Being a Catalina 34 owner I did not love all that was said about Catalina here, yet I could not find fault in the review. I’m here to allow the facts to speak to me and not just what I want to hear. I probably paid a reasonable price for my boat if I was only going to sail local. Yet now with 15,000 dollars in upgrades, radar, autopilot, both standing rigging and running. I’m in the process of installing a windless given to me which I include in the $15000 dollars, puts me now in at $45,000. Sure I have a nice boat that I know being I did all the work accept standing rigging myself. The only thing is: if I would of stumbled on a site like this one 3 years ago as a newbie I would of taken different actions and purchased a boat more in-line with the great amount off coastal and offshore sailing I plan to do. I’m not just blowing the horn for chasing latitudes, yes I am Lol. Really there is a wealth of knowledge here that could save a sailor not only cash but precious time refitting possibly a less then perfect choice for a first boat. My boat will do, but that is not the answer you want to give yourself is it?
@@ChasingLatitudes Yes, I do like my Catalina. Yet you were correct in much off what you have said. First Catalina’s being a bit over priced being a USA boat, one benefit is the great access to parts, yet still they are a bit over priced. You have also offered the wisdom of buying a boat you will grow into instead of growing out of, that is so correct. Although I solo 50% of the time a heaver more robust boat would of offered me a little more room and sailing comfort. Comfort speaking of sea kindliness and a bit better capsize ratio for safety and piece of mind. All the reason I’m sticking around the channel, to learn more, share more and save my physical future time and a few bucks. Thanks again.
@ABC gang Yes, I love my boat, love the room inside. I love just about everything about it. I wish it was a little more robust for offshore and blue water sailing. I must admit it meets 90 percent of my sailing needs. I also must admit that my skills go well with my boat at this present time.
@ABC gang I must admit I have no real world blue water experience, only local island hoping and attempting to take on local poor weather conditions to gain experience, slowly. There has been no 34’s listed as circumnavigations and few small mentions of crossings. It’s sister boat the 36 has but they are few. Over all the lack of the 34 crossing oceans speaks of the hesitantly by the collective of sailors using them. I have never seen the 34 mark 1 being given a “A” rating although the Mark 2 is the same boat in almost every way, it just has an open transom. I must admit a lot of my hesitancy comes from my own lack of skill yet and overcoming the huge population on the internet of armchair sailors who say leaving sight of land which I have is certain death in a Catalina of this size. Between you and I, I find little difference between a Catalina 34 Mark 1 and the Contessa 35 Eric uses on the channel No Bull Shit Sailing in the North Sea, outside an extra thousand pounds of keel. Nice to cross paths with you.
we have a C380 we love it.. we really got lucky , we only knew we wanted a bigger boat than our MacGregor 26 , it had some issues which w worked through ,she was inth place we dreamed of sailing out of in a assumable slip..
These are great videos Chris. With what it will take to get my wife on board for an extended time (1+ years), I'll have to wait for the next series for the $50k-$100k Beneteaus/Catalinas/Hunters, once prices correct. Separate shower stall is pretty much her minimum for amenity. Everything else can be upgraded/improved (solar/watermaker/AC).
Thanks for the info, it comes in handy to make an informed decision. Even though I want an Oyster, but there are a lot of great boats out there. Thanks again love ya!
Like someone else said, I never thought of the impact of the differential between LOA and LWL. Lots of food for thought for the next larger boat we can grow into for some longer trips. Currently in our first boat, a Pearson 27, LOA 26.9, LWL 22.5, beam 9.2. It's cozy for the two of us but managed some two weeks cruises. Your advice will be helpful to plan an upgrade for long trips.
I like Catalina boats. They have similar style to hunters in the interior. However the French brands that you have discussed already have a better looking interior details and they are less expensive.
Yeah, thats always the case, the French do a great job, my Bavaria video come out in about 2 hows, let me know what you think of the German boat builders if you get a chance to watch that one
You're the first person I've ever heard note that the LWL is a better indicator of "livable space" than the LOA. You're obviously right, but as I say, I've never heard anyone else say that. It goes to not just space, but even carrying capacity. Shorter boats, because of the cube rule, take up less volume, nad can't carry as much luggage, food, water, fuel, and crew.
