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edakira · 23-07-2012, 23:43

I'm brand new here and very interested in buying a 1982 38' Catalina S&S Shoal Draft in great shape. It's lived in freshwater in Dallas but I would haul it to the Gulf at Corpus Christi. I can find almost NO info about this 4'-11" shoal draft FIN keel (its not even a wing keel) and I'm concerned about why there are so few of these that seem to exist. Virtually all the 38 Catalinas from that era are the 6'-9" fin keels. Does anyone have experience on the coast with one of these Shoal Draft versions? The current owners have taken amazing care of their freshwater boat and it sails nicely on their lake, but I need to be certain it'll perform in the Gulf. Any thoughts appreciated, thanks.

Maxs · 07-10-2012, 10:06

This reply might be too late, but if you already bought her, you already know what a great boat she is. Despite being 800lbs heavier, performs very well. The phrf rating is just 3 sec difference. Sails more stable (the keel is a little bit longer than the fin keel) and is a little bit better off the wind. The main difference is that she can't sail as close as the fin version. There is a five-seven degree difference. for more info, check www.catalina38.org
We have a forum were you can get the answers to all the questions you might have.
Regards, max

Feral Cat · 07-02-2013, 10:28

Hi, just bumping the thread...

Did you buy your boat?

I have the same boat... Love it, completely cruise ready, new everything including motor re-power and a watermaker, solar, wind, sails, rigging, etc... all over last two years.

on the west coast, formerly a fresh water boat, epoxy on the bottom...

Considering a Catamaran and would entertain an offer if in the realm of reality... On a premier mooring can be part of it or not.

edakira · 07-02-2013, 11:30

I did not buy it actually. The haul costs from freshwater to Gulf Coast were very high, so I put that money into a larger vessel already in salt water - an Irwin 38 CC sloop. A very different sailboat from the Cat, but I'm happy w the puchase (for now!). Thanks for your comments -E