Ross,
I've owned my C-27 for 5 years and have found that I like the boat,
which I bought for messing around the Chesapeake. Now that I am 75
years old and after 35 years of sailing (my own boats were racing
dinghies, i.e. Thistle, but I crewed forever on bigger boats) I'm ready
to hang it up, but I think I chose the right boat. I'm 5'11", and the
boat affords me standing height in the salon.
What I like best about the boat is its ability to take a bit of wind:
I test sailed the boat in a November blow (25 gusting 40, and no, I'm
not exaggerating) and with one reef in and no jib the boat handled
amazingly well. After talking with a surveyor and looking a 5 boats, I
bought it in the next week. The boat didn't have a damned thing on it,
but I got two more jibs, a full spinnaker rig, new standing and running
rigging, a depth sounder, VHF, and lighted compass, a heavy duty tiller
pilot, etc., etc.. The surveyor recommended the boat because its
outboard was in good shape and because the bottom was sound.
I have, of course, mixed feelings about giving up the boat, which means
that I'm giving up sailing. But I've never regretted the purchase.
Phoenix has been a really good boat.
But it might not be a good boat for you. There is no doubt that it is a
small boat, especially for big people.
But one thing: You get to do everything you could do on, say a J-30.
No good experience is left out. You notice the weasel: You'll find it
hard to broach the C-27--I never did broach it, but broached again
and again on the J-30.
You're up there and I'm down here, or I'd invite you to try my boat on
for size, not for sale--I want it this summer--but for fit.
All in all, you want a boat on which you'll be comfortable, and I
suggest a 30' S-2 (the best damned boat that ever went out of production
unnecessarily) or a C-30, or even a 32. If I had the money--and the
youth, alas!--I would choose one of them.
The C 27 is popular because it's cheap, there being so many of them. but
people who've bought it for that reason have usually been surprised that
they liked the boat so much.
I'm not much help, I see. I think you just need to try the boat on. If
you're coming down here, you're welcome to try mine for a day or two.
Rudy B.
Phoenix, #2237
Pasadena, MD
Sailor Chef wrote:
Ross, Given I'm 6-1 and 200, Lets just say I have to get ready to "go"
before entering the head and the only standing head room is in the
companionway. The forepeak will probably be "just big enough" even if
you're thinking of starting your family there...;>) But then again,
Cptn Nat Herrshoff once stated: "the only need for standing head room
is if you intend to dance".
You will feel a little "Will Ferrell-ish" but the Cat 27 is a "neat
little boat"
Good luck
Mark, Gratis (6115)
Want to keep your WHOLE PAYCHECK?
PLEASE VISIT http://www.fairtax.org
----- Original Message -----
From: Ross Aresco <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: [email protected]
<mailto:[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, April 11, 2008 3:42 PM
Subject: catalina27-talk: Advice for a potential C27 buyer
Hi All,
I'd appreciate some advice here. I've been researching diligently
for the best first boat for my wife and me (no kids just yet) and
have had my heart set for a while on a C30. However, with trying
to save up for starting a family, etc. I'm thinking that it may be
the best decision financially to start with a more typical (and
cheaper) "starter boat" and then move up in a few years, versus
spending at least $10-20K more for a C30 and moving right to the
boat that we could grow into. Yes, I know that if you amortize
that over a number of years it doesn't add up to much, but it does
right now.
How do you like your C27s? I've never sailed one - but they're
clearly super popular and can handle a variety of conditions. For
the same accoutrements that we'd like (newer sail inventory, well
maintained engine, pressure hot/cold water, generally well
maintained boat) you can land a C27 for so much less than a C30,
I'm thinking that this makes more and more sense.
Part of my apprehension, however, is that I'm 6'3" 260lbs and I'm
a bit worried about feeling like Will Ferrell in Elf while
onboard! We're in Erie, PA so we'd ideally like to do a lot of
day/evening sailing, some weekly club racing and ideally do some
weekend trips west past Cleveland and north to Canada.
Thanks in advance for any help you can offer!
~Ross
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