Oh no here goes the big debate witch we love so much. Sorry Ralph I disagree (well kinda in a way) I have had other boats in the same size range and bigger there are few in this size and price that afford the room nor the sail ability of the C27, although I do have to agree that the C30 is a more comfortable boat as a beginner boat one might be better off with a 27. having sailed both the 27 is an more manageable boat for the entry level sailor. I would say rent one for a weekend or more try it out see what works, as for the v berth I'm 6'4" and I fit just fine with a lady so that is not a problem there are other choices in the same price and size but the Catalina has the most bang for the buck and the best support for owners.
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]: [EMAIL PROTECTED]: Re: catalina27-talk: Advice for a potential C27 buyerDate: Fri, 11 Apr 2008 17:42:25 -0700 ----- Original Message ----- From: Ross Aresco To: [email protected] Sent: Friday, April 11, 2008 2:42 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 Ross, I love my C27. It serves me well. Having said That.. Let me offer some thoughts. The C-27 is a wonderful ..Single Handing boat.... A Passible Couples boat..... A Minimal 3 person boat And a Crowded, sometimes, Uncomfortable.. Guest and crew boat. (Cruising 4 adults in the cockpit is often difficult). I'm sorry to say, the "V" berth is probably out for you and your wife. You'll have to find the model of the C27 with a Pull Out Settee or rig or some kind of Cabin thwart board sleeping platform.. Which, of course THEN is in the way for normal living below..! Please, Don't read farther ....If you ONLY plan to Daysail and Never spend a weekend or extended stay onboard.. But, your post indicated that you may Cruise some,, Then the following becomes more important than one would first think. Like anything new, we often buy based on the Glitter and Go of a boat.... and not the Ugly or think of Bodily functions May I suggest that you and your wife do some simple tests.. If possible Do them on the C27 you may be considering... NO, not Test sailing, Nor, A cruise for the day,.... or a ride with the current owner. Do these following tests while on board the boat. Here are some of the worst personal troubles and are seldom really tried out by a new buyer....! 1. You, in the head, pretending to SHAVE. Think .. Mirror, rinse, Light..etc.. 2. She, in the head, pretending to Do hair, or makeup. .."....." .. " (Note the Footing you must maitain. the deck is on a slight angle) 3. Both .. SET on the toilet. Check how comfortable it is to you. (YES, Try to WIPE.. You'll get a good idea of the kind of problems you may face).. Not trying to be gross, but cleaning the "Skid mark" off the bulkhead that was left by some guest ... is a common event...! 4. Pretend to Wash dishes in the Galley Sink. 5. Crawl into the motor compartment or inspection hatch.. Try to TOUCH ALL the areas of the engine.. (Don't forget the Packing Gland) 6. Pretend to cook on the galley stove .. Can you/she move around easily? 7. Mark off the C27 Cabin sole dimensions .. On your home Kitchen Floor.. THEN.. Spend at least ONE day.. LIVING in that space. (Don't forget to try to restrict your Head Room) (Really, This is easy to do ...And , it will give you a much better idea of how you'll do On board). There are a few more.. but you get the idea... Surely, there are folks who LIKE the idea of Minimal living comforts, and some of us have a "Roughing It" attitude. But unless that is true.. Try to "invent" as many PERSONAL tests you can.. And Apply them to the boat.. A final word.... If you are even THINKING that you might want a C - 30....... Then you've ALREADY answered your own question !! Always go with your first feeling.. And ALWAYS go to the biggest Boat you can... It makes a lot of sense ! Wishing you all the best, Ralph Ahseln "Oblio" Gresham OR _________________________________________________________________ Get in touch in an instant. Get Windows Live Messenger now. http://www.windowslive.com/messenger/overview.html?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_Refresh_getintouch_042008
