27 foot catalina sailboat

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• Sailboat Guide

Catalina 27

Catalina 27 is a 26 ′ 10 ″ / 8.2 m monohull sailboat designed by Robert Finch and Frank V. Butler and built by Cooper Enterprises Inc., Russell Marine, Essex, Catalina Yachts, and Eric Birch, Essex between 1971 and 1991.

• 3 / 57 Oxnard, CA, US 1973 Catalina 27 $15,900 USD View
• 4 / 57 Chicago, IL, US 1990 Catalina 27 $16,000 USD View
• 5 / 57 Northbridge, MA, US 1976 Catalina 27 $4,500 USD View
• 6 / 57 Somers, MT, US 1990 Catalina 27 $16,000 USD View
• 7 / 57 Oxnard, CA, US 1973 Catalina 27 $15,900 USD View
• 8 / 57 Dillon, CO, US 1984 Catalina 27 $13,000 USD View
• 9 / 57 Clear Lake Shores, TX, US 1985 Catalina 27 $7,500 USD View
• 10 / 57 Northbridge, MA, US 1976 Catalina 27 $4,500 USD View
• 11 / 57 Somers, MT, US 1990 Catalina 27 $16,000 USD View
• 12 / 57 Oxnard, CA, US 1973 Catalina 27 $15,900 USD View
• 13 / 57 Chicago, IL, US 1990 Catalina 27 $16,000 USD View
• 14 / 57 Clear Lake Shores, TX, US 1985 Catalina 27 $7,500 USD View
• 15 / 57 Northbridge, MA, US 1976 Catalina 27 $4,500 USD View
• 16 / 57 Oxnard, CA, US 1973 Catalina 27 $15,900 USD View
• 17 / 57 Dillon, CO, US 1984 Catalina 27 $13,000 USD View
• 18 / 57 Chicago, IL, US 1990 Catalina 27 $16,000 USD View
• 19 / 57 Northbridge, MA, US 1976 Catalina 27 $4,500 USD View
• 20 / 57 Somers, MT, US 1990 Catalina 27 $16,000 USD View
• 21 / 57 Oxnard, CA, US 1973 Catalina 27 $15,900 USD View
• 22 / 57 Dillon, CO, US 1984 Catalina 27 $13,000 USD View
• 23 / 57 Chicago, IL, US 1990 Catalina 27 $16,000 USD View
• 24 / 57 Clear Lake Shores, TX, US 1985 Catalina 27 $7,500 USD View
• 25 / 57 Somers, MT, US 1990 Catalina 27 $16,000 USD View
• 26 / 57 Oxnard, CA, US 1973 Catalina 27 $15,900 USD View
• 27 / 57 Dillon, CO, US 1984 Catalina 27 $13,000 USD View
• 28 / 57 Chicago, IL, US 1990 Catalina 27 $16,000 USD View
• 29 / 57 Clear Lake Shores, TX, US 1985 Catalina 27 $7,500 USD View
• 30 / 57 Northbridge, MA, US 1976 Catalina 27 $4,500 USD View
• 31 / 57 Somers, MT, US 1990 Catalina 27 $16,000 USD View
• 32 / 57 Oxnard, CA, US 1973 Catalina 27 $15,900 USD View
• 33 / 57 Dillon, CO, US 1984 Catalina 27 $13,000 USD View
• 34 / 57 Clear Lake Shores, TX, US 1985 Catalina 27 $7,500 USD View
• 35 / 57 Northbridge, MA, US 1976 Catalina 27 $4,500 USD View
• 36 / 57 Oxnard, CA, US 1973 Catalina 27 $15,900 USD View
• 37 / 57 Chicago, IL, US 1990 Catalina 27 $16,000 USD View
• 38 / 57 Clear Lake Shores, TX, US 1985 Catalina 27 $7,500 USD View
• 39 / 57 Oxnard, CA, US 1973 Catalina 27 $15,900 USD View
• 40 / 57 Chicago, IL, US 1990 Catalina 27 $16,000 USD View
• 41 / 57 Oxnard, CA, US 1973 Catalina 27 $15,900 USD View
• 42 / 57 Chicago, IL, US 1990 Catalina 27 $16,000 USD View
• 43 / 57 Clear Lake Shores, TX, US 1985 Catalina 27 $7,500 USD View
• 44 / 57 Oxnard, CA, US 1973 Catalina 27 $15,900 USD View
• 45 / 57 Chicago, IL, US 1990 Catalina 27 $16,000 USD View
• 46 / 57 Clear Lake Shores, TX, US 1985 Catalina 27 $7,500 USD View
• 47 / 57 Chicago, IL, US 1990 Catalina 27 $16,000 USD View
• 48 / 57 Clear Lake Shores, TX, US 1985 Catalina 27 $7,500 USD View
• 49 / 57 Chicago, IL, US 1990 Catalina 27 $16,000 USD View
• 50 / 57 Clear Lake Shores, TX, US 1985 Catalina 27 $7,500 USD View
• 51 / 57 Chicago, IL, US 1990 Catalina 27 $16,000 USD View
• 52 / 57 Clear Lake Shores, TX, US 1985 Catalina 27 $7,500 USD View
• 53 / 57 Chicago, IL, US 1990 Catalina 27 $16,000 USD View
• 54 / 57 Clear Lake Shores, TX, US 1985 Catalina 27 $7,500 USD View
• 55 / 57 Chicago, IL, US 1990 Catalina 27 $16,000 USD View
• 56 / 57 Chicago, IL, US 1990 Catalina 27 $16,000 USD View
• 57 / 57 Chicago, IL, US 1990 Catalina 27 $16,000 USD View

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

From BlueWaterBoats.org :

Launched in 1971, the Catalina 27 has been a popular favourite, enjoying the kind of commercial success that’s led to one of the longest and largest production runs of its era spanning 22 years and 6,600 boats. From the outset she was designed to be affordable (some have even said cheap) for weekend excursions, club racing and coastal cruising – offshore work was always outside of the design scope. Yet despite this there has been at least one circumnavigation demonstrating that this vessel, with the right preparation and skills, can be an ocean passage maker. We’ve included this boat here more for its popularity than its inherent seaworthiness.

The Catalina 27 was conceived in a 1970 design partnership between Robert Finch, and the founder of Catalina Yachts, Frank Butler. Butler built an incredible number of 27s at his boat factory in Southern California using modern boatbuilding processes that are not too different to methods employed today. Initial production started in 1971. She had a incredibly spacious interior and she was affordably priced at a time when cruising sailboats had captured the public imagination. These factors helped the boat find immediate success, in fact in the first three years 1,500 boats popped off the production line – that’s ten per week.

Early models were only available with outboard engines, an inboard option of an Atomic 4 engine was added in 1973, which later expanded to other engine varieties in successive years. The outboard engine option was later phased out in 1989. For shallow waters, a shoal draft winged-keel version was introduced in 1979. And popular among club racers, there was a version with a taller, more efficient, high aspect ratio rig which added 24 sq.ft. of canvas.

Production spread also to Canada and the UK. Cooper Enterprises in British Columbia, at the time one of the largest Canadian boatbuilders, produced well over a thousand boats under license for the Canadian domestic market and are a common sight around BC waterways today. While across the pond in the UK, the boat was built under license from as early as 1971 under the brand name Jaguar for UK and European markets. These were produced in Essex by Eric Birch Yachts (from 1971) and Russell Marine (from 1975) with the hulls molded by Seamaster Boats.

In 1979 a young 28 year old Patrick Childress set off in his shoal draft Catalina 27, Juggernaut , on a successful 3 year single-handed circumnavigation which included a 6400-mile, 53-day passage of the Indian Ocean.

After an unprecedented 22 years of production resulting in 6,600 boats, production finally ceased in 1991. Catalina succeeded the long lasting design with an all-new water-ballasted and trailerable weekender, the Catalina 270.

Configuration

The Catalina 27 is a fin-keeler with a raked spade rudder hanging about as far aft as possible, pushed along by a masthead sloop rig that’s tall and efficient. The hull shape is shallow and beamy which is great for initial stiffness to the wind but reduces liveable volume below the waterline. Butler made up for this by drawing deep topsides and a high cabin top all while keeping the design sleek to the eye. The result gives this 27-footer class leading interior headroom and space.

Below deck can best be described as light and spacious, this boat offers so much accommodation that many are willing to forgo her flaws. The companionway and hatch is wide which poses a water ingress hazard at sea but is responsible for her spacious feel in the cabin while at anchor. There’s technically berths for six in the standard aft-galley layout – two in the forepeak and the port side settee will really only fit kids or very short adults, while the starboard settee converts to a cozy double berth, and finally there’s a starboard seagoing quarterberth. The galley with its two burner stove is located on port below the companionway while the head is located just aft of the forepeak on starboard and is comfortably sized. Opposite the head is a locker, but note, as is typical of boats this size, locker and stowage space is in short supply.

