Attended the boat show yesterday and there were no Cat 34s on hand. Not sure how reliable the information is because it came from the sales staff, but they told me that the 34 is done and on its way out.
Also attended the show yesterday and noted that the C34 was not listed in the literature as being available for sale. The Admiral was quite impressed with the 350 on display, however. $200K sailaway.
Bill
I was there Saturday and Sunday. Got to meet Frank, Sharon and Gerry, which was great. A nice wine and cheese party for owners on Saturday evening.
Actually the 2008 catalog on hand there still lists the C34. The salesperson I spoke with said that plans are not yet firm for 2009.
We looked at the 350 and the 375. In our opinion neither measures up to the 34 MK II. I don't very much care for the new non-skid that seems to have been introduced on these models, which forgoes the really nice diamond pattern for a random spray-on look. I always thought that the diamond pattern non-skid gives the Catalina a distinctive look. Maybe that's just me.
Tony
Agree re the non-skid on the 350 being cheap looking compared to the 34, Tony. Only did a brief tour of the Catalinas and didn't talk to any of the principals, but also noticed later in the lit that the 34 is still listed.
Bill
What keeps me coming back to the boat shows is getting to talk to the manufacturers and suppliers of the systems on our boats.
I met Fred Hutchison of PYI, who supply the PSS shaft seal. I have found that if I try to motor above 6 knots, or in some types of cross-currents (heavy wave action), the seal will start to squeal loudly. I have to stop and burp the seal before continuing. Fed agreed that this seems to happen on some, but not many C34's. So he is shipping me a replacement carbon with a vent tube. Great service.
I also found an M35B sitting on a table at the Westerbeke stand. So I asked and got permission to photograph it from all angles. It could come in handy some day, when I need to understand exactly what I am trying to unbolt, but can't quite see.
I was intrigued by a "Swiss Tech" product that allows you to hoist yourself up a mast with a 10-1 purchase. Seems pretty solid, although a tad expensive at close to $1500. I am still waiting for West Marine to come out with a replacement for my bosun's chair, which they recalled. Apparently these might be out by the end of the year.
Did buy a handy two-way full duplex headset dubbed the "marriage saver". This should greatly improve communication during anchoring etc. We have experimented with VOX technology, but there is too much delay before transmission.
The same folks are selling LED replacement bulbs for Catalinas at $20 each. They agreed the price is likely to continue to come down, so I am holding off for now on that.
Most impressive boat at the show: the Oyster 82. Just over $6m asking. But you should see the owner's stateroom....
Tony
Tony
You should go to all of the Boat Shows. Then sell the reviews. Good job!
Cheers,
Mark
Tony--Could you post the name of the manufacturer of the LEDs...I don't see them listed on the Ship's Store section. At last year's Annapolis Boat Show I was quoted $40 for each light (at least from one manufacturer) so I didn't purchase...seems you've found a much better deal. Thanks.
The LED's were being offered by Cruising Solutions: www.cruisingsolutions.com. A couple that are full-time liveaboards.
Tony
Rod Collins (Maine Sail) has contributed to this board, and provided a lengthy and helpful analysis of anchors some time back.
He's posted an analysis of LED lights at www.sailboatowners.com which is a good read: http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=102144
Scroll down to his post.
I encourage you to meander over to that website, because there are some great things happening there, and it's free, too, just like ours. They just upgraded their software and it's somewhat easy to use. I learn a lot from those guys, some of whom appear here, too.
I liked the $25 winch handle to replace the one that went over the side :D
Tony how about posting some of your M35 B photos on the board. It would be great to be able to see a 360 view.
Don Scales
1998 w/ M35 BC
'Ragtop'
Quote from: Bob K on October 16, 2008, 07:11:25 PM
I liked the $25 winch handle to replace the one that went over the side :D
Sometimes winch handles are worth more than the boat!
Here are photos 1-3 of the M35B on display at Annapolis
Here are photos 4-6
And finally photos 7 and 8. Hope these help
First thing I noticed is they are still using plugs for the engine wires. The Harness Upgrade may never go out of style. But they do look alot more substantial than the original "trailer light" connector.
There was another source of LED lights that I thought was pretty reasonable - mastlight.com Got a 1 foot weatherproof double strip of warm white that I plan to sew into the bimini for an "at anchor" night light. Only $30. They also sell anchor lights and such on their website.
Guys...sound like the production of the C34 is history.
On Swans web page (www.swansyachtsales.com/) regarding the 34..."Catalina has ceased production of the C34...."
So now we know for sure.
Welcome to the club of no longer in production boats :cry4`
Catalina however is still showing in their lineup on their web site.
One other source of LED lighting that I use is Doctor LED (http://www.doctorled.com/) He has found direct replacements for nearly all the incandescent and fluorescent lights on our boats. He also shows up at boatshows.
West Marine now stocks his dome lights that are a direct replacement for ours. They come with either Soft white/bright white or soft white/red. He also sells the drop in replacement bulb so you don't have to buy the whole system. I bought the whole system as my lights all have different switches. They are every bit a bright as the ones they replaced.
Cheers!
