Catalina 36

Barpilot · 05-02-2004, 16:11

Hello Everyone:
From the posts I have read here, there seems to be alot of useful info.
Background on me and my current boat. I have a '99 Cataling 36 MKII. Tall rig, wing keel, all current nav and electronics. Purchased new after sailing a '87 Pearson 31 for 12 years.
I know the Catalina is a production PWB (plain white boat) but I love it and is very easy for me to single hand and with one crew is really easy. I have been sailing since I was 7 and am 60 now. Grew up on San Francisco Bay. Both father and grandfather were ship captains and later San Francisco Bar pilots. Never appealed to me when I was young. I currently sail out of Bayfield, WI on Lake Superior (the Great Lake).
My plans are to take this boat south. Bahamas, Caribbean, and live aboard. Everyone tells me that my boat is "not" a cruising boat. They think I should buy an Island Packet, Hans Christian, etc. etc. Well, the fact is my boat is paid for and I still have money to put into the boat for additional cruising gear. The way I see it, if charter companies can use those fool Hunters and Beneatueu's in their charter fleets, the Catalina couldn't be too bad of a choice. I could afford to buy an older "cruising veteran", say 10 years old. Rebuild all the systems for God knows how much and then, two years later have a 12 year old boat that still may have hidden problems. Not sure I like the choice. I would love to hear from anyone who has thoughts on my boat and my planned cruising venue.
Thanks.

JohnW

**GordMay** · 06-02-2004, 02:04

Barpilot:
While I don't really know your boat, I do know your Lake (Superior).
The Apostles are a wonderful cruising ground, and if you've ever been to Isle Royal or the Canadian shoreline (my home waters) - then you've tested the boat to any reasonable conditions you should expect to encounter in the Caribbean.
I agree wholeheartedly with your described philosophy! We did much the same in 1992 (returning to Thunder Bay for Xmas 2000). When do you intend to begin your trek South?
Best luck on your "Southbound" voyage.
Gord

Barpilot · 06-02-2004, 08:53

Hi Gord:
Thanks for the reply. Yes, I have been all over the Great Lakes, especially Superior. Been to Isle Royal dozens of times, the Slates, etc. Great sailing and country.
I'm thinking about a 2-year plan. Gives me time to beef up electrical systems, wind generator, solar panels, etc. The rigging is pretty much complete. I was just at Strickly Sail in Chicago and got a set of Garhauer adjustable cars. Sure will make adjustments a lot easier. You can do it under load. I'm considering a water maker but space and weight are at a premium.
I'm looking at an innerspring mattress for the forward cabin. Pricey but the comfort is worth the expense. 5" cushions just don't do it for me for extended periods.
As I mentioned, I have all integrated Raymarine electronics with repeaters below. All my instruments, including remote VHF are at the helm using a Navpod system. Works great to have all that where you need it. Also have to add SSB. Also need a license if I want to use it for free email. The option is to use a fee service. Have to see what happens.
I would like to have extra fuel tank. I only have 25 gal. capacity now. Water is 88 gal. Small holding tank but I can live with that.
I'm going to have some custom cabinetry added to the aft stateroom.
I would like to be able to be independent for at least 30 days without having to re-provision, etc. When you get some place that you like, who wants to go back and re-stock?
More later. Thanks again.

JohnW

05-02-2004, 16:11	#1
Barpilot Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Minneapolis Posts: 5	Catalina 36 Hello Everyone: From the posts I have read here, there seems to be alot of useful info. Background on me and my current boat. I have a '99 Cataling 36 MKII. Tall rig, wing keel, all current nav and electronics. Purchased new after sailing a '87 Pearson 31 for 12 years. I know the Catalina is a production PWB (plain white boat) but I love it and is very easy for me to single hand and with one crew is really easy. I have been sailing since I was 7 and am 60 now. Grew up on San Francisco Bay. Both father and grandfather were ship captains and later San Francisco Bar pilots. Never appealed to me when I was young. I currently sail out of Bayfield, WI on Lake Superior (the Great Lake). My plans are to take this boat south. Bahamas, Caribbean, and live aboard. Everyone tells me that my boat is "not" a cruising boat. They think I should buy an Island Packet, Hans Christian, etc. etc. Well, the fact is my boat is paid for and I still have money to put into the boat for additional cruising gear. The way I see it, if charter companies can use those fool Hunters and Beneatueu's in their charter fleets, the Catalina couldn't be too bad of a choice. I could afford to buy an older "cruising veteran", say 10 years old. Rebuild all the systems for God knows how much and then, two years later have a 12 year old boat that still may have hidden problems. Not sure I like the choice. I would love to hear from anyone who has thoughts on my boat and my planned cruising venue. Thanks. JohnW

06-02-2004, 02:04	#2
GordMay Administrator Site Administrator Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario - 48-29N x 89-20W Boat: C.L.O.D. (Cruiser Living On Dirt) Posts: 8,836 Images: 217	Barpilot: While I don't really know your boat, I do know your Lake (Superior). The Apostles are a wonderful cruising ground, and if you've ever been to Isle Royal or the Canadian shoreline (my home waters) - then you've tested the boat to any reasonable conditions you should expect to encounter in the Caribbean. I agree wholeheartedly with your described philosophy! We did much the same in 1992 (returning to Thunder Bay for Xmas 2000). When do you intend to begin your trek South? Best luck on your "Southbound" voyage. Gord __________________ Gord May ~~_/)_~~ (Gord & Maggie - "Southbound") "If you didn't have time/$ to do it right in the first place, when will you get the time/$ to fix it?"

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06-02-2004, 08:53	#3
Barpilot Registered User Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Minneapolis Posts: 5	Hi Gord: Thanks for the reply. Yes, I have been all over the Great Lakes, especially Superior. Been to Isle Royal dozens of times, the Slates, etc. Great sailing and country. I'm thinking about a 2-year plan. Gives me time to beef up electrical systems, wind generator, solar panels, etc. The rigging is pretty much complete. I was just at Strickly Sail in Chicago and got a set of Garhauer adjustable cars. Sure will make adjustments a lot easier. You can do it under load. I'm considering a water maker but space and weight are at a premium. I'm looking at an innerspring mattress for the forward cabin. Pricey but the comfort is worth the expense. 5" cushions just don't do it for me for extended periods. As I mentioned, I have all integrated Raymarine electronics with repeaters below. All my instruments, including remote VHF are at the helm using a Navpod system. Works great to have all that where you need it. Also have to add SSB. Also need a license if I want to use it for free email. The option is to use a fee service. Have to see what happens. I would like to have extra fuel tank. I only have 25 gal. capacity now. Water is 88 gal. Small holding tank but I can live with that. I'm going to have some custom cabinetry added to the aft stateroom. I would like to be able to be independent for at least 30 days without having to re-provision, etc. When you get some place that you like, who wants to go back and re-stock? More later. Thanks again. JohnW