Yeah buddy, sailorsbare a fickle bunch and most get very caught up in their own preferences as seen on any sailing forum. There are some basic realities when it comes to sailing and my goal is helping you choose wisely 😉
Not sure your opening statement about Catalina being the only U.S. sailboat maker left...Does that Mean Tartan and Island Packet are gone? What about Hunter?
I have videos on beneteau, catalina, hunter, jeanneau, bavaria, halber rassy all up in the last week, I go in depth on whats available now and where in each of them I think
Thanks for another great video. You've mentioned several times about the "doing things to the boat to get it blue water ready" even though its rated A. Could you do a video sometime where you go over those things? Thank you!
I've been looking at some 34 MkIIs in my area, but don't think I can bring myself to pay the Catalina tax. I'm leaning heavily towards waiting for the right Bene 361 to come along. Need to find a motivated seller, though.
If you haven’t already done this, can you make a video going over the equipment needed for live-aboard sailing. I know that different equipment is needed based on where one is traveling so I’m trying to consider that as part of my cost. If you’ve actually done a video can you please link it? Thanks
I'm sure I have but it may have been a love stream and most live streams I don't leave up, I can do one for you though , I'd be happy to run through all the things needed. Are you referring to just living aboard or full time sailing ?
For simplicity reason just the higher the budget the more over prices things are, boats in the 50k range are about 20% or more higher than they should be and the current price gouging just goes up from there
I would like to see a series of videos comparing boats of a specific size, say 38 to 42 ish, suitable for 2 to sail around the globe. Compare boats like Southerly,, Ericsson, and others you think would be a good comparison
The actual LOA of a vessel has unfortunately little to do with it as there are numerous 35 footers that are far larger than 42 footers , I can do an episode on a dozen or so sailing vessels suitable for a couple or more to full time sail and circumnavigate
That’s. I am planning to do the Atlantic circuit. It’s very confusing trying to chose a boat to do it. I’ve been sailing the Great Lakes for the last 20 years on a 26 foot Tanzer. I like the Contesa 34 but they’re quite expensive. Anyway, perhaps we should chat?
Is that a joke? American made items are always overpriced, the cost of doing business in the USA is absurd, that is why every major brand, apple and so on have their main headquarters in others countries
@@popeyethesailor6337 With the right weather window it will do fine, just won't be a fast crossing. WIth a nearly 2.5:1 length to beam ratio they're fat by all standards. but the morgans (41's) were the oringal charter boats and all got to the Bahamas on their own bottoms. 33 will do fine, just don't plan for a 6knt average speed crossing!
@ABC gang your numbers are wrong, but the 33 OI can still make the Bahamas, it’s not a difficult trip. The 33 has 3.9ft draft and a capsize ratio of 1.94. Still decent.
Probably should have looked harder, not hard to find considering I'm a certified sailing instructor with several crossings under my belt and my cruising guides available directly through the American sailing association, odd, sorry I'm not a oh look at me vlogger who happens to have a sailing vessel, maybe go watch atticus if your looking for vloggers who just happen to have a sailboat
@@ChasingLatitudes I have looked at almost every video on your channel, pretty hard to find and I am pretty thorough when researching, we have that in common. But yeah you're not a fraud for sure. You're Christopher Cousteau, son of Jacques Cousteau and Chrisopher Columbus and you need money for coffee. Some good guides either way, take care.
Haha, my dude, I never claimed to be the son of anyone, my guides are available on asa.com I'm not into the vloggung thing and I've never been one to be a oh look at me person. I'm more into just sharing information that I think will help others
Why are you so obsessed with length of waterline? Sure it is a measure of the space below, but is only part of the whole picture. Shorter waterline comparatively will make the boat more comfortable at sea.
I'm a full time sailor, I'm always concerned with livable comfort, my ocean crossing take only 4 weeks on average so 80% of the time my liveable comfort is more important to me than the 20% of the time I spend on a crossing
@@ChasingLatitudes Do better! You are usually funny and engaging! That is your trademark! That is where you win viewers. We don't view you for a somber narrative. We view you for being witty and informative at the same time! Do what you do best!