Construction

Construction was pretty light. The hull is of solid fiberglass and much thinner than typical offshore counterparts, particularly above the waterline where small impacts that would normally lead to just a scratch may result in fractures for the Catalina 27. Early boats, as a cost cutting measure, lacked proper backing plates on deck hardware, stanchions, and rails, which lead to cracked gelcoat and in some cases fiberglass delamination. This was remedied in later boats.

The feel of the helm is very light and she sails responsively, or to quote the ever humorous John Vigor in 20 Small Sailboats to Take you Anywhere, “She handles like a dinghy, which is hardy surprising since that’s what she basically is – a dinghy with grandeur”. She is relatively stiff and holds her canvas well in a breeze. All this makes for a fast boat that’s easily controlled. The downside is seaworthiness. For best results Vigor recommends keeping her cruising weight down, as reduced weight will reduce stresses on the rig and hull at sea.

Note that the Catalina 27 is a beamy boat, and like others, there is a tendency for weather helm on greater angles of heel that will require either reefing the mainsail to maintain balance.

Buyers Notes

More than 6,600 Catalina 27s were made, so there’s plenty to choose from. If you’re on the hunt for a boat to sail protected coastal waters at a good price then she’s a good choice. For offshore work do your research and make sure you’ve modified your boat according to recommendations – probably the most important are enlarging the cockpit drains, reworking the companionway hatch area to help direct water into the cockpit, and uprated rigging including chainplates for the aft lower shrouds.

Some known weaknesses with this boat are listed below:

• As mentioned, early boats lacked backing plates on hardware, leading to cracks in the gelcoat and in some cases delamination of the GRP.
• Through-hull fittings were poorly installed and secondary bondings of attachments in some cases were poor.
• Leaky chain plates have caused bulkheads to deteriorate which in turn has increased the risk of rig failures.
• Fuel tank installations were poor on early inboard models.
• The original spreader sockets were made of cast aluminium which tended to crack when overstressed.
• Through-hull fittings in early boats were simply pipe nipples glassed into the hull and will need swapping out for proper flanged, bolt-through bronze fittings.
• While heeled, some have reported seawater back flowing into the icebox via the drain. Fit a proper seacock to the through-hull.

Links, References and Further Reading

» The Catalina 27/270 Owners Association » Twenty Small Sailboats to Take You Anywhere by John Vigor, (Ch8, p45-52) an in depth look at the Catalina 27. ISBN:978-0939837328 » Used Boat Notebook, Catalina 27, review by John Kretschmer, SAILING Magazine, Nov 2002, volume 37, no. 3 » Jaguar Owners Association for European Catalinas under the brand name Jaguar » A biography of Forbes Cooper of Cooper Yachts who built the Canadian Catalina 27s » Cruising World Magazine’s article on Patrick Childress’ two circumnavigations , first in his Catalina 27 and then in his Valiant 40 two decades later.

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Catalina 27

First impressions The Catalina 27 was a "big" boat when it was first introduced in 1971. In fact, at the time it was the queen of the Catalina fleet. The look is "California 1970s modern." This translates into an almost flat sheerline with a large but nicely blended cabintrunk and cockpit coamings. There is plenty of freeboard and nearly 9 feet of beam, which of course creates space below. Under the water, the high-aspect fin keel sweeps aft, as does the spade rudder. A wing keel shoal-draft model was offered in 1979, reducing the draft from 4 feet to 3 feet, 5 inches but requiring extra ballast. A tall rig option was available for light-air regions.

Construction The Catalina 27 hull is solid fiberglass and the thickness tapers significantly from the waterline up. The deck is plywood cored, which is not the best material for the job, although deck delamination doesn't seem to be the common problem it is on many older boats. Catalina used molded hull and headliners, streamlining the manufacturing process. I often lament the use of liners in my reviews because they make it difficult to access the hull and have structural limitations. However, for boats less than 30 feet, they make production sense provided that they are well bonded to the hull. The Catalina 27 was not designed or built to be a bluewater boat, and there is nothing wrong with that. Some original construction details are more worrisome than the less than robust scantlings. Early boats were fitted with gate valves on below-the-waterline through-hull fittings and most deck hardware did not have backing plates. It is likely that these shortcomings have been addressed by owners along the way. The ballast is external and the iron keel bolts should be carefully examined. The ballast-to-displacement ratio is more than 40 percent.

What to look for The first thing to look for is the right configuration that suits your needs from among the variables: standard or shoal draft, standard or tall rig, outboard or inboard engine, gas or diesel inboard. In addition to the wing keel offered in 1979, a 3-foot shoal draft was an option from the start. If you sail on Chesapeake Bay and plan to race the boat in the active one-design fleet in Annapolis, than you might be best suited with a standard draft, tall rig, outboard engine, early model 27. These were the lightest, fastest and cheapest boats. If you live in Florida and want to cross the Gulf Stream and cruise the Bahamas, the shoal draft, standard rig, inboard diesel model might be your best choice. There were many small changes made during the long production run, so the best acquisition strategy is to look at many different boats before making a choice. In addition to finding the right configuration, there are several other problems to be wary of. Leaks are the bane of many 27s and water finds its way below through the hull-and-deck joint, the hatches, the chainplates and deck fittings. Chainplate leaks often result in bulkhead delamination. Be sure to check the through-hull fittings and replace any gate valves with seacocks. Also, check for backing plates on deck fittings, occasionally owners have added these and sometimes by remounting the fittings they have inadvertently created leaks. The lack of backing plates allowed deck fittings to move, and the gelcoat around chocks, cleats, and other fittings is often crazed and cracked. Other items to inspect are the spreaders and particularly the cast aluminum spreader sockets as they're prone to failure. The result can be a mast toppling into the drink. Apparently Catalina is well aware of this problem and has a ready-made replacement kit available.

On deck The Catalina 27 has a shallow but comfortable cockpit with a locker to port and aft lazarette. Tiller steering was standard, although I have seen some early boats retrofitted with a pedestal and wheel. Late in the production run, wheel steering became an option and many boats after 1984 are equipped with wheels. The companionway is enormous and there is not a bridgedeck to speak of. Companionway leaks are common, especially on older models before a sea hood was added. The mainsheet arrangement shifted around over the years. Early boats lead the sheet aft, but the angle from the boom to the traveler is not very efficient and tends to interfere with the helmsman. Later boats mounted the traveler over the companionway, however this midboom sheeting really adds a lot of friction to the system and loads up a boom section that isn't very stout. The headsail tracks are inboard, allowing close sheeting angles. The standard rigging requires a close inspection, and if it is older than 10 years consider updating it. Double lifelines became standard early, but the lifelines were led to the base of the bow pulpit. This was fairly common in the 1960s and early 1970s, allowing the deck-sweeping genoas to roam freely. The forward hatch mounts flush, which is nice looking and saves a few toe bruises, but almost assures leaks when a wave sloshes aboard. A nice improvement was the molded external chain locker added on later models.

Down below The interior is spacious and user-friendly. It doesn't feature elegant joinerwork, but so what, you don't buy a Catalina 27 for the craftsmanship, you buy it to have fun on the water. The huge companionway makes stepping below a breeze, which is not always the case in small boats. If you happen across an old boat that hasn't been updated, it is like stepping into a time capsule. Honest John, the 1974 model I examined in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, still had the original plaid cushion covers and weird orange brown shag carpeting. Still, the boat has more room below than my brother's Centurion 32 of the same vintage. Catalina offered two basic interior plans. The standard layout includes a V-berth forward followed by an enclosed head. The saloon has two opposite settees and the galley is aft to port. The dinette interior layout places the galley alongside to port with a dinette to starboard and two quarter berths, which are the best sleeping berths on the boat. For cruising purposes the dinette arrangement is more convenient, although the standard plan is less cluttered. Both layouts include plenty of storage, although it is under the settees and something of a pain to access. Headroom is about 6 feet and ventilation is adequate. Most galleys will have small one- or two-burner alcohol stoves, and some may have 12-volt refrigeration, although this will likely have required a complete icebox rebuild as the original insulation was inadequate. The original icebox drain tends to back flow when heeled to port. The electrical panel is tucked away in the quarter berth.

