the Bluewater sailboat data and specs to make an informed decision. Ocean Wave Sail has data for over 10000+ boats that can help you select one to meet your sailing needs.

Now you can also precisely calculate the expenses related to boat ownership to make smart choices based on your budget and sailing needs. Use this bluewater Sailboat Calculator to explore different options and make the best decision.

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Catalina 27

First impressions The Catalina 27 was a "big" boat when it was first introduced in 1971. In fact, at the time it was the queen of the Catalina fleet. The look is "California 1970s modern." This translates into an almost flat sheerline with a large but nicely blended cabintrunk and cockpit coamings. There is plenty of freeboard and nearly 9 feet of beam, which of course creates space below. Under the water, the high-aspect fin keel sweeps aft, as does the spade rudder. A wing keel shoal-draft model was offered in 1979, reducing the draft from 4 feet to 3 feet, 5 inches but requiring extra ballast. A tall rig option was available for light-air regions.

Construction The Catalina 27 hull is solid fiberglass and the thickness tapers significantly from the waterline up. The deck is plywood cored, which is not the best material for the job, although deck delamination doesn't seem to be the common problem it is on many older boats. Catalina used molded hull and headliners, streamlining the manufacturing process. I often lament the use of liners in my reviews because they make it difficult to access the hull and have structural limitations. However, for boats less than 30 feet, they make production sense provided that they are well bonded to the hull. The Catalina 27 was not designed or built to be a bluewater boat, and there is nothing wrong with that. Some original construction details are more worrisome than the less than robust scantlings. Early boats were fitted with gate valves on below-the-waterline through-hull fittings and most deck hardware did not have backing plates. It is likely that these shortcomings have been addressed by owners along the way. The ballast is external and the iron keel bolts should be carefully examined. The ballast-to-displacement ratio is more than 40 percent.

What to look for The first thing to look for is the right configuration that suits your needs from among the variables: standard or shoal draft, standard or tall rig, outboard or inboard engine, gas or diesel inboard. In addition to the wing keel offered in 1979, a 3-foot shoal draft was an option from the start. If you sail on Chesapeake Bay and plan to race the boat in the active one-design fleet in Annapolis, than you might be best suited with a standard draft, tall rig, outboard engine, early model 27. These were the lightest, fastest and cheapest boats. If you live in Florida and want to cross the Gulf Stream and cruise the Bahamas, the shoal draft, standard rig, inboard diesel model might be your best choice. There were many small changes made during the long production run, so the best acquisition strategy is to look at many different boats before making a choice. In addition to finding the right configuration, there are several other problems to be wary of. Leaks are the bane of many 27s and water finds its way below through the hull-and-deck joint, the hatches, the chainplates and deck fittings. Chainplate leaks often result in bulkhead delamination. Be sure to check the through-hull fittings and replace any gate valves with seacocks. Also, check for backing plates on deck fittings, occasionally owners have added these and sometimes by remounting the fittings they have inadvertently created leaks. The lack of backing plates allowed deck fittings to move, and the gelcoat around chocks, cleats, and other fittings is often crazed and cracked. Other items to inspect are the spreaders and particularly the cast aluminum spreader sockets as they're prone to failure. The result can be a mast toppling into the drink. Apparently Catalina is well aware of this problem and has a ready-made replacement kit available.

On deck The Catalina 27 has a shallow but comfortable cockpit with a locker to port and aft lazarette. Tiller steering was standard, although I have seen some early boats retrofitted with a pedestal and wheel. Late in the production run, wheel steering became an option and many boats after 1984 are equipped with wheels. The companionway is enormous and there is not a bridgedeck to speak of. Companionway leaks are common, especially on older models before a sea hood was added. The mainsheet arrangement shifted around over the years. Early boats lead the sheet aft, but the angle from the boom to the traveler is not very efficient and tends to interfere with the helmsman. Later boats mounted the traveler over the companionway, however this midboom sheeting really adds a lot of friction to the system and loads up a boom section that isn't very stout. The headsail tracks are inboard, allowing close sheeting angles. The standard rigging requires a close inspection, and if it is older than 10 years consider updating it. Double lifelines became standard early, but the lifelines were led to the base of the bow pulpit. This was fairly common in the 1960s and early 1970s, allowing the deck-sweeping genoas to roam freely. The forward hatch mounts flush, which is nice looking and saves a few toe bruises, but almost assures leaks when a wave sloshes aboard. A nice improvement was the molded external chain locker added on later models.