Join Pateron to get some awesome perks and access to the private members area www.patreon.com/chasinglatitudes?fan_landing=true
I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s video. The Bavaria’s. …. Thanks for the info again.
Being a Catalina 34 owner I did not love all that was said about Catalina here, yet I could not find fault in the review. I’m here to allow the facts to speak to me and not just what I want to hear. I probably paid a reasonable price for my boat if I was only going to sail local. Yet now with 15,000 dollars in upgrades, radar, autopilot, both standing rigging and running. I’m in the process of installing a windless given to me which I include in the $15000 dollars, puts me now in at $45,000. Sure I have a nice boat that I know being I did all the work accept standing rigging myself. The only thing is: if I would of stumbled on a site like this one 3 years ago as a newbie I would of taken different actions and purchased a boat more in-line with the great amount off coastal and offshore sailing I plan to do. I’m not just blowing the horn for chasing latitudes, yes I am Lol. Really there is a wealth of knowledge here that could save a sailor not only cash but precious time refitting possibly a less then perfect choice for a first boat. My boat will do, but that is not the answer you want to give yourself is it?
I like Catalina they are just a little over priced
@@ChasingLatitudes Yes, I do like my Catalina. Yet you were correct in much off what you have said. First Catalina’s being a bit over priced being a USA boat, one benefit is the great access to parts, yet still they are a bit over priced. You have also offered the wisdom of buying a boat you will grow into instead of growing out of, that is so correct. Although I solo 50% of the time a heaver more robust boat would of offered me a little more room and sailing comfort. Comfort speaking of sea kindliness and a bit better capsize ratio for safety and piece of mind. All the reason I’m sticking around the channel, to learn more, share more and save my physical future time and a few bucks. Thanks again.
@@svsandpebble and look at all the fun you've had, thays priceless so all good my man
@ABC gang Yes, I love my boat, love the room inside. I love just about everything about it. I wish it was a little more robust for offshore and blue water sailing. I must admit it meets 90 percent of my sailing needs. I also must admit that my skills go well with my boat at this present time.
@ABC gang I must admit I have no real world blue water experience, only local island hoping and attempting to take on local poor weather conditions to gain experience, slowly. There has been no 34’s listed as circumnavigations and few small mentions of crossings. It’s sister boat the 36 has but they are few. Over all the lack of the 34 crossing oceans speaks of the hesitantly by the collective of sailors using them. I have never seen the 34 mark 1 being given a “A” rating although the Mark 2 is the same boat in almost every way, it just has an open transom. I must admit a lot of my hesitancy comes from my own lack of skill yet and overcoming the huge population on the internet of armchair sailors who say leaving sight of land which I have is certain death in a Catalina of this size. Between you and I, I find little difference between a Catalina 34 Mark 1 and the Contessa 35 Eric uses on the channel No Bull Shit Sailing in the North Sea, outside an extra thousand pounds of keel. Nice to cross paths with you.
I love the early Catalina 380s
The fact they are made in the US is reason enough to buy one :)
we have a C380 we love it.. we really got lucky , we only knew we wanted a bigger boat than our MacGregor 26 , it had some issues which w worked through ,she was inth place we dreamed of sailing out of in a assumable slip..
These are great videos Chris. With what it will take to get my wife on board for an extended time (1+ years), I'll have to wait for the next series for the $50k-$100k Beneteaus/Catalinas/Hunters, once prices correct. Separate shower stall is pretty much her minimum for amenity. Everything else can be upgraded/improved (solar/watermaker/AC).
Thanks my man
@Eric Nelson Beneteau 373, Catalina 387/5, Beneteau 38, Hunter 38
Great advise, thank you.
Hello :) And thanks again for the advice during the Live stream and via Email. Exited for summer
Tha ks for watching again
Thanks for the info, it comes in handy to make an informed decision. Even though I want an Oyster, but there are a lot of great boats out there. Thanks again love ya!
love this summary of that Catalina's. I am just starting to serious look and this helps a lot. Looking forward to your other videos.