Engine When it comes to the engine, you'll find a great variety when you start looking at used Catalina 27s. Originally the boat was offered with either an outboard or an Atomic 4 gasoline engine. The outboard was designed to fit into the aft locker, or engine well, and while this kept the engine out of sight, it didn't make it easy to operate or maintain. Most owners fitted remote engine controls. The advantage of an outboard is that you can haul it off the boat, put it in the trunk and take it to a shop for repairs. And, when it's past its prime you simply buy a new one. The disadvantages include the lack of power (you need at least a 9.9-horsepower engine) difficulty in maneuvering in tight quarters and the inability to charge the batteries efficiently. The inboard option is probably better, although the engine location under the cockpit is difficult to access, making even simple tasks like checking the oil a challenge. The Universal Atomic 4 at one time dominated the sailboat market and is plenty of engine for the Catalina 27. Although gasoline engines have gone out of fashion, Atomic 4 parts are readily available and cheap. You can actually buy a completely rebuilt Atomic 4 for less than a new 10-horsepower outboard. Diesels became an option in the late 1970s. Some boats were fitted with a 6-horsepower Petter, which is a cranky machine under the best of conditions and doesn't provide much oomph. Later boats had two-cylinder Universal diesels. If I could find a 27 with one of these, especially if it had low hours, I'd jump on it.

Under way Naturally, the different hull and rig configurations influence the sailing characteristics. One of the most surprising features of the 27 is how nicely it sails. The boat is fairly well balanced, and according to several owner reports, thrives upwind in moderate conditions. In heavy air the 27 is a bit tender and one owner suggests putting the first reef in the main at 12 knots. Ironically, another says he sails his boat on breezy San Francisco Bay and is impressed with how stiff the boat is. Several owners who race the boat note that fairing the hull is critical, and another attributes his success to changing the wire rope halyards to Kevlar. My own experience is limited to a few sails on Michigan's Lake St. Clair long ago, but I clearly remember the boat being responsive, relatively fast and easy to sail. The Catalina 27 fits the vague description of coastal cruiser and casual racer. With that said, several boats have made impressive passages. I remember talking with a young solo sailor in Bermuda who was heading toward the Caribbean in his 27, and I heard of another 27 that circumnavigated.

Conclusion The Catalina 27 didn't become one of the most popular boats ever built without good reason. It offers good sailing, comfortable accommodations, one-design fleets and active owner's groups. With prices ranging from around $6,000 for old, tired 27s to around $20,000 for late-model gems, the boat is also a terrific value.

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Bluewater Sailboat – Catalina 27

Also called: jaguar 27.

The Bluewater Sailboat Catalina 27 has been a fan favorite since its introduction in 1971, and its financial success has resulted in one of the longest and greatest production runs of its era, spanning 22 years and 6,600 boats. She was always intended to be economical (some have even stated cheap) for weekend getaways, club racing, and coastal cruising – offshore work was always out of the purview of the design. Despite this, at least one circumnavigation has been completed, indicating that with the proper planning and expertise, this vessel can be an ocean journey maker.

This Bluewater Sailboat was chosen for its popularity rather than its inherent seaworthiness.

• LOA: 26′ 10″
• LWL: 21′ 9″
• Beam: 8′ 6″
• Draft, Standard: 4′ 0″
• Draft, Shoal Keel: 3′ 5″
• Displacement, Standard: 6,850 lbs.
• Displacement, Shoal Keel: 7,300 lbs.
• Ballast, Standard: 2,700 lbs.
• Ballast, Shoal Keel: 3,150 lbs.
• Sail Area, Standard: 340 sq. ft.
• Sail Area, Tall Rig: 364 sq. ft.
• Bridge Clearance, Standard: 38’3″
• Bridge Clearance, Tall Rig: 41′ 0″
• Headroom: 6’ 1″
• Engine: Atomic 4 Inboard / Outboard, Various
• Fuel: 15-20 US. Gal.
• Water: 18 US. Gal.
• Designer: Robert Finch / Frank Butler
• Builder, United States: Catalina Yachts, California
• Builder, Canada: Cooper Enterprises, British Columbia
• Builder, United Kingdom: Eric Birch, Essex / Russell Marine, Essex
• Year Introduced: 1971
• Year Ended: 1991
• Total Built: 6662

Robert Finch and Frank Butler, the founder of Catalina Yachts, collaborated on the design of the Catalina 27 in 1970. Butler manufactured an astonishing number of 27s at his boat factory in Southern California, employing modern boatbuilding techniques that are not dissimilar to those used today. The first models were produced in 1971. She had an exceptionally roomy cabin and was reasonably priced at a time when cruising sailboats were popular. These qualities contributed to the boat’s instant success; in fact, 1,500 boats were produced in the first three years, or 10 each week.

Early variants were only available with outboard engines; in 1973, an inboard Atomic 4 engine was added, which was then expanded to various engine variations in subsequent years. In 1989, the outboard engine option was taken out. In 1979, a shoal draught winged-keel version was created for shallow waters. There was also a version with a taller, more efficient, high aspect ratio rig that added 24 sq.ft. of canvas that was popular among club racers.

Production has also moved to Canada and the United Kingdom. Cooper Enterprises, one of the major Canadian boatbuilders at the time, produced well over a thousand boats under licence for the Canadian domestic market, and they are still a familiar sight on BC waterways today. While in the UK, the boat was constructed under licence under the brand name Jaguar since 1971 for the UK and European markets. Eric Birch Yachts (from 1971) and Russell Marine (from 1975) built them in Essex, with the hulls manufactured by Seamaster Boats.

In 1979, Patrick Childress, then 28, set off in his shoal draught Catalina 27, Juggernaut, on a three-year solo circumnavigation that included a 6400-mile, 53-day transit through the Indian Ocean.

Production ended in 1991, after an unparalleled 22-year run that resulted in 6,600 boats. Catalina succeeded the long-lasting design with the Catalina 270, an all-new water-ballasted and trailerable weekender.

The construction of this Bluewater Sailboat is quite light. The hull is made of solid fiberglass and is much thinner than conventional offshore counterparts, especially above the waterline, where mild impacts that would ordinarily result in only a scratch might cause fractures for the Catalina 27. As a cost-cutting strategy, early boats lacked sufficient support plates on deck fittings, stanchions, and rails, resulting in cracked gelcoat and, in some cases, fiberglass delamination. This was corrected in subsequent boats.

The Catalina 27 is a fin-keeler with a raked spade rudder hanging as far aft as practicable, propelled by a tall and efficient masthead sloop rig. The hull form is shallow and beamy, which is good for initial wind rigidity but limits liveable volume below the waterline. Butler compensated by designing deep topsides and a high cabin top while making the design visually appealing. As a result, this 27-footer has class-leading internal headroom and spaciousness.

Below deck, this boat is best described as light and spacious; it provides so much space that many people are ready to overlook her defects. The companionway and hatch are large, which creates a water intrusion concern at sea but gives the cabin a vast feel while at anchor. The typical aft-galley configuration has accommodations for six people – two in the forepeak and the port side settee will really only suit kids or extremely short adults, while the starboard settee transforms to a compact double berth and there’s a starboard seagoing quarterberth. The galley, with its two-burner stove, is positioned on port below the companionway, while the head is located on starboard just aft of the forepeak and is reasonably sized. A locker is located opposite the head, but as is usual of boats of this size, locker, and stowage space is limited.

Performance

The helm has a light feel to it, and she sails responsively, or, to quote the always amusing John Vigor in 20 Small Sailboats to Take You Anywhere, she handles like a dinghy, which is barely unexpected given what she is essential – a dinghy with grandeur. She is relatively stiff and does a good job of holding her canvas in a breeze. All of this adds up to a speedy, maneuverable boat. The disadvantage is the lack of seaworthiness. Vigor suggests keeping her cruising weight low for the best performance, as less weight means less stress on the rig and hull at sea.

It’s worth noting that the Catalina 27 is a beamy yacht with a proclivity for weather helm at higher angles of heel, which will need reefing the mainsail to maintain balance.

Quick Notes

There were over 6,600 Catalina 27s produced, so there are plenty to pick from. If you’re looking for a boat to sail in safe coastal waters at a reasonable price, she’s a good option. Do your homework and make sure you’ve modified your boat in accordance with recommendations. The most important is probably enlarging the cockpit drains, reworking the companionway hatch area to help direct water into the cockpit, and upgrading the rigging, including chainplates for the aft lower shrouds.

The following are some of the boat’s recognized flaws:

• As previously stated, early boats lacked supporting plates on hardware, resulting in fractures in the gelcoat and, in some cases, GRP delamination.
• Through-hull fittings were inadequately fitted, and secondary bondings of connectors were inadequate in several circumstances.
• Leaky chain plates have caused bulkheads to degrade, raising the risk of rig failure.
• Early inboard models had inferior fuel tank installations.
• The original spreader sockets were cast aluminium, which cracked when overstressed.
• Early through-hull fittings were merely pipe nipples glassed into the hull and will need to be replaced with suitable flanged, bolt-through bronze fittings.
• While heeled, some people have experienced seawater running back into the icebox through the drain. Install an appropriate seacock in the through-hull.