Down below The interior is spacious and user-friendly. It doesn't feature elegant joinerwork, but so what, you don't buy a Catalina 27 for the craftsmanship, you buy it to have fun on the water. The huge companionway makes stepping below a breeze, which is not always the case in small boats. If you happen across an old boat that hasn't been updated, it is like stepping into a time capsule. Honest John, the 1974 model I examined in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, still had the original plaid cushion covers and weird orange brown shag carpeting. Still, the boat has more room below than my brother's Centurion 32 of the same vintage. Catalina offered two basic interior plans. The standard layout includes a V-berth forward followed by an enclosed head. The saloon has two opposite settees and the galley is aft to port. The dinette interior layout places the galley alongside to port with a dinette to starboard and two quarter berths, which are the best sleeping berths on the boat. For cruising purposes the dinette arrangement is more convenient, although the standard plan is less cluttered. Both layouts include plenty of storage, although it is under the settees and something of a pain to access. Headroom is about 6 feet and ventilation is adequate. Most galleys will have small one- or two-burner alcohol stoves, and some may have 12-volt refrigeration, although this will likely have required a complete icebox rebuild as the original insulation was inadequate. The original icebox drain tends to back flow when heeled to port. The electrical panel is tucked away in the quarter berth.

Engine When it comes to the engine, you'll find a great variety when you start looking at used Catalina 27s. Originally the boat was offered with either an outboard or an Atomic 4 gasoline engine. The outboard was designed to fit into the aft locker, or engine well, and while this kept the engine out of sight, it didn't make it easy to operate or maintain. Most owners fitted remote engine controls. The advantage of an outboard is that you can haul it off the boat, put it in the trunk and take it to a shop for repairs. And, when it's past its prime you simply buy a new one. The disadvantages include the lack of power (you need at least a 9.9-horsepower engine) difficulty in maneuvering in tight quarters and the inability to charge the batteries efficiently. The inboard option is probably better, although the engine location under the cockpit is difficult to access, making even simple tasks like checking the oil a challenge. The Universal Atomic 4 at one time dominated the sailboat market and is plenty of engine for the Catalina 27. Although gasoline engines have gone out of fashion, Atomic 4 parts are readily available and cheap. You can actually buy a completely rebuilt Atomic 4 for less than a new 10-horsepower outboard. Diesels became an option in the late 1970s. Some boats were fitted with a 6-horsepower Petter, which is a cranky machine under the best of conditions and doesn't provide much oomph. Later boats had two-cylinder Universal diesels. If I could find a 27 with one of these, especially if it had low hours, I'd jump on it.

Under way Naturally, the different hull and rig configurations influence the sailing characteristics. One of the most surprising features of the 27 is how nicely it sails. The boat is fairly well balanced, and according to several owner reports, thrives upwind in moderate conditions. In heavy air the 27 is a bit tender and one owner suggests putting the first reef in the main at 12 knots. Ironically, another says he sails his boat on breezy San Francisco Bay and is impressed with how stiff the boat is. Several owners who race the boat note that fairing the hull is critical, and another attributes his success to changing the wire rope halyards to Kevlar. My own experience is limited to a few sails on Michigan's Lake St. Clair long ago, but I clearly remember the boat being responsive, relatively fast and easy to sail. The Catalina 27 fits the vague description of coastal cruiser and casual racer. With that said, several boats have made impressive passages. I remember talking with a young solo sailor in Bermuda who was heading toward the Caribbean in his 27, and I heard of another 27 that circumnavigated.

Conclusion The Catalina 27 didn't become one of the most popular boats ever built without good reason. It offers good sailing, comfortable accommodations, one-design fleets and active owner's groups. With prices ranging from around $6,000 for old, tired 27s to around $20,000 for late-model gems, the boat is also a terrific value.

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The Catalina 27 is an American classic. First launched in 1971, more than 6,600 boats were built during a 20-year production run, making it possibly the best-selling 27-footer of all time. Frank Butler, the co-designer, as well as the founder and driving force behind Catalina Yachts, has an uncanny knack for creating boats that people love and they show their love with their checkbooks. Catalina has built more than 60,000 boats, more than any other American sailboat company.

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Catalina 27 - Sailboat Data, Parts & Rigging

Sailboat data, rig dimensions and recommended sail areas for Catalina 27 sailboat. Tech info about rigging, halyards, sheets, mainsail covers and more.

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Catalina 27 Tall rig

Sailboat specifications.

• Last update: 20th March 2020

Catalina 27's main features

Catalina 27's main dimensions, catalina 27's rig and sails, catalina 27's performances, catalina 27's auxiliary engine, catalina 27's accommodations and layout.