Tha k you so much, I also have similar videos on beneteau, jenneau, as well as hunter and my Bavaria video will be out in a few hours
Like someone else said, I never thought of the impact of the differential between LOA and LWL. Lots of food for thought for the next larger boat we can grow into for some longer trips. Currently in our first boat, a Pearson 27, LOA 26.9, LWL 22.5, beam 9.2. It's cozy for the two of us but managed some two weeks cruises. Your advice will be helpful to plan an upgrade for long trips.
Nice breakdown. I’m amazed at the price jump from the 30 to the 320.
Another good one Chris!
Thanks my man, I'm more excited for the Bavaria one tmrw
I like Catalina boats. They have similar style to hunters in the interior. However the French brands that you have discussed already have a better looking interior details and they are less expensive.
Yeah, thats always the case, the French do a great job, my Bavaria video come out in about 2 hows, let me know what you think of the German boat builders if you get a chance to watch that one
You're the first person I've ever heard note that the LWL is a better indicator of "livable space" than the LOA. You're obviously right, but as I say, I've never heard anyone else say that. It goes to not just space, but even carrying capacity. Shorter boats, because of the cube rule, take up less volume, nad can't carry as much luggage, food, water, fuel, and crew.
Yeah buddy, sailorsbare a fickle bunch and most get very caught up in their own preferences as seen on any sailing forum. There are some basic realities when it comes to sailing and my goal is helping you choose wisely 😉
I love the Catalina Morgans, centre cockpit, 2 cabin, plenty of space. Presumably you have these as too old to fit in the post 2000 criteria
Yeah just for this particular series
Not sure your opening statement about Catalina being the only U.S. sailboat maker left...Does that Mean Tartan and Island Packet are gone? What about Hunter?
Great quick look at Catalina wish you could mention some of the others you refer to and where we can find the ones available now
Thanks
I have videos on beneteau, catalina, hunter, jeanneau, bavaria, halber rassy all up in the last week, I go in depth on whats available now and where in each of them I think
Great video. Question (from an earlier video) what manufacturers (2002+ years) make the bilge/twin keel boats? Thanks!
Thanks for another great video. You've mentioned several times about the "doing things to the boat to get it blue water ready" even though its rated A. Could you do a video sometime where you go over those things? Thank you!
Sure 👍 maybe this weekend, I could also do a live stream as well 🤔
@@ChasingLatitudes Awesome!
I am leaning between the 320 or 34 mkii.
I've been looking at some 34 MkIIs in my area, but don't think I can bring myself to pay the Catalina tax. I'm leaning heavily towards waiting for the right Bene 361 to come along. Need to find a motivated seller, though.
Catalina tax is real
If you haven’t already done this, can you make a video going over the equipment needed for live-aboard sailing. I know that different equipment is needed based on where one is traveling so I’m trying to consider that as part of my cost. If you’ve actually done a video can you please link it?
Thanks
I'm sure I have but it may have been a love stream and most live streams I don't leave up, I can do one for you though , I'd be happy to run through all the things needed. Are you referring to just living aboard or full time sailing ?
You mention boats are overpriced by about 40% depending on budget. Where does this change, if it does? 100k, 300k, more? Thanks for your insight
For simplicity reason just the higher the budget the more over prices things are, boats in the 50k range are about 20% or more higher than they should be and the current price gouging just goes up from there
I would like to see a series of videos comparing boats of a specific size, say 38 to 42 ish, suitable for 2 to sail around the globe. Compare boats like Southerly,, Ericsson, and others you think would be a good comparison
The actual LOA of a vessel has unfortunately little to do with it as there are numerous 35 footers that are far larger than 42 footers , I can do an episode on a dozen or so sailing vessels suitable for a couple or more to full time sail and circumnavigate
What other options in the 34-36 length please?
That’s. I am planning to do the Atlantic circuit. It’s very confusing trying to chose a boat to do it. I’ve been sailing the Great Lakes for the last 20 years on a 26 foot Tanzer. I like the Contesa 34 but they’re quite expensive. Anyway, perhaps we should chat?