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• 27 Foot Catalina Sailboat

27 Foot Catalina Sailboat Boats for sale

1975 Catalina 27' Sailboat

Charles City, Virginia

Make Catalina

Model OUTBOARD

Category Cruiser Motorcycles

Length 27.0

Posted Over 1 Month

Fair to Good Condition! I have a Catalina 27 foot 1975 outboard edition (ie made for outboards--no inboard motor) that NEEDS A LITTLE TLC. She needs some sanding and varnishing, some paint, topsides and bottom (last hauled 2012) and some general elbow grease. She needs a outboard motor. She needs sails. Mostly she needs to be gone, because I am going on vacation and want to spend my money on beer, and not on slip fees. She is IN THE WATER, up the Chickahominy River in VIRGINIA. If you want a great little fixer upper, and already have an outboard ENGINE to place on her (9.8hp was great), buy her. There are no sails, so plan on getting some (she is a "tall rig"). If you have the ability to take immediate possession of this great little boat with a clear title, buy her. Slip fees paid until June 30.

1976 Catalina 27 Sailboat

Oshkosh, Wisconsin

4' shoal keel, has been used only in fresh water, aluminum mast & boom. Brand new sails, fully battened loose foot main sail (w/cover) 130% furling headsail (Sunbrella cover) on a Harken furler. Symmetrical spinnaker in a turtle with dousing scoop & pole. 3 winches, the two main being self-tailing & a cabin top winch for the halyards, with line jammers. The boat has both bow & stern pulpits with double lifelines on stanachions. Cockpit seats are long & comfortable w/cushions. Two large lazarettes & a line locker in the cockpit. Self-bailing cockpit. Stainless steel swim ladder mounted on the transom & round Magma grill on the stern pulpit. The anchor & steaming lights are newer LED lights. VHF radio is new. Aft galley, starboard quarder-berth, V-berth, salon berth, hanging locker, fold down table. Large sliding hatch cover & is all teak trimmed. Top speed power is just over 6 kts. Tiller steered. Auxiliary is gasoline Atomic 4 engine that was rebuilt and has less than 100 hours on it. The ground tackle is a 25lb Bruce anchor on a stainless steel bow roller & 6' of covered chain on 150' of braided rode in a large bow locker. May be seen at Pioneer Marina in Oshkosh. Reasonable offers considered.

1977 Catalina 27

Muskegon, Michigan

Category Racer Boats

1977 Catalina 27 The Catalina 27 is one of the most popular 27 foot sailboats ever made, with over 7,000 built! A very fun and easy cruising sailboat, June Bug has a smooth-running and reliable inboard Atomic Four gas engine which has been well maintained. She has been cruised in the Great Lakes for three weeks at a time and spent many weekend getaways too!This Catalina 27 has the traditional layout with settee berths across from each other, and with the galley aft on the port side and quarter berth on the starboard side. She has a fold down table that seats four and will sleep five comfortably. She has all halyards and sheets leading aft to the cockpit, extended chain plates for safety of the rig, CDI roller furling, excellent running rigging and a new mainsail and a newer genoa. She also has a new high performance NACA 0012 foil rudder. This design reduces the weather helm problem these boats have as she points into the wind higher. This does not change the PHRF rating. The decks and the stem of the hull could use some cosmetic attention.. June Bug is a lot of boat for the dollars spent on her! Come take a look! The bottom has been painted for you!

1977 Catalina 27 The Catalina 27 is one of the most popular 27 foot sailboats ever made, with over 7,000 built! A very fun and easy cruising sailboat, June Bug has a smooth-running and reliable inboard Atomic Four gas engine which has been well maintained. She has been cruised in the Great Lakes for three weeks at a time and spent many weekend getaways too!This Catalina 27 has the traditional layout with settee berths across from each other, and with the galley aft on the port side and quarter berth on the starboard side. She has a fold down table that seats four and will sleep five comfortably. She has all halyards and sheets leading aft to the cockpit, extended chain plates for safety of the rig, CDI roller furling, excellent running rigging and a new mainsail and a newer genoa. She also has a new high performance NACA 0012 foil rudder. This design reduces the weather helm problem these boats have as she points into the wind higher. This does not change the PHRF rating. The topsides of the hull have been painted white and look very nice. The decks could use the same improvement. June Bug is a lot of boat for the dollars spent on her! Come take a look!

1989 Catalina 27 Sailboat, Excellent Condition!

Bayside, New York

I have a 1989 Catalina 27 wing keel with a 2000 Westerbeke FWC M3-20B with only 350 hours, excellent running condition. All new sails in 2011 and all are in excellent condition; North Dacron Main with Dutchman Flaking System, North Dacron Genoa on Harken Roller Furler, North .75 Oz. Asymmetrical Spinnaker with Sock. Edson wheel steering with new steering cable and chain in 2012. Matching main sail cover, Dodger, and wheel cover in 2012 all in excellent condition. Nuteak on cockpit seats and sole. Raymarine autopilot 2012, Autohelm Bidata knotmeter, and depthfinder, VHF, Ritchie magnetic compass, Foot and and hand pump in galley and head, Sanipottie. All new lexan ports/hatches-No Crazing. Screens for all opening ports/hatch/companionway. Two Danforth anchors with rode, fenders, docklines, lifejactets, cockpit cushions. Thanks for looking.

1989 Catalina 27 Wing Keel Sailboat, Excellent Condition!

New York, New York

I have a 1989 Catalina 27 wing keel with a 2000 Westerbeke Fresh Water cooled, 3 cylinder diesel engine (FWC M3-20B) with only 350 hours, excellent running condition. All new sails in 2011 and all are in excellent condition; North Dacron Main with Dutchman Flaking System, North Dacron Genoa on Harken Roller Furler, North .75 Oz. Asymmetrical Spinnaker with Sock. Edson wheel steering with new steering cable and chain in 2012. Matching main sail cover, Dodger, and wheel cover in 2012 all in excellent condition. Nuteak on cockpit seats and sole. Raymarine autopilot 2012, Autohelm Bidata knotmeter, and depthfinder, VHF, Ritchie magnetic compass, Foot and and hand pump in galley and head, Sanipottie. All new lexan ports/hatches-No Crazing. Screens for all opening ports/hatch/companionway. Two Danforth anchors with rode, fenders, docklines, lifejactets, cockpit cushions. Thanks for looking. That Catalina 27 offers standing headroom, shallow draft, ease of sailing, and makes a great low maintenance coastal cruiser. Also listed on sailboatlistings dot com and craigslist NYC.

1977 Catalina 27SL

Alpena, Michigan

1977 Catalina 27SL. Presenting the - Fleur De Lis - this beautiful 1977 Catalina Yachts 27SL is a- Great Sailboat it is loaded with the features that make sailing comfortable - 2 burner range that runs on propane a stainless sink Package hand pump- 15 Gallon dual batteries with a switch a bilge pump a spinnaker with the- Bag a self contained toilet new West roller-furling jib a Genoa rail-mount - Stainless grille that runs on propane welded steel cradle life jackets are- Included and it is currently docked at the Thunder Bay Marina in Alpena.. Features and Specifications Include . Draft 4 Feet- Headroom 6 Feet- Beam 8 Foot 10 Inch- LOA Length 26 Feet 10 Inch- Sleeping Capacity 6 People. Sink- Head- Stove- AM-FM - Anchor - Radar- Compass- Fresh Water- Mainsail Cover- Auto Pilot -Tiller Mount- Depth Sounder- Radio 25 Watt VHF- Wind Display -Masthead. Located in Alpena MI. Financing nationwide shipping and warranties available to qualified buyers

BEAUTIFUL TURNKEY SAILBOAT GREAT CONDITION

Long Beach, California

Make CAPITAL YACHTS

Model NEWPORT MK II

Category Daysailer Sailboats

1983 Newport 27’ – Capital Yachts2 cylinder Universal diesel engine (engine was rebuilt in 2012)Auto bilge pumpHull cleaning & inspected once a monthDanforth anchor Holds 28 gallon of diesel (half gallon per hour)Holds 25 gallon of waterNew alternator in April 2013New battery 2014Changed oil & transmission fluid May 2015Furuno GPS systemSailed from Mission Bay in San Diego, to Catalina, then final destination Long Beach Marina Spring of 2013Sailed to and from Catalina again in March 2014 *** Boat has been in really good hands & very well taking care of*** Inside: Six foot of head roomTeak interior Two couchesSleeps five Mini refrigerator Dining TableGimbaled stove (propane)Pressurized working sink with regular faucet & an optional foot pumpWorking head (powered flush, macerator)New HD TVDVD playerAM/FM Radio with CD player, & Auxillary cable to connect with other devicesShip to shore radioFire extinguisher, flare Gun with flaresPlenty of storage room Outside: Dodger Roller furling Steering wheel with a tiller optionbbq grill Swim ladder Outboard motor mount 4 fishing rod holders 2 padded seat cushions 8 life jackets PREFER PAYMENTS TO BE MADE IN PERSONEMAIL [email protected]