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• Sailboat Guide

• Catalina Yachts

Founded by Frank Butler. In sheer numbers sold, Catalina Yachts is certainly the most successful builder of sailboats ever in the US, and possibly the world. Time line extract from the company’s website: July 1969-Catalina’s first model, the Catalina 22, is built in North Hollywood, CA. Company owner Frank Butler hopes to build 100 boats if all goes well. March 1970-Catalina’s second model, the Catalina 27, is introduced following the success of the Catalina 22. December 1974-Catalina’s third model, the Catalina 30, is introduced; the trend-setting design is an immediate sales success and wins its class in the Newport to Ensenada Race. February 1975-The Catalina 22 exceeds Frank Butler’s hopes to build 100 boats when hull number 5,000 is completed. August 1979-The “International Friendship Regatta” is held in Japan; 4 U.S. and 10 Japanese crews compete in Coronado 15s. February 1980-SAIL Magazine names the Catalina 22 “trailerable boat of the decade.” March 1980-The Catalina 38 is selected as the match-racing boat for Congressional Cup by the Long Beach Yacht Club; Dennis Durgan wins. September 1980-Catalina 22 hull number 10,000 is completed. C22s are being built at Catalina’s East and West Coast plants in England, Australia, and Canada. January 1982-Patrick Childress completes a 2 1/2 year, singlehanded circumnavigation in his Catalina 27. July 1982-The first Catalina 36 is completed at the Woodland Hills, Ca., plant. March 1983-Mainsheet Magazine issue no. 1 is published, quickly growing to over 100 pages and 10,000 Catalina owner subscribers. May 1984-Catalina acquires Morgan Yachts in Largo, Fl., which becomes the Morgan Division of Catalina, specializing in cruising and charter boats and building many Catalina models on the East Coast. May 1985-Catalina 27 hull number 6,000 is built in Woodland Hills, making the C-27 the largest class of keelboats in the world. October 1987-Catalina 30 hull number 5,000 is completed. Catalina 30s are being built at the East and West Coast plants, as well as in Canada and England. November 1987-Singlehanded sailor Shane St. Clair sails his Capri 18 from Oxnard, Ca., to Hawaii in 28 days. July 1988-Billy Peterson supervises the installation of the largest (70 ft.)Computerized sail-plotting and cutting machine in the U.S. at the Woodland Hills, California plant. August 1988-Coronado 15 skipper Alison Jolly becomes the first woman to skipper in the Olympics; she wins a gold medal in the women’s 470 Class. January 1989-The first Catalina 42 is built. 100 hulls are delivered in the first year, breaking U.S. production records. February 1990-Catalina 22 hull number 15,000 is delivered. March 1990-The Catalina 37 is selected for the Congressional Cup, the first time a fleet of 11 has been designed and built especially for the Congressional Cup. Chris Dickson wins. September 1990-Catalina 30 hull number 6,000 is completed, setting a new keel-boat production record. July 1991-The first Catalina 28 is built. August 1991-Catalina’s Morgan Division completes Procyon, a 65-foot test boat for new concepts in yacht design and construction for Olaf Harken and Procyon Inc. November 1992-Catalina’s Morgan Division introduces the Morgan 38, the first all-new Morgan model in a decade. December 1992-The Catalina 270 is unveiled, replacing the C-27 and wins one of Cruising World Magazine’s “Boat of the Year” awards. February 1993-The Catalina 320 is introduced at the first “Sail Expo” and is enthusiastically received by new owners. February 1994-The Catalina 400 is introduced at “Sail Expo,” the only twin-wheel boat built in the U.S.; it’s the hit of the show. February 1994-The Capri 16.5 introduced at “Sail Expo,” a beach launchable performance sailing dinghy for sailors with a wide range of ages and skills May 1994-The Catalina 250 is introduced as the first water ballast trailerable sailboat from Catalina. January 1995-Frank Butler receives SAIL’S Industry Award for Leadership for “building boats that are “straightforward, offer price for value, are solid and honest”…“With a product analogous to the Ford in the car business, Catalina Yachts has allowed vast numbers of people to experience sailing, considering both the skill level and financial wherewithal of potential sailors, that might not have been able to otherwise, thus radically changing the sport of sailing over the past 25 years.” January 1995-The Catalina 22 markII is introduced with re-designed and enlarged deck and new interior. February 1995-The Catalina 22 is named as one of five charter members to Sailboat Hall of Fame. March 1995-The Catalina 36 mark II wins one of Cruising World Magazine’s “Boat of the Year” awards. April 1995-Catalina 250 Hull number 100 is built in Woodland Hills. May 1995-Catalina 42 hull number 500 is built in Woodland Hills. February 1996-The Catalina 34 markII is introduced with re-designed and enlarged deck, transom and interior. March 1996-The Catalina 28 mark II wins one of Cruising World Magazine’s “Boat of the Year” awards. April 1996-The Catalina 380 is introduced as reflection of the priorities expressed by experienced sailing couples and families. November 1996-Catalina 400 Hull number 100 is built in Largo, Florida January 1997-The Catalina 380 wins one of Cruising World Magazine’s Mid-Size Cruising“Boat of the Year” award. January 1998-The Catalina 470 is introduced January 1999- Catalina inaugurates the Catalina Cruisers Hall of Fame to honor the Catalina owners’ who have made notable voyages aboard their boats. February 1999-The Catalina 310 is introduced and wins Cruising World Magazine’s Pocket Cruiser “Boat of the Year” award. February 2000-The Catalina 310 is selected by Sail Magazine and it’s readers as one of the Top 10 sailboats for 2000 December 2000 -Catalina 36 Hull number 2000 is built in Woodland Hills, CA. September 2001-The Catalina Capri 22 is updated and is selected by Sail Magazine and it’s readers as one of the Top 10 sailboats for 2001. May 2001 -Catalina 14.2 Hull number 5000 is built in Woodland Hills, CA January 2002-The Catalina 350 is introduced to enthusiastic reviews and results in 100 boats sold the first model year. July 2002-The Catalina Expo 12.5 and 14.2 are introduced as particularly easy to sail for both younger and older sailors. September 2002 -Catalina Capri 22 Hull number 1000 is built in Woodland Hills, CA Catalina manufacturers ID: CTY

