Catalina 36 MKII vs 380

[AiniA]

I have done as much research as I can on these two Catalinas and was wondering if anyone here has any insight into which of these would be better for coastal cruising? Both boats I am considering were built around 2000 and both are shoal draft with standard rigs. Thanks for your thoughts.

[Nineteen]

Hi
If budget is not an issue I would buy the C380 - we did. You will like the centerline owners cabin and it is still easily sailed singlehanded. The volume is huge.

I am not going to say anything negative about the C36 as they are a very popular boat in their own right (many more 36 and 36 mk2s out there). They are also a large boat for their length and have the same build quality.

I don't think I have helped you I'm afraid, but we enjoyed our friends C36 mk2 for years before we bought our 2000 C380.

Cheers
Tom

[AiniA]

The price differential between the two boats is surprisingly small and not really a major consideration fortunately. We just want to get the best boat. Going to see the two boats next week.

[Nineteen]

Hi AiniA

Good luck with your search - take your time and enjoy the search. You will know when you find the right boat[emoji106]

Cheers
Tom

[dangerfield55]

I own a Catalina 36 MK2 shoal keel. My old boat was a 1984 Freedom 32. Strength of the 36 is sturdy, very comfortable for a couple. Worst fault SA/ D just under 15, takes 12 knots of wind to get above 5 knots. A decent sailboat but the Freedom was way more lively. The 380 maybe marginally better. With the large production run the 36 is very, very reliable.

[dangerfield55]

If the 380 has a westerbeke engine pass on it. They had cooling issues which blew the engines. The fix was a different head gasket but I personally wouldn’t take the chance. The tan mars have been trouble free as far as I know. Just advice.

[Nineteen]

Hi
Yes ours is a Yanmar 3JH3 - I believe the changover occured 99-2000. Ours is #306 commissioned Nov 2000.
Cheers
Tom

[Doug4bass]

I would go for the condo 380.