30' 1987 Catalina Mark II

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Please contact boat owner John at 215-284-6333. Catalina 30 Mark II -- built in 1987. She is a Tall Rig with Bow Sprite and Wing Keel. This boat has been well maintained and significantly upgraded throughout. This sale includes full sailboat documentation, and the sailboat has a clean title. The sailboat (inside and out) is in real nice condition, and show only normal wear for a sailboat of its age. The sailboat has seen lots of maintenance, upgrades and replacements. She starts, runs, motors, and sails very nicely. The fiberglass interior and interior wood trim are all in good condition. The interior has matching blue seat cushions throughout, and are in good condition (non-smoker owner). A newer 12 volt low level cabin lighting systems both white and red colors was installed throughout the sailboat ('09 Season). The Catalina 30 is one of only 24 sailboats inducted into the Sail America, American Sailboat Hall of Fame. The C30 joins this venerable group of sailing yachts, based upon its sheer excellence as a cruiser / racer sailboat. We love it for its generous interior size, and comfortable cruising ability. See the web link http://www.sailamerica.com/halloffame/catalina30.asp for more information. The sailboat is a Tall Rig Mast (mast rewired '10 season), with Bow Sprite, and a Wing Keel (wing keel drafts only 3'10") so she can get in and out of shallow water easily. Original Main Sail (serviced and repaired) and has a 135 North Sail Jib, mounted on twin track, Harken III Roller Furling, Main Sail has a blue Sumbrella rollup sail cover and the Jib has a Sumbrella rollup cover installed to the Jib. The sailboat is setup up with single handed rigging controls (all lines lead to cockpit), with two extra winches. The front deck includes an electric anchor capstan winch with a foot switch. The sailboat has 2 large anchors, a large hinged plow anchor (primary) and a large Danforth type anchor as well. Both with 20'chain and 150' long rodes. The engine is a well serviced, very dependable M-25 XP 3-Cylinder Universal Diesel (25hp) engine in good working condition. The engine has been serviced and upgraded, w/new glow plugs (as well as glow plug and starter relays) installed for easy quick starting. The sailboat runs on diesel fuel from an 18 Gallon Aluminum Fuel Tank. Propeller has been upgraded with a two-blade folding Mar-Tec bronze sailing propeller (installed '09 season). Significant amount of new wiring 120v/12 throughout the entire boat (professionally rewired), including the addition of multiple additional 120v (10) and 12 (5) lighting stations throughout boat, a newly upgraded with a heavy duty battery wiring system and significantly upgraded heavy duty 12 volt systems behind original wiring panel. 2 new Group 27 batteries deep cycle batteries installed ('13 season). Shipwright in-line dual bank 110v battery charger with automatic relay disconnects from the main electrical buss. Additional 12 volt wiring and switching for a 12 volt inverter, and third battery was partially completed, but not fully installed. 2 - 12 volt inverters are included (small 200 watt, and large 850 watt). 30-amp shore power system with on-board GFI system includes 50'-30A shore power cord, 30 amp cable adapter to 120v plug included. All 120v outlets throughout the sailboat have been replaced with new devices and stainless steel cover plates. A nice clean bathroom (with both bright 120 volt lighting and 12 volt white/red lighting) has on-demand electric pressurized hot and cold water sink and shower. Well maintained marine toilet in good working condition with functional 20 gallon waste holding tank and new macerator pump (installed '11 Season). A well-lit galley kitchen includes twin sinks (a custom wooden cover panel for a sink to provide more counter space), new single lever pull out type sink faucet, with on-demand 12 volt electric Hot/cold pressurized water system, installed a new on-demand water pump with auto pressure shutoff ('10 Season), two fresh water holding tanks, 20 gallon Starboard fresh water tank, and 30 gallon optional nose tank, twin source (120v or engine) 6 gallon hot water heater for hot water. For cooking there is a working 2 burner CNG stove/oven combination, with a 12 volt electric tank shutoff valve. The sailboat's galley also includes a large custom countertop burner cover for additional counter space or cooler holder. The galley also includes a large built in ice box and a countertop microwave oven for quick cooking. Large interior salon includes custom interior cabinetry, such as an extra cocktail table, custom communications center which includes VHF Radio, with remote VHF RAM Mike, and an AM/FM/CD Player with remote, with ported, wall mounted custom made speaker cabinets and external cockpit speakers (ready for replacement). The salon also includes a wall mounted tide clock and ships clock. All Horizon VHF Two-Way Radio, Garmin GPS, Garmin Fish/Depth Finder, and Pioneer Stereo (easy direct MP-3 hookup to stereo through patch cord) are either 3 or 4 year's old. All exterior lighting switching was rerouted to the helm. Added mast mounted spreader bar lights for night time sail handling and or anchoring, Mast fully rewired ('11 Season), w/new quick connect base connections. LED lighting added to the port cockpit lazzerette. All internal halyards (replaced '10 season) lead back to the cockpit for sail handling, rope and pulley boom vang included. Two extra winches added to the cockpit for jib control from the helm. T-Shaped cockpit with Garmin GPS and Garmin Fish Finder, Rear Swim Ladder with Split Back Rail, 32" chrome Destroyer Wheel steering, Custom wooden Helm Box, cockpit table, Edison pedestal steering with new custom bronze engine throttle and transmission control levers and new control cable systems (installed in '10 Season), compass is dry, includes emergency tiller, cockpit whale manual hand pump, Split back-stay with rope and pulley back-stay tensioner, also included is an older style, but functional Edison Wheel Auto Pilot (needs new replacement floor mounted bracket). All internal halyards (replaced two seasons ago) lead back to the cockpit for sail handling, rope and pulley boom-vang. Other equipment not listed includes any other boat contents (to be sold with boat) digital weather station, CO2 Detector, miscellaneous boat part spares, bumpers, boat cushions, orange life jackets, dock lines and other rope cordage, new 25' fresh water hose and fresh water tank filling adapter, radar/day signal reflector, safety lines, mosquito netting, safety flares/flare gun kit, Jib installation tracking guide, 120 volt trouble lamp, emergency VHF antenna(s), a bosun's chair for climbing the mast, 2 fire extinguishers, hatch umbrella, wind sock for front hatch, custom made ceiling mounted fishing rod holders, window screens for port windows, two winch handles, mast storage support rack, other items not listed. As stated in the ad, the boat is located in Philadelphia PA at Quaker City Yacht Club and currently setup for winter storage with the mast lowered and on top of the sailboat . The sailboat is available for inspection by appointment only. For inspection, call John.

1983 Northwest 28

Olympia, Washington

NorthWest 28 Sailboat and Trailer Will consider trade for MacGregor 26X. I love the boat but it does not fit into our current life style. I am looking for a trailer able 25' to 27' swing keel sailboat such as MacGregor or Catalina. HULL Fin Keel 1983 Hand laid Fiberglass double hull with core- Built by Gary Lundy - Northwest Yacht Constructors LLC - Gorst Washington Built This sailboat was built as a hull kit only 5 were built. The original purchaser worked on it for years got sick and died. I purchased it from an estate auction and spent 2 years finishing it. It was surveyed in Aug. 2009 and the first launch was May 2010. LOA . 27 feet 75 in Beam . 9 feet in Draft . 4 feet 10 in Displacement . 8000 lbs Ballast . 3200 lbs. Skag and Rudder Wheel Helm RIGGING Masthead Sloop LWL . 23' - LOA 27' 8" Sail Area 400 sq. ft. Aluminum mast Deck-stepped Main sail CDI FF6 Roller Furler 135 Genoa All Lines run to cockpit for easy single handed sailing MOTOR Tohatsu 18 hp Runs great. Gas Setup for inboard motor if you desire. Has 1 1/4 in. shaft with drip less seal. The first year I ran a 23HP diesel engine. Wife did not like the hull vibration so I removed the diesel and installed an 18HP Tohatsu electric start with remote controls. Engine raises and lowers on a track. GALLEY / CABIN Sink with electric pump 2 burner alcohol cook top 12V refrigerator V- berth Single berth aft Port Enclosed head with porta potty GROUND TACKLE Danforth anchor on double aluminum rollers ELECTRICAL Autohelm 2000 . autopilot (wheel steering) 1 starter battery (1 1/2 years old) 1 house battery (1 1/2 years old) 600 foot Depth Sounder Amplifier that I plug in my I Touch into and outdoor speakers Wind Speed and Direction tied to Autohelm. 12V Winch mast raising / lowering system with tri-pod gin pole and accessories that allows raising and lowering the mast in as little as 30 minutes. TRAILER Comes with double axle with mounting for third axle if desired. It has 9 stands which allow raising and lowering of combinations of stands to allow access to all parts of the hull for painting. I stored the boat in my driveway in the off seasons allowing me access to my shop while working on the boat. Sails beautifully. Easily single handed. Must be seen and sailed to be appreciated.