Associations

• Catalina 470 Class Association
• Catalina 310 Owners Association
• Catalina 27-270 Association
• Capri 22 National Association
• Catalina 380 Association
• Capri 14.2 National Association
• Catalina 36 International Association
• Catalina 22 National Association
• Catalina 400
• Catalina Owners
• Catalina 34 International Association
• Catalina 25, 250, Capri 25 International Assoc.
• Catalina 42 Owners
• Catalina 320 International Association

Catalina 18

• Catalina 30 Yacht Owners Association
• US Sabot Class Assciation

Catalina 38

• Carpentier/Butler
• Charles McGregor
• Charles Morgan
• Frank Butler
• Frank V. Butler
• Gerry Douglas
• Nelson Marek
• Robert Finch
• Rodger Martin
• Sparkman & Stephens
• Ted Carpentier

67 sailboats built by Catalina Yachts

Catalina 22

Catalina 27

Catalina 30

Catalina 25

Catalina Capri 14.2

Coronado 15

Capri Cyclone

Catalina capri 22.

Catalina 36

Catalina 34

Catalina 28

Catalina 42

Catalina Capri 26

Catalina 42 MK II

Morgan Out Island 41 Classic

Catalina Capri 37

Catalina 37.

Catalina Morgan 381

Catalina 470

Catalina 250

Catalina 390

Catalina 380

Catalina 250 (Water Balllast)

Catalina 30 MKIII

Catalina 310

Catalina (Morgan) 50

Catalina 13

Catalina 14.2.

Catalina 28 MKII

Catalina 375

Catalina 350

Catalina 400 Mk II

Catalina 16.5k.

Catalina 30 MKII

Catalina 320

Catalina 385

Catalina Morgan 44

Catalina Aero 20

Catalina Capri 25

Catalina Capri 23.5

Catalina 22 MKII

Catalina Expo 14.2

Catalina Capri 30

Catalina Morgan 45

Catalina 445

Independence 20

Catalina 270

Catalina 320 mkii, catalina 16.5.

Catalina 30 (W/Bowsprit)

Catalina 14.2k.

Catalina Morgan 440

Catalina 275 Sport

Catalina capri 16.5.

Catalina 315

Catalina 309

Catalina 34 MKII

Catalina Expo 12.5

Catalina Capri 18

Catalina 387

Catalina 425

Catalina 36 MK II

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Catalina 275 sport

The catalina 275 sport is a 27.49ft fractional sloop designed by gerry douglas and built in fiberglass by catalina yachts since 2013..

The Catalina 275 sport is a light sailboat which is a good performer. It is very stable / stiff and has a good righting capability if capsized. It is best suited as a day-boat.

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