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klmmicro · 11-12-2013, 21:45

No questions really. I am making an offer on a Catalina 36 tomorrow. It has been a journey of 10 years of looking, coming close and having the proverbial "something" come up. Finally, I am there! I started my search in earnest in 2004. In 2005, the time seemed right. Was within a week of making an offer on a 32' Hunter. Life threw a curve making it impractical.

Again in 2007 the opportunity was there and I looked at another bunch of boats. Found several that I was really interested in and again life took a strange turn. No regrets, I was able to help a friend through a life threatening illness that meant my boat would have to wait.

Now that life seems to have settled out, I started looking again. Seems that my tastes have moved into a slightly larger fair with the goal of moving aboard becoming a reality. I looked at a few Catalina 36 boats ranging from 1983 to 1995 and find the boat to be cozy and fitting for me.

I have settled on the one that has a good hull, but needs a little TLC. The rigging is in great shape, but the interior looks a wee bit shabby. Nothing that attention won't bring together.

I am starting to get excited...just a little

My lurking here has been invaluable so far and I am sure that it will continue to be so.

robert sailor · 11-12-2013, 22:53

Popular and very roomy boat for those years it was built. Good luck!

klmmicro · 12-12-2013, 22:55

Thank you very much! It really is roomy compared to the 30-32 foot designs I considered 5 years ago. Was chatting with a few 36 owners that remarked that it is pretty fast for its size. It will serve great on coastal cruising and jaunts out to Catalina. No more ferry and charter rides!

**HappyMdRSailor** · 12-12-2013, 23:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by klmmicro

Thank you very much! It really is roomy compared to the 30-32 foot designs I considered 5 years ago. Was chatting with a few 36 owners that remarked that it is pretty fast for its size. It will serve great on coastal cruising and jaunts out to Catalina. No more ferry and charter rides!

Welcome to CF!

This will be a PERFECT fit for hopping out to the island and such... Make sure you are getting a good deal, as there are TONS of deals out there to be had...Congrats!

klmmicro · 14-12-2013, 05:16

Arranging haul out, marine and engine surveys now. There is a lot of work ensuring everything is in order...to be sure! The visual so far is great. Will be going down on the hull in the next few days to take a look for myself. Seems like an exciting dive!

klmmicro · 15-12-2013, 19:09

Haul out and surveys are scheduled for Tuesday. Bottom was inspected and painted 2 years ago, but still have to have it surveyed by a "third party". We will be conducting the sea trail and engine survey as well. Lots of busy and I am looking forward to reading (and seeing) the results.

Dr. Strangelove · 15-12-2013, 19:56

The Catalina 36 is my favorite boat! A good friend had one and we spent many a happy hour racing her in his club's "beer can" contests.

Huge amount of room below, good size galley and head, and plenty of bunks for crew. Also easy to single hand and plenty of room in the cockpit.

Congratulations!

scotty c-m · 15-12-2013, 20:55

My brother loved his boat so much that when he bought a larger (Catalina 380) boat, he sold the 36 to his son (my nephew)!! Great boat. Hope it comes together for you!!

Stu Jackson · 16-12-2013, 10:14

Catalina 36/375 International Association | "It's always nice when there is a support network for used boat buyers and Catalina 36 has one of the best" (Boat US), join their forum, too.

Good luck.

**Cotemar** · 16-12-2013, 10:36

Welcome to the CF and your new boat journey.
Catalina's are great boats. I owned a Catalina 30 and a 380 and loved both of them.

klmmicro · 16-12-2013, 17:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stu Jackson

Catalina 36/375 International Association | "It's always nice when there is a support network for used boat buyers and Catalina 36 has one of the best" (Boat US), join their forum, too.

Good luck.

Membership papers in! Looks like a great organization and I am looking forward to joining a local fleet.

klmmicro · 17-12-2013, 05:39

Busy day today. Haul out and then sea trial. Got extra batteries for the flash lights and camera. Have my pad of paper and pen. Have the appointment set with the surveyor for 0900.

svHannabel · 17-12-2013, 06:59

Best wishes for a productive sea trial and clean survey. Hard to beat the all-around value and performance of a C36/34 for coastal cruising and casual sailing.

**HappyMdRSailor** · 17-12-2013, 10:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by klmmicro

Busy day today. Haul out and then sea trial. Got extra batteries for the flash lights and camera. Have my pad of paper and pen. Have the appointment set with the surveyor for 0900.

Here's to a clean survey with only minor hiccups!

Let us know how it works out!