Sounds good Brad, shoot me an email jointheadventure@how2sailing.com
Awesome series,thk
Tha k you for watching
Hello TH-cam algorithm! It's me your pal, Joe. Thx Chris. Looks like no Cats for me. Way better deals with other brands. See you tomorrow.
Hello all star subscriber that helps me with the algorithm
Hey Chris, it's a small contribution compared to what you give us. A few seconds for the hours you spend making this awesome content. Thx buddy.
@@josephlevacher995 thanks my dude
I have always thought that because I see so many of them for sale, there must be a systemic problem. I will watch the rest of the video to see.
As far as beneteau ? They just happen to be the largest sailboat manufacturer in the world is all
Many thanks sir
See you tomorrow.👍🤪😇
Whoop whoop, this daily video things is hard
Loved the honesty I think I capture from your words! I will be soon selecting a paid plan to learn even more!!! Thank you mate! Do you have a name?
Chris, thanks my man glad you enjoy the episode
@@ChasingLatitudes Namesake kinda! 🤙
Perhaps I missed it but, what do you mean, Catalina’s are more expensive bc they are made in America? Aren’t Hunters built in the USA also?
And other brands are made in Europe so it makes no sense for American ones to cost more.
Is that a joke? American made items are always overpriced, the cost of doing business in the USA is absurd, that is why every major brand, apple and so on have their main headquarters in others countries
Great info
Thank you for watching
Are Morgan 33 outislands good crossing boats? Do they have enough ballast/keel?
I'm not a fan of them but plenty have crossed 😁
crossing what? They're designed for Bahamas type work. Wide comfortable but not fast. The 41 lines work better than the 33
@@pierremitham2964 I know they have a shallow draft for Bahamas, just wondering how they do on crossings with such a shallow draft.
@@popeyethesailor6337 With the right weather window it will do fine, just won't be a fast crossing. WIth a nearly 2.5:1 length to beam ratio they're fat by all standards. but the morgans (41's) were the oringal charter boats and all got to the Bahamas on their own bottoms. 33 will do fine, just don't plan for a 6knt average speed crossing!
@ABC gang your numbers are wrong, but the 33 OI can still make the Bahamas, it’s not a difficult trip. The 33 has 3.9ft draft and a capsize ratio of 1.94. Still decent.
Next stop, Hallberg Rassy under 50k :D
🤣 I wish!
Ha
It’s odd I can’t find any video of you sailing or talking into the camera. Why is that?
Probably should have looked harder, not hard to find considering I'm a certified sailing instructor with several crossings under my belt and my cruising guides available directly through the American sailing association, odd, sorry I'm not a oh look at me vlogger who happens to have a sailing vessel, maybe go watch atticus if your looking for vloggers who just happen to have a sailboat
@@ChasingLatitudes I have looked at almost every video on your channel, pretty hard to find and I am pretty thorough when researching, we have that in common. But yeah you're not a fraud for sure. You're Christopher Cousteau, son of Jacques Cousteau and Chrisopher Columbus and you need money for coffee. Some good guides either way, take care.
Haha, my dude, I never claimed to be the son of anyone, my guides are available on asa.com I'm not into the vloggung thing and I've never been one to be a oh look at me person. I'm more into just sharing information that I think will help others
Hello
Why are you so obsessed with length of waterline? Sure it is a measure of the space below, but is only part of the whole picture. Shorter waterline comparatively will make the boat more comfortable at sea.
I'm a full time sailor, I'm always concerned with livable comfort, my ocean crossing take only 4 weeks on average so 80% of the time my liveable comfort is more important to me than the 20% of the time I spend on a crossing
Really enjoy your content . I also miss the potatoe guy . Lol
Ha, the potatoes is legendary
Catalina overrated and expensive for what it is...much better builders/quality for similar price
100%
this was short and boring.
Sorry you didn't enjoy it
@@ChasingLatitudes Do better! You are usually funny and engaging! That is your trademark! That is where you win viewers. We don't view you for a somber narrative. We view you for being witty and informative at the same time! Do what you do best!
@@markybolton it's an old video my dude, relax
Hi
Tha ks my man