Catalina 38 an Ocean Cruiser ?

[dennisail]

I was reading an article someone linked, maybe from this site regarding cheap yachts for world cruising as suggested by the Pardeys. http://www.landlpardey.com/an-intere...t-choice.html? One boat they suggested was the Yankee 38, which is an older version of the Catalina 38. These boats seem pretty affordable. What do you guys think?

1900 catalina (Sail) Boats For Sale

[Doodles]

Originally Posted by dennisail

I was reading an article someone linked, maybe from this site regarding cheap yachts for world cruising as suggested by the Pardeys. An Interesting and Affordable Cruising Boat Choice | Sailing Blog | Lin & Larry Pardey One boat they suggested was the Yankee 38, which is an older version of the Catalina 38. These boats seem pretty affordable. What do you guys think?

1900 catalina (Sail) Boats For Sale

Seems like a lot of boat for the money, and if the Pardey's like them that would be good enough for me. The article also mentioned the Hughes or Northstar 38 as another of the same design. Someone in another thread was looking at them as a good buy.

[denverd0n]

Same basic design, fine. What about the lay-ups? The rigging? The tankage? And so on. There can be a HUGE difference between two boats of the same basic design.

Having said that, remember that the Atlantic has been crossed in open boats less than half the size of this one. Time it right, and be willing to put up with some discomfort, and ANY boat can be used as an "ocean cruiser."

Personally, I am very much enamored of the Catalina line. I think they are excellent boats for the money, and nearly perfect for my needs. But I don't intend to sail around the world. Most of the Catalina line would need considerable time and money spent on upgrades to be truly ready for extended ocean cruising.

[Doodles]

FYI ... here is the other thread on the Hughes 38 ...http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ore-43313.html

[Feral Cat]

Hi, I have a Catalina 38 for many of the same reasons indicated in the article... My question revolves around needed upgrades to make taking her around the world possible knowing she can do it today but would like to be as prepared as possible...

I have completely rewired the 12v system
New batteries designed into two systems (House and dedicated starters)
LED lights inside and outside complete
Wind generator
Solar panels
Honda 2000 generator (For back-up and power tools)
New Beta 28 motor and matching trans
Reworked all winches
new prop
New roller furler
New bottom paint
New halyards (All replaced and added a couple)
New holding tanks (Fuel, Water, and waste)
New electronics package, wind, speed, depth, chartplotter/fishfinder (For sonar) radar along with a couple of computer based chart systems and handheld GPS units (all individual for ease of replacement)
Of course; paper charts

Needs as I have identified so far:

Water-maker (Main water tank at 40 gals)
New sails
New standing rigging (Complete)
new life lines
New ground tackle

Just curious if anybody has any suggestions on what else might be considered or needed to start an around the world journey in my Catalina 38 S&S with plans of hitting as many anchorages (Read short distances between) as possible along the way...

Thanks for any replies...

Wayne

[Feral Cat]

I thought this might be a good place to ask this question as it may let people be aware of the actual costs and what is potentially in store for outfitting a boat of this vintage to get them ready...

I have easily doubled the price of my boat with all supplies and me doing the work, all of it, to get here to the current condition... and not yet complete.

I find my boat to feel very worthy of making a voyage around the world and with all these upgrades should be fairly reliable...

Just my .02 worth

[dennisail]

Sounds awesome. May I ask to see a cost inventory?

[cal40john]

Another Catalina 38 thread:

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...8-a-38005.html

John

[SaltyMonkey]

I would not waste time on a watermaker. Id get a bigger water tank or a number of them. More fuel too.

have a good engine ready with parts.

and...

if anything:
Reinforce and make sure all bulkheads are strong
Innner forstay

Catalina 36's and 38's have sailed around the world before.

[SaltyMonkey]

I'd also like to know more about the 34 and the 32. Maybe they would make nice cruisers too? Anyone have knowledge on alternative Catalinas as an option?

[Feral Cat]

Dennisail, honestly I gave up watching the money fly from my hands as she became a hobby... The money was going so fast it was making me ill... At around $30,000 I just resigned that this is a VERY expensive hobby... But still to me is well worth it!

I figure about another $15,000-$20,000 to be complete and have a solid boat. I think you should be able to find a very capable boat for much lees than I currently have in mine. But that seems to be a common thread in my life... Buy high, pay more and then sell at a loss

Yes, standing rigging is on the list!

Yes it has a brand new Beta 28 and purs like a kitten!

Not sure if the holding tanks can be increased... I am thinking this is an issue that keeps these boats from being more highly regarded as world travelers... A watermaker would get around the use of large holding tanks. What is the specific reason to avoid a watermaker? is it the ongoing maint. issues?

[SaltyMonkey]

I estimated 45k for a full outfit on a cruiser - whatever the size.

[SkiprJohn]

Windvane steering system?
regards,

[SaltyMonkey]

Watermaker - useless because of polluted grungy ports. Maintenance issues, yes. No fall back system if it fails in the middle of a run. expensive. Money best spent on something else.

[SaltyMonkey]

Windvane - 5500 $...incl in my 45k budget