Liveaboard Catalina 34

[smorris65]

Hello,
I am ready to purchase my 1st sailboat for liveaboard.

My goal is to purchase a boat now with the funds I have saved and live at Marina on North Texas Lake with my English Bulldog while I continue working for another 10 years. At that time my son, who is 9 and only with me on weekends, will be 19 and off to College or coming with me. At that time I'll get a bigger sailboat and head to the coast. That is the plan.

I've found online that I like the layout of the Catalina 34 and the older ones are in my price range, but I can't find one at any marina around here to look at in person.

I do not want to fly or drive a long distance only to decide it's too small for me. As a reference, last weekend I was on a new Catalina 350 and there is no way I could live on that. It was way too small.

Any advice on liveability of the catalina 34 would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Stephen

[MikeinLA]

I lived for a few years on a Catalina 36 with my GF and our dog and never had a problem with space. The Catalina 34 is a fine boat and I don't think you would have any problems at all.

Mike

[Pat Ross]

Here is a comparison thread, Google to find others Catalina 34MK vs Catalina 36MK

I like Catalina's.


Good Luck,

Pat

[smorris65]

I think I have read all the comparison threads, and looked at every one for sale online.
I was just hoping to hear from some that has lived on the Catalina 34, positive or negative as far as space goes.
Thanks

[Pat Ross]

Originally Posted by smorris65

I think I have read all the comparison threads, and looked at every one for sale online.
I was just hoping to hear from some that has lived on the Catalina 34, positive or negative as far as space goes.
Thanks

Have you checked out the Owner forums ?

[Sailmonkey]

I've been on both, never to live, but we cruise on a 32' boat.

If you can't find enough room on a 350, the 34 isn't going to make you happy either. the 34 has more room in the head, but the v-berth is more cramped.....still roughly the same amount of room.

[Sailorman375]

One thing to consider is Marina's are now imposing minimum length on live aboard boats. Here in Kemah 40' seems to be the norm, so you might want to check your marina.

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by Sailorman375

One thing to consider is Marina's are now imposing minimum length on live aboard boats. Here in Kemah 40' seems to be the norm, so you might want to check your marina.

that's one I can't wrap my head around. We have lived on our 32' boat without problems.

Although I can see how some marina's think it'll help.

[TJR]

Stephen

I have a 34' Catalina, 2001. It's been great and the cabin layout is very comfortable. The downside is a lack of storage space. Shallow port locker and slight cabin closets. Not a problem for me as I do not live on board. Also, the storage is not sufficient for a generator if that becomes important.

[smorris65]

My problem with the 350 was the salon was very tight, but there was 6 adults in there. Guess i need to find one to look at in person. Thanks

[jeremiason]

I have owned three Catalina Sailboats, a 27, 36 and now the 470.

Asking for opinions if a boat is large enough to live on is arbitrary, since everyone has their own comfort level...

We lived 8 months on our C-36 while waiting for our current boat to be built. The wife, me and the 100 lbs. Sheepdog. It was a little small for the three of us, but it worked.

One of the reasons I have stuck with Catalina Sailboats is because of the owners groups... The Catalina 34 Association is one of the most active.

I would suggest you start there... You might find a local boat in Texas with an owner willing to take you out sailing or do a walk through.

International Catalina 34 Association

[Tony B]

We had lived quite comfortably on a Catalina 30 for about 6 years.

Only you will know know what size you need. I'm confused about your question about a Catalina 34. If the 35 is too small, what would make you think a 34 is bigger?
Is this a trick question?

[smorris65]

Thanks, I posted on c34.org weeks ago seeking one locally i can look at in person. can't find one locally for sale. And even posted on several craigslist's in Texas/Oklahoma seeking someone that would let me look at theirs.

The 350 salon was very small. Much smaller than any other boat that size I have been on.
It's said the catalina 34 & 36 are virtually the same size inside, just different layout. Therefore i figured the 350 layout has a smaller salon than average. This is the reason I am trying to find one to look at. Thanks all.

I realize "is it big enough to live on" is ones perception, and my question has been answered by everyones input. Thanks.