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The Catalina 27 is an American classic. First launched in 1971, more than 6,600 boats were built during a 20-year production run, making it possibly the best-selling 27-footer of all time. Frank Butler, the co-designer, as well as the founder and driving force behind Catalina Yachts, has an uncanny knack for creating boats that people love and they show their love with their checkbooks. Catalina has built more than 60,000 boats, more than any other American sailboat company.

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Catalina 27

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Our team of Precision Sails experts conducted extensive research on the web to gather information about the specific sailboat in question. We thoroughly scoured various online sources to compile relevant and accurate information for the boat owner. Our team carefully curated the information to ensure that it would be helpful and informative for the user. We understand the importance of having a deep understanding of your boat’s features, and our goal is to provide comprehensive and reliable information that will enable boat owners to make informed decisions about their sailing experience. By sharing our expertise and knowledge, we hope to empower our customers to get the most out of their sailing adventures.

All About Your Catalina 27

Rig specifications.

These are the specifications provided by the designers, but even from the factory, these boats may not be identical. The reason for this is that the sail industry often contracts manufacturing to different sources in order to achieve economies of scale. What this means is – your Catalina 27 may be more unique than you initially thought.

It’s important to note that boats are also frequently customized, so if you suspect that work has been done on yours, it’s best to take your own measurements. When ordering a sail, we will advise you if using the manufacturer’s specifications is appropriate, or if we require you to complete our own measurement forms.

I: 34.50 ft / 10.52 m

J: 11.25 ft / 3.43 m

P: 28.66 ft / 8.74 m

E: 10.50 ft / 3.20 m

Design and Construction

The Catalina 27 is designed for comfort and performance, but most importantly – the affordable price point. Most Catalina 27s are the standard keel, standard rig model, which allows for a great and predictable sailing performance. However, it’s been in production so long, and there are many different variants of this boat, you should double check which production version you are looking at with the looking at with the dealer or owner.

The Catalina 27 is built with a solid fiberglass hull and has a number of different keel options. The boat is designed to be strong and durable across all variations. The quickest iteration of the Catalina 27 is the tall-rig, deep-keeled boat (about 6850 pounds) outfitted with an outboard engine, whereas the slowest is the short-rig, shoal-keeled boat (about 7,300 pounds) with an inboard engine.

The Catalina 27 has a spacious interior that can comfortably accommodate up to six people. The interior is well designed and has a classic feel. The boat has a large V-berth, which is perfect for sleeping, and a comfortable saloon that is great for entertaining guests. The galley is equipped with a stove, sink, and icebox, making it easy to prepare meals while onboard.

History of the Catalina 27

The Catalina 27 has been in production since 1971 and is one of the most popular sailboats in its size range. It was designed by Frank Butler and has been built by Catalina Yachts for over 20 years, being replaced by the Catalina 270 in 1991. The Catalina 27 has become known for its great sailing performance, comparably cheap price, and has gained a near cult following throughout its years of production.

At Precision Sails, we take pride in designing sails that maximize the performance of each sailboat model, including the Catalina 27. We have produced hundreds of sails for this model, but we still confirm key measurements to ensure a perfect fit and design. Every boat is unique and even small variations can impact the fit and design of a sail. This meticulous approach is a testament to our expertise in sail design and our commitment to providing our customers with the best possible sailing experience. If you’re looking to get the most out of your Catalina 27, we are confident that our sails are the ideal choice.

The boat is equipped with a large sail plan, making it a fast and responsive sailboat. The Catalina 27 sail plan is a masthead sloop rig with a total sail area of approximately 339 square feet. The mainsail has a traditional design and is typically equipped with reef points to allow the sailor to adjust the sail area to changing wind conditions. The boom is attached to the mast with a gooseneck, which allows the sail to be easily raised and lowered. The mainsail is typically controlled by a main halyard, which is led from the top of the mast down to the cockpit through a series of blocks and cleats.

Sailing enthusiasts can find ample opportunities to engage in competitive sailing with the Catalina 27 boat owing to its substantial production numbers. The scope of races available spans across numerous locations nationwide, from the southern regions of California to the Great Lakes and Chesapeake Bay. Boats that are actively used for racing purposes may possess enhanced equipment for handling sails, such as augmented winches, fortified chainplates, superior mainsheet travelers, and higher quality sails, among other additions.

The Catalina 27 is a great sailboat that has become popular for its great sailing performance, spacious interior, and its dollar-per-boat ratio. It is a great option for those who are looking for a starter sailboat that has a massive community following to assist you when a problem arises. And is a perfect choice for those who want to sail in comfort and style, without breaking the bank. Whether you are a seasoned sailor or a novice, the Catalina 27 is a great option for your next sailing adventure.

Recommended Sails For Your Catalina 27

We would love to help you enhance your sailing experience on your Catalina 27. That’s why we have put together a list of expertly curated sail recommendations just for you. You can find more information about each sail and their specific uses by following the links to our education page.

You need a mainsail designed to give you the greatest mileage out of your vessel. Precision Sails’ custom designed mainsails come with all the standard options needed to get sailing right away, and custom options to optimize handling, performance, and shape.

Jibs, genoas, yankee cut, staysails, or working jibs, we do it all. No matter what headsail you need for you sailboat, Precision Sails’ team of sail designers will work with you to ensure your new head sail fits and performs for you. Our headsails come complete with all standard options required for the best performance and durability. Learn more about our available headsail options and customization here.

Downwind and Light Wind Sails

Sail downwind easily with your choice of our downwind and light wind sail options. We custom design and tailor every sail for your needs. Explore our symmetrical or asymmetrical spinnakers and code zeros, including what options are available for each.

Request a Catalina 27 Quote

Looking to buy a new headsail or mainsail for your Catalina 27? Request a free quote from Precision Sails for a new custom sail. Our team will work with you to design the perfect sail for you.

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The Catalina 25

Like most catalinas, the 25 represents good value for the money, but sailing performance and construction quality are average at best..

[Updated December 6, 2018]

The Catalina 25 is not exceptionally fast, stylish, or spacious compared to newer widebody models, and while the construction and workmanship are adequate, they too are not exceptional. But because of the builders strict adherence to a philosophy of offering a relatively spacious design, relatively well made, at a reasonable price, and backing up the product with generally good customer service, the Catalina 25 has turned out to be one of the most successful small cruising sailboats ever built, with 5,332 boats sold between 1976 and 1990, when the company ceased producing the model as demand tailed off.

The Catalina 25 Design

During those 14 years of production, the design went through a complete metamorphosis, starting out as a very simple and inexpensive trailerable swing-keel design, and ending as a relatively sophisticated minicruiser. As vice-president and chief designer Gerry Douglas says, The last boats we built had diesel inboards, hot and cold pressure water systems, and extremely complex electrical systems. They were like little Catalina 34s. It was what people wanted in the late 1980s.

If you consider all model years, you can find Catalina 25s with five different keel configurations: cast iron swing-keel, cast iron fixed keel, cast lead wing keel, cast lead fin keel without glass jacket, and in later boats, a lead keel encased in fiberglass. In the later boats there was a choice of fin keel, wing keel, or swing keel, and standard rig or tall rig. However, the swing-keel model, with a board-up draft of 2′ 8″, accounted for well over half of total production. Most Catalina buyers over the years have been cruisers rather than performance-oriented racers, and for many cruisers, the attractiveness of a boat suitable for shoal waters and trailering is undeniable. Relatively few Catalina buyers are avid racers, it seems. If the hundred or so owners who answered our survey request are an indicator, only a small percentage rate as important either the fin keels much more efficient foil shape and lower turbulence, or the greater light-air efficiency of a two-foot longer tall rig mast that increases sail area by almost 10 percent.