Lance
FYI, I spoke to a dealer's representative at Strictly Sail Chicago and they said that Catalina sent out a "quiet" announcement to dealers about a year ago that the C34 and C36 are done. Several dealers were unhappy about this decision because they had customers waiting for boats, so Catalina manufactured a few more of each. However, the representative was not expecting any more new boats to come off the line. I am sorry to see this decision because I would not trade the layout of the C34 for either the 350 or the 375.
Wow, I was about to say that they still list the 34 on the CY website, but I just went to confirm, and it's gone. It was there last week. Gone this week. So I guess we all now own rare commodities. I'm feeling the values surge!
Seriously, it's very sad to me. Given the amount of cross-over materials and supplies, I'm actually surprised that they have to formally discontinue a model; though I suppose that every little bit of streamlining helps, especially in this economy. And I guess they feel they've covered the spectrum enough with "real" sailing boats in the 320 and the 375 not to need a middle ground. That said, when you compare CY's breadth to Beneteau's, there's quite a disparity. Beneteau's got more models at every size than Sears has wrenches. Could be they know something. But maybe not. I wonder how many C34s have been sold each year over the last few years, and how successful the 350 has been.
Sweet sailing on our fine and ever more rare beauties....
The C34 line produced 1,800 hulls - that's the last hull # reported to us (The C34 IA) from Catalina Yachts. Maybe a few more have come down the line, but that's the latest #.
The C36s had over 2,000.
The C350, and other Catalinas with 0's at the end are, IMHO, merely Winnebagos, not "real" sailing sailboats like the C34, C36 and C42. I doubt if the C350 is anywhere near 200 hulls. Except for the C310.
I agree with Jon that the 375 is kinda "middle ground." Notice they didn't use an 0 at the end! :D
I talked to a dealer at Strictly Sail Chicago and got a slightly different answer. Production for several models is in the process of moving to Florida so production is on hold. They haven't made a decision on the 34's permanent production status.
I actually think the 320 is a good sailing boat. Very fast. I don't like her lines, but I don't hate them; too bloated, like all new boats, except for day-sailers, but I think she's a good one. And the new 375 isn't horrible, though I haven't seen it in person. Looks like the 42 is the last true classic model, though the 28 is a close second. I have to say, that I think the 400 actually has great lines as well, and is another terrific sailer. Still, the 34 was the perfect size (for me) and the prettiest. I keep wishing that CY would blow the dust of the old S&S-designed 38, and convert it into a day-sailer for the rest of us.
A review of the C375 can be found here: http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,4232.0.html
A search on "C375" finds more discussion.
The 320 may be what Jon says, but I dislike the interior because they got it "backwards" by placing the head on the same side as the U shaped settee with the galley on the straight sette side (like a Bendy Toy) and makes it look much smaller inside. Cranky, ain't I?
I STAND CORRECTED.
Received this email from Tom:
Good Morning Stu - I noticed one of your recent posts over on the C34 board that speculated that the C350 production "couldn't be more than about 200".
Amazingly, the C350 is probably over hull #500 by now. Catalina produced around 100 in the first year, and ramped up even a bit more in the second year. It's amazing to me how well this large boat has sold. I've seen posts from owners of hulls in the high 400's recently.
Comments about it's "Winnebago"-like looks always amaze me. Yes it's large, and certainly doesn't have the "classic" lines (aka 1970's plastic boats) that the 34 has - but you probably shouldn't disparage its sailing abilities. In many areas, it carries a PHRF rating that expects it to be faster than 34's and 36's, and in actual experience around the bouys, holds it's own with same.
To each their own. I suppose that's why there's Chocolate, and Chocolate Chunk.
Good Luck!
Tim Brogan (aka Eddie Longo in some emails)
April IV C350 #68
Seattle
Actually, ALL the production is moving to Florida with only the Corp HQ remaining in California. They're consolidating both the Catalina and Morgan production lines. And yes, the C-34 is no more. I sincerely hopes this will help increase our beloved steeds value.
Cheers!
I happen to think the lines on my 1987 "70's plastic boat" are about as sexy as they come...of course, I'm sure you all will have the decency not to tell my wife I typed that...
My hat's off to Tim for such an eloquent rebuttal. I happen to think that while the 350 lacks our more classic sheer and sexier topsides (i.e., classic lines), she's still a good-looking Catalina. I'm not as crazy about the 320 and I find the 309 really quite ugly, but I think the main reason for this is that both of those models lack two forward portlights (probably their sheerlines and topside proportions have something to do with their aesthetics as well). Doesn't really matter though... it sounds like America has voted for the 350 over ours.
I'm not sure "America" has voted for the C350 "over" anything else, it's just that the C350 has actually filled a niche. My guess is it is of people who would've bought Hunters but recognized the quality of Catalina boat and hardware over the Hunter toys. But the SPACE and LAYOUT make a BIG difference to a LOT of people. Our read and input from those who have bought C350s is the space and HEADROOM. One owner here (he's 6'5" and his wife is 5'-4") had a C34, bought a C350 (an early boat with what I considered to be a horrible OEM electrical system) and then moved up to a 440. The C350s had some serious teething pains, just ask Blake DeHuff (really, a true name!) from Tahoe who spent years on co.com fighting Catalina because the stern tube and the stuffing box and the cutlass bearing are pretty integral - no strut on those boats. Horrible vibration issues.
