Hi, Al,

A pleasure hearing from you. Interestingly enough, I still have the 1987 C34 brochure. Back then we didn't have the $$ for one, so we waited, looked for an entire year for nothing but C34s and found our 1986 #224 in 1998.

I fully understand the learning curve. In order to help C34 owners, and many others since not all boat systems are boat-specific, we started and have continued c34ia.org. I strongly urge you to visit and to read the daily Main Message Board, much like this one, but replete with links.

I come here every day, too.

My wife at that time was my second wife, we sailed our Catalina 25 for many years before she said: "Go get the boat you really want!" Now she comes with me more often --- I hear ya!

Hope to see you "over there" and consider joining our Association, too.

Thanks for the kind words.

Stu

PS I sailed her up to British Columbia from San Francisco last summer. Great trip. There's a link to my log on our forum.

HI Stu,

My name is Al Thomas. I bought an 86 Catalina 34 last November! My boat is in San Diego West Marina. I love my boat. I demo sailed an 86 34 new in 86 but my wife at the time said NO. I made the mistake of taking my mother-in-law with us and she told my wife we should not buy it. Well I finally got what I wanted after all these years! My second wife encouraged me to buy the boat. She enjoys being on and sailing with me.

I am still learning the systems on my boat. It is in good shape for its age but does need some upgrades. The old instruments don't work at all and for some reason the aft water tank has been removed. Also my anchor light does not work and my VHF antenna is bent over and needs to be replaced. Lot of things to do.

I live in Las Vegas so only get down to my boat about once a month.

I was excited to see another '86 34 owner on the forum and wanted to say hi.

I enjoy reading your comments.


AL Thomas
S/V St. Thomas
801-830-5118