As the design developed over time, features changed enough so that in a number of respects the early boats are very different than 1987 and later model years. As a consequence, its imperative for prospective buyers to know what model year theyre looking at when shopping for used boats. Prices can vary from less than $5,000 to more than $16,000, not only dependent on condition, but also model year and features.

For example, at various times there was a choice of two different interiors: a dinette arrangement, and opposing settees. A flip-top (Catalinas version of the pop-top), which provided standing headroom, was a popular feature that was optional until 1987, at which time it became standard. In fact, in 1987 the entire boat underwent a major design change, yielding among other things a more contemporary deck and a more refined interior, with less teak and more fiberglass.

Performance and Handling of the Catalina 25

The Catalina 25, with a PHRF rating of around 228 for the standard rig or 222 for the tall rig, is not especially fast for its size. In fact, the swing-keel version, which is noticeably slower upwind than the fin-keel version, probably deserves an even higher time allowance than its been given. The fin keel is generally acknowledged to sail close to its rating, at least once the breeze pipes up to 10 knots or so. The swing keel is not as hydrodynamically sleek, and the keel lifting cable is out in the open where it causes extra drag, intensified if seaweed gets hung up on it.

The boat (especially the keel version) balances relatively well, tracks satisfactorily, and is quite maneuverable if sails are properly trimmed; it can be unforgiving if they are not. Several owners com plained to us of a heavy weather helm in a breeze.

The tall rig is a bit more tender than the standard rig, but definitely adds speed in light air. One just reefs a little earlier to maintain helm balance. But despite its virtues, the tall rig has a drawback mentioned by several owners: Unless you have a sailmaker chop off the bottom 12″ of the sail, the boom swings too low over the cockpit. This, however, may be the fault of some sailmakers; the consensus is that Catalina-supplied sails were not as well-made or well-shaped as those obtained from other sailmakers.

Under power, the Catalina 25 will make about 5- 1/2 knots with a 6-hp. outboard, and you can coax an extra 1/2 to 3/4 knot or so out of the boat with an 8- hp. or 9.9-hp. engine. (Theoretical maximum hull speed in ideal conditions is around 6.3 knots.)

The outboard is mounted on a fold-up transom bracket mounted off center to accommodate the outboard rudder. Some owners complained that the motor is difficult to raise and lower. Others observed that, in rough seas, when the boat pitches, an ordinary 20″ shaft outboard prop has a tendency to ventilate, particularly if the auxiliary is used under sail and the boat heels away from the side on which the engine is mounted. The owner consensus is that a 25″ extra long shaft largely solves that problem.

An inboard diesel engine would also solve the problem, but is not recommended; an owner of a 1986 model equipped with a 10-hp. Universal engine reports his boat is very slow under power, at least with the two-blade prop hes currently using. A three-blade prop might help, but would also significantly increase drag under sail.

Another disadvantage of the transom-mounted outboard is that its difficult for the helmsman to control. One owner who told us hed rigged remote engine controls in the cockpit said, Its the best thing weve done.

The boat needs to be reefed in 15 knots of wind (a jiffy reefing main was standard in later boats, though a roller furler for the jib was not). Above 15 knots, weather helm becomes very heavy if the main is left unreefed; one owner observed that she tends to round up in strong winds, or if heeled more than 15 degrees.

A short traveler is integrated into the stern pulpit, and although this works well while cruising, and

permits use of a bimini to protect crew from too much sun, mid-boom sheeting and a mid-cockpit traveler work better for single-handed daysailing and racing. Consequently, many owners have added the inboard traveler, some with a snap-on mainsheet block so they can switch back and forth.

A peculiarity of the design is that the distribution of the boats components evidently caused listing, in some boats to starboard, in others to port. For example, in the 1981 dinette model, owners complained that the dinette, engine, fuel tank, galley, and head were all on the port side, causing the boat to list noticeably to port. Catalina evidently took these complaints to heart, but the results were not totally effective; an owner of a 1982 model complained that batteries, holding tank, and outboard on the starboard side produced a list in that direction.

Other owner responses to our questionnaire included the following:

The absence of a bridge deck is a possible safety hazard when sailing offshore in a big following sea.

Narrow (7″ wide) sidedecks make going forward somewhat difficult. So do the 22″ high stanchions when the boat is heeled, impeding passage forward on the high side; shorter stanchions would help, but wouldnt be as safe.

The lifelines don’t lead to the top of the bow pulpit, but instead run to the deck at the bow to provide a slot for a deck-sweeping genoa. This can make the foredeck area insecure in adverse weather conditions. Bails on the top of the pulpit and pelican hooks on the lifelines would be an improvement, since it would then be possible to raise the lifelines in heavy weather or when a high-clew jib is being used.

Catalina 25 Interior

Compared to other boats available in the 1970s an early 1980s, the Catalina 25 is relatively spacious below, though some readers complained that the aft double is really only a single quarter berth and that the port side settee berth is not long enough for an adult. Newer beamier designs, of course, have the advantage of more elbow room below.

At least one owner improved sleeping accommodations by building a plywood platform which fits between the table on the port side and the settee on the starboard. The aft berth cushion, under the cockpit sole, was shortened slightly to fit on this platform. When in place, the platform results in an athwartships berth about 6′ 4″ long and 5′ 1″ wide, big enough for a double sleeping bag. When not in use, the plywood platform stows on the aft berth.

Light and ventilation below is very adequate, as long as theres a breeze from forward. Because the forward hatch slopes down the forward edge of the cabin trunk, when open it becomes a very effective windscoop. Boats with pop-tops have additional ventilation.

The pop-top was an extra-cost option, and a very popular one. Reader praise of the pop-top is almost universal, with comments from Buyer interest is much higher on boats with pop-tops to Contrary to what some folks say, this pop-top does not leak in the rain or spray. Headroom is 6′ 4″ with the pop-top raised.

Until the 1983 model year, when the company redesigned the icebox so it would, as one owner reported, keep block ice for three days, the icebox was severely under-insulated; many owners reported that it would only hold ice for less than a day. Another complaint was that the icebox drains directly overboard, and as a consequence, if the drain is left open when the boat heels, water enters the icebox. One reader killed two birds with one stone: We keep our trash in the built-in cooler where it is out of sight, and use an Igloo cooler which is bigger and works better.

Construction of the Catalina 25

The Catalina 25 has a full fiberglass hull liner, which makes it easier to keep the boat clean but at the same time can make repairs and adding owner-installed custom components more difficult.

Several owners judged that Florida-built Catalina 25 hulls, though adequate in strength, are not as well finished as the California-built boats. And several others commented on gel coat chipping and cracking, voids, pits, and crazing, particularly in stressed areas such as at sharp changes of direction in the cockpit, and corners of hatch covers, though these problems didnt seem to be a function of builder location.

Bottom blistering seems to have been a fairly common problem on Catalina 25s when an epoxy bottom coat had not been applied under the antifouling paint to prevent water incursion. Catalina now has a 10-year no-blister warranty, but during the era of the Catalina 25, the company had a five-year warranty with gradually diminishing payments during the period. Judging from reader response to our questionnaire, some owners were not entirely satisfied with that arrangement.

In the swing-keel version, Catalina used an ordinary galvanized steel trailer winch to hoist the keel, and although there are no doubt some 20-year-old boats that still have the original winch, many owners have had to repair or replace some or all of it, particularly when the boat is sailed in saltwater.

Another problem with early swing keel models involved breaking the pennant. At the lifting point on the trailing edge of the swing-keel there is a tapped hole on a flat area into which screws a stainless steel eye. A swaged fork fits over the eye and pivots on it as the keel swings up or down. The factory fixed the eye in place with Loctite, but over the years the eye could rotate, so that the clevis pin became parallel to the keel instead of perpendicular to it. Then it would bind, and eventually end up bending and then breaking the wire at the joint of the wire and the swaged fitting. To solve the problem, Catalina came up with a device to keep the eye from rotating, but some older boats may not be retrofitted. Owners and prospective buyers of older boats should examine the swing keel to be sure the eye is solidly fixed in place.

Several owners complained that there is no mechanical lock to stop movement of the swing keel,

which even at anchor can move laterally in its trunk, banging, thumping, and making it, according to one owner, hard to sleep through the night. Catalina offers a retrofit kit to alleviate the problem, composed of nylon or neoprene washers -but according to some owners, this cure is only partially effective.

The surface of the cast iron swing keel was said by some of the performance-oriented owners to be comparatively rough as it came from the factory. They advise filling and sanding fair and smooth for better sailing speed. We would add that the keel should be checked regularly for corrosion, and an epoxy barrier coat should be maintained on the surface to prevent excessive rusting and deterioration.