So, if you like the C350, by all means, have at it. Each of us have our own desires, wants and needs, which are different from our neighbors. Heck, though, at least it's a Catalina. :D
Quote from: Stu Jackson on February 03, 2009, 04:08:21 PM
I'm not sure "America" has voted for the C350 "over" anything else, it's just that the C350 has actually filled a niche. My guess is it is of people who would've bought Hunters but recognized the quality of Catalina boat and hardware over the Hunter toys.
Okay, maybe not "America," but the Catalina boat-buying public. If Catalina had been selling more C34s than C350s, the C34 would be coming out with a Mk III at this point, and the C350 would fade away. Additionally, I have to say that Hunters have vastly improved under the new design director's aegis; in fact, I would argue that they have improved far more than Catalinas have (of course, they had a lot further to go). The ones I've seen seem well-built and smartly designed. Not the prettiest, but not ugly anymore.
The C350 is not my cup of tea, but one can understand CY's rationale for the model: 1) Replacing 2 models with 1, thus reducing production costs, dealer holding costs, etc., 2) Meeting a growing demand for a family-sized boat that can be used more as a weekend cottage than an offshore sailing machine, and 3) A 3 digit model designature, signalling a consistent product line that is modern/up-dated. CY is producing a boat that is meeting the current demand and their financial needs.
As for those "other" makes, there never is a supply without a demand, as my old my old marketing prof used to say.
Quote from: Jon Schneider on February 03, 2009, 05:31:58 PM
.... in fact, I would argue that they have improved far more than Catalinas have (of course, they had a lot further to go). The ones I've seen seem well-built and smartly designed. Not the prettiest, but not ugly anymore.
I read this last night and it seemed like a reasonable comment. And then on the way into the floating show I saw an abomination on a trailer. Something like a Macgregor that was sent to the designer of farm equipment with a directive to remove any prettiness from the sheer. It was so disgusting as to be nearly unrecognizable as a boat. It was to boat design what the that strange looking Pontiac SUV thing of a few years back was to automotive design.
Having said that Hunter did have some nice boats at the Vancouver show. Catalina had nothing. Zero. One used 2001 Catalina 34 was the only representation of the brand shown by a broker. I saw Bavarias, Dufors, Juneau, Beneteaus, Hunters, Lagoon 44, Tartans, C&C, Island Packet, but no Catalina's.
Quote from: waterdog on February 04, 2009, 10:38:04 PM
I read this last night and it seemed like a reasonable comment. And then on the way into the floating show I saw an abomination on a trailer. Something like a Macgregor that was sent to the designer of farm equipment with a directive to remove any prettiness from the sheer. It was so disgusting as to be nearly unrecognizable as a boat.
LOL, though I happen to find tractors (the smaller ones) quite sexy. I agree that the smaller Hunters are very much like DNA-experiments on MacGregors (wonder how that company survives... or if it will). I was really thinking about their new keel-boats in the 30+ range when I commented on Hunter's improvement, and the improvement is as much in production quality and innovation as it is in aesthetics.
PS: It was the Pontiac Aztec. It always amazes me when I see one on the road.
The lack of Catalinas at the show could, I say could, be attributed to the Florida move. I don't know for sure, but before doom and gloom set in, let's consider the possibilities.
As an industry insider (Gill Foul Weather Gear), I get to see and hear somethings before the general public as some of our reps also rep boats. Look for some really neat things out of Catalina over the next year or so.
I'm happy that CY, so far, has resisted the urge to do a new boat just to do one because all the other are. An example is Hunters 27 Edge -- designed to compete with the McGregor 26. A Power Sail combo that does neither well. Expect a new CY sooner rather than later that will break the mold for the others. Awesome product that will knock everyone's socks off. :thumb:
POG....Would that be the CY445. Check the Catalina site, it is up. From the specs it rates as a racing boat, going back to a narrow beam based on the length.
Looks like Catalina wants to get back to a boat that performs.
And it doesn't have an 0 at the end... 8)
Quote from: pogmusic on February 05, 2009, 09:09:27 AM
As an industry insider (Gill Foul Weather Gear), I get to see and hear somethings before the general public as some of our reps also rep boats. Look for some really neat things out of Catalina over the next year or so.
Lance, unless CY made you sign an NDA, they actually want you to spill the beans. Marketing 101: tell the trade so that they can spread the news to their customers via word of mouth prior to the official launch.
So, spill the beans! What's going to knock our socks off?
The new February 2009 Mainsheet magazine has an ad for the new C445. Looks like the C350/C375 layout down below with two heads. The forward starboard settee seat is still across from the forward port head wall! There's a big deep U shaped settee, deeper than ours on port forward of the galley. Still no sea berths??? Nowhere to install lee cloths. The aft cabin is angled! I can't wait to see this puppy in person! I can't wait to walk again, either... :D