Catalina 275

[Lexi22]

Has anybody here sailed a Catalina 275? I'd love to learn about your experience,
Lexi.

[Lexi22]

Little info about me.
Have some dinghy experience, live in the East Coast, looking for my first sailboat to gain experience, will sail the boat for years to come before buying a 30-38ft monohull...
I never buy used, a firm policy of mine. I checked a few other sailboats, no need to list them here. I've picked Catalina 275 Sport as it appears to be the cheapest starter sailboat that offers a decent private head. I wonder if it sails good though. I like the fact that it has a decent fin keel; I don't believe the trends of messing with the keel performance for shallow waters.
Also I wonder what other better options there might be out there. I kinda liked the fixed keel First 27. I like the simplicity of the SE version but then the keel was retractable; it's outboard solution was an attractive design feature IMO.
Thanks much,
Lexi.

[Lexi22]

I've also noticed the difference with the hull designs of 315 and 275. 315 has more roundy hull while 275's bottom has a shape on the kinda flatish. I know I've made a horrible job explaining the difference, but I wonder how that effects the sailing experience.
Thanks,
Lexi.

[nemier]

Lexi22 - did you buy your catalina 275?