Catalina 36

[boatless 4 now]

Is it possible to take a Catalina 36 blue water cruising? If so, what upgrades would you have to make?

[Vasco]

I would think so. Modifications would depend on the model and the condition of the boat.

[SaltyMonkey]

There have been a few long journeys. Im actually researching right now myself!

Here are some journeys:

Yachts and boats for sale - Catalina Yachts

[RainDog]

"20 Small Sailboats to Take You Anywhere" has a list of the modifications done to a Catalina 27 to prepare it for crossing oceans. Granted a Catalina 27 is very different from a Catalina 36, but might be good food for thought.

[slomotion]

We island hopped (leisurely delivery) a 1995 model from Florida to USVI - which, I take it, is not what you mean by "blue water cruising." In Good Condition, I see no reason why you couldn't cross an ocean in one. It certainly "felt" heavier and more substantial than our old Hunter 34, and we encountered no issues that would lead me to recommend reinforcement or substantial upgrade. But at the time, the boat was less than 10 years old and very well maintained. Tankage is pretty good for a production boat of its length, but for long term cruising, I would want a water maker. In general, they are good but not spectacular performers. They point fairly well, but don't like beating to windward (what does?), and they are quite good down wind. The aft cabin is interesting, and you either love it or hate it. On the one we delivered it was used as the garage and we slept in the V berth.

[bewitched]

I have a 42.

Things that I've done that you may want to consider:

- added inner stay and checkstays
- Replaced all standing rigging (it was old anyway)
- upped from 8mm to 10mm chain / gypsy and put on a decent bowroller.
- glassed up the big anchor locker (don't like having big holes on the foredeck)
- Solar panels

These upgrades aren't strictly "necessary", but made a bit difference to my piece of mind and comfort.

By the way - don't worry about the strength of these boats - I've slammed the boat around pretty hard on many occasions and never had any notable structural damage or hardware failure.