Deck and cabin hardware, while generally adequate, is considered sub-par by some owners, particularly on the early models. For example, the type of closed-barrel turnbuckles Catalina used are hard to inspect without disassembly, and as a result tend to corrode internally, sometimes freezing or completely failing. Later models have the open-barrel type, which is preferable.

The forward hatch for several model years was attached with self-tapping screws rather than throughbolted, causing the hatch to become loose in some cases. By 1983, bolts had replaced the screws. Other relatively common complaints include rusty screws on deck fittings, broken boom goosenecks, insufficient bow eye backing plates, tillers splitting (on one boat the tiller split twice), and problems with rudders delaminating and splitting along the edge.

A particularly common problem noted is that rudder gudgeons and pintles break or come adrift

from the transom. The repair involves installing a handhole inspection port on the inside of the transom to gain access to the fastening bolts. One reader said his lower pintle had broken under racing conditions, but that he had cured the problem by adding a third pintle and gudgeon halfway between the top and bottom fittings.

Several other readers reported that their boats had loose gudgeon bolts, stress cracks in the transom at the gudgeon attachment points, and transom leaks. One owner reported the transom cracked below the motor bracket because of lack of reinforcement behind the bracket.

The hull-deck joint on some models used selftapping screws rather than through-bolts. Several readers experienced rain and spray leaks along the rail. Portlights also have been a source of leakage problems, as have cockpit scuppers, rudder gudgeons, and various pieces of dealer-installed deck hardware, mostly due, we guess, to inadequate bedding procedures and backup plates.

Trailering the Catalina 25

Despite the fact that a bare Catalina 25 weighs approximately 4,150 lbs., the boat plus trailer, loaded for a weeks cruise, can easily weigh over 6,000 pounds. That means its necessary to tow with a big pickup or van equipped with a towing package, and virtually eliminates prospective trailer-sailors who only have access to an ordinary passenger vehicle, no matter how powerful. (An exception: Big cars built before the advent of downsizing and integral frames. For example, one reader says he pulls his 6,000-lb. rig successfully with a 1973 Olds 98).

The Catalina 25s mast is deck-stepped on a hinge, but several readers complained that no factory method is offered to make mast-raising safer and easier. Still, some owners have devised their own systems, with which they seem to be satisfied. One who made extensive modifications figures it takes him a mere 45 to 60 minutes from the time he pulls into the parking lot at the launching ramp until hes sailing away-and only a little longer than that to reverse the procedure.

One reader pointed out that with the swing keel model the rudder is deeper than the retracted keel (unless its a folding rudder, which Catalina offered as an option in some model years), which can produce problems at the launching ramp under some conditions. Another owner feels that his fin-keel is as easy to ramp-launch as a swing keel, provided an extra-long trailer tongue extension is used. We think that might be true on some ramps, but not on others.

If youre shopping for a Catalina 25 already equipped with a trailer, check the GVWR (Gross

Vehicle Weight Rating) decal before you buy. It indicates the loaded weight of the trailer in pounds, i.e. the sum of the carrying capacity of the trailer plus the weight of the trailer itself. One reader ordered (from a Florida dealer) and paid for a trailer with a 7,000 lb. capacity rating. What he got was one rated for only 5,000 lbs. He was prompted to check the decal because, he says, The trailer looked skimpy. He weighed the combination with the boat stripped and it came to 5,620 lbs. The dealer claimed it was the same trailer they always use for this boat an the dealer passed me off to the Florida plant, who passed me off to the trailer manufacturer, who finally made good after Frank Butler got into the act-after seven months of hassling.

New or unseasoned sailors making their first or second foray into the boat-buying game may find that the Catalina 25 is an attractive choice. The boat is relatively easy to handle, can be single-handed without too much trouble, and while not fast in the racing sense, is fast enough to satisfy many cruisers. The interior is big enough for two to cruise in relative comfort, while the overall size of the boat is not daunting to most newcomers to the sport. Other advantages for new sailors are that Catalina, in most cases, does a good job with customer service, and theres a quarterly 100-page glossy publication for all Catalina owners (from 8′ Sabots to all the way to Catalina 42s) called Mainsheet which offers support and helps to keep communications open between owners.

Asking prices on used Catalina 25s range from around $4,000 for older (late 1970s) models that probably need some work, to around $16,000 for newish (late 1980s) models fully equipped and in like-new condition, probably with an inboard engine and a trailer included. A price of $7,000 to

$8,000 is typical for early to mid-1980s boats, though we noticed a wide range, presumably based on condition and accessories.

Prospective buyers should check for bottom blisters (which can be expensive to repair), evidence of problems around the keel bolts or pivot on the swing keel, rudder connection problems, cracks in turnbuckles or rigging terminals, leaks around windows and hull-deck connection, and other common (and correctable) flaws.

Also check for which of the many extra-cost options have been installed-options which many experienced sailors would say should have been standard: boom vang, genoa winches, pop-top with canvas enclosure (originally two separate options), basic electrical system with running lights and cabin lights, galley equipment, head, lifelines and stanchions, and sails. Check especially the brand of sails; many readers report that they have been dissatisfied with Catalinas own brand of sails.

Overall, we think the Catalina 25 is not fancy or fast, but is economical, a fair sailer, and roomy for its size-a good boat for non-racers who don’t have a big budget and for relatively new sailors who want to get their feet wet in the sport.

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12 comments.

Mr Nicholson,

Thank you for the report on the Catalina “25” I’ve Been searching for an older (less expensive) under 30’ single handed sailboat for the past several months and finally today someone posted a Catalina 25’ on buy, sell, or trade in the Destin Florida area. The elder gentleman wanted to restore it but a bad hip has preventing that, so he sold it to me. I started sailing about 20 years ago with a Balboa 27’ with a swing keel (what a life saver). Lost it in the divorce. There are many sand banks and shoals here in Choctawhatchee Bay and a swing keel is what a newbie needs. I don’t think this Catalina has a swing keel, at least I don’t see the crank in the cabin. The ships dimensions in your report help immensely. I have not done an inventory yet on board (they left a lot of stuff) I hoping the main is useable and I have already inspected and cleaned the storm jib, I don’t see a Genoa (Bimini) or any other jib sail hidden away. Anyways, thanks for your report I look forward to getting it under sail.

We’ve had a 1985 Catalina 25 swing keel since 2006. I’ve sailed a lot of different boats over more than fifty years. This boat has been a good investment for fun and reliability. I’ve never reefed in the near fifteen years sailing it on the Monterey Bay. We’ve burried the rails on more than one occasion and while it does weather helm in heavy winds, it’s easily managed and I’ve never been worried about a knockdown.

Have 1985 Catalina 25 swing keel, #K4978. I don’t know if it’s the standard or tall rig. Can I tell from the HIN#?

i am new owner of a 25ft 1981 catalina and i need 1 simple measurement .. height of wing keel from the bottom of keel to the bottom of the boat as i am building a trailer to get it home with..

sorry fin keel

I am looking to buy a fixed keel Catalina 25. The keel seems short ar 4 ft when I would have expected 5 ft for a boat this size. My question is does this make the boat more tender with ballast less lower in the keel. And how does this affect performance say against the swing keel model

Did you get to sail ‘er this summer? We have a 1980 fin keel and as long as your co-captain doesn’t mind 10 to 15 degree heel, you’re not afraid to reef the main in a blow and you’re not sailing in a hurricane, you’ll find that 4 feet of keel is plenty.

Hi Peter, We’ve had our 1986 C25 SR SK for four years now. Our mooring mates have an 81 TR FK and we oftentimes run them together. While the Tall Rig makes theirs a little tender, proper trim seems to mitigate most puffs. As for our Swing Keel, typically deployed fully, we notice we cannot point as high but routinely we are keeping up around 6kts. I do notice in the SK, with the other owners aboard, that we have gain positive comments for our sails so I guess that is where you have a tough time making scientific comparisons, lots of variables. We have an even less fair comparison, a C25 Capri who has newer nicer sails and a seasoned skipper who wins most regattas and that fin easily allows him to point with a larger sail plan. The more I write, the less I think this will help you; however, for a swing keel, we’re plenty happy from a non-competitive perspective and don’t have envy/regrets when looking on those with fixed.

We have a Catalina 25 from 1983. We are in a humid area. We love the boat! Our son wants to add an air conditioner of some form to make it more tolerable to sleep on hot nights. I do not want to overwhelm the interior where I sit at the table to prepare meals and do artwork. What suggestions might you have for our situation? Thank you!

Pardon it is an 89 not an 83 Catalina !

I have a 1985 22ft and the cable for the keel broke can this be loaded onto a trailer?

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