Catalina 34 Offshore Handling?

[SVSerafina]

Does anyone have experience to share in how a Catalina 34MKII would handle a multi-day offshore passage? I'm concerned about:

1) handling characteristics in following seas,

2) dangers of ocean-going with a spade rudder,

3) adjusting roller-furling main in heavy weather.

Any advice welcome.

[donradcliffe]

I delivered a C34-II down the coast of California.in 20-25 knots of following wind and seas. I had to reef it way down to 5 knots of boat speed so that my crew could steer it and I could get some sleep. When the wind dropped to 15-20, we put the Raymarine wheel pilot on, and it broke within an hour.

Its handling wasn't as bad as an Ericson 35, which requires nearly lock to lock steering on every wave, but I wouldn't take one on a trade wind passage if you paid me $1000 per day There are boats which a a joy to sail in those conditions.

[DeValency]

I had a Catalina 28 Mark II, tall rig in the late 90's and we cruised a lot in the eastern Med for some 6-7 years, in multiple conditions with no problems at all. While not designed at a blue ocean boat, there are ways to reduce risks (with any boat).
1. Be more careful with high seas and wind over 20Kts, when you can - just don't leave

2. No issues with a spade rudder, but make sure your auto pilot is strong enough and add a hydrovane if planning longer passages

3. With any boat and main, reffing should be made before facing a heavy weather. It shouldn't be more challenging when having a furled main. But as it is a light boat, you definitely want to furl earlier - I'd say at over 15Kts.

Other considerations are related to the tankage; these boats usually have smaller water and diesel tanks than the equivalent Water boats">blue water boats, so be prepared with on deck jerrycans