Catalina 34

General Activities => Main Message Board => Topic started by: canuck on August 10, 2011, 06:43:29 AM

Title: CATALINA 355 PROS CONS ISSUES
Post by: canuck on August 10, 2011, 06:43:29 AM
Trust some 355 owners are on this site. We are considering a 355 as a replacement for our 2004 MKII which we sold last year.
The 355 has lots of sizzle and adressed many issues we found lacking but certainly correctable in the 34. We lament selling our 34 but as they said in the Godfather, we received an offer we couldn't refuse. In retrospect, it was a wise decision given todays used boat prices.

Tell me what you like, dislike and improvements made. Any warranty issues or gremlins?

Much appreciated.
Title: Re: CATALINA 355 PROS CONS ISSUES
Post by: Clay Greene on August 10, 2011, 03:53:13 PM
I would be very interested in this topic as well, including any thoughts on the performance of the 29-hp Yanmar.  That seems undersized for the displacement of the C355.  Catalina was putting 35-hp M35Bs in the most recent C34s and I believe the displacement of the C34 is/was considerably less than the C355. 
Title: Re: CATALINA 355 PROS CONS ISSUES
Post by: tonywright on August 10, 2011, 07:36:09 PM
The "design weight" of the wing keel C355 is 14,800, which is more than the advertized "design weight" of the C34, but equal to or less than the real life measured weight of most recent wing keel C34's.

So maybe not so much real life difference in displacement after all. It may be more relevant to compare the hull profile below the waterline, but I am not sure you can get that from the published specs.

Tony
Title: Re: CATALINA 355 PROS CONS ISSUES
Post by: wind dancer on August 11, 2011, 08:16:23 AM
Claygr, I thought the M35B was 30hp?  29hp is roughly equivalent, and the older 34s have 21hp to 23hp engines.
Title: Re: CATALINA 355 PROS CONS ISSUES
Post by: Ken Juul on August 11, 2011, 10:29:37 AM
The 355 has a Yanmar engine rated at 29 hp.
Title: Re: CATALINA 355 PROS CONS ISSUES
Post by: tonywright on August 11, 2011, 11:03:41 AM
C34 MKII owners manual says 35HP, 26.1kW.

Tony
Title: Re: CATALINA 355 PROS CONS ISSUES
Post by: George Bean on August 11, 2011, 11:19:03 AM
I had the opportunity to sail a 355 for an afternoon on San Francisco Bay earlier this summer and left with very favorable impressions.  We motored out of the Estuary and hoisted (or is it "pulled out" now?) sail near the Ferry Building.  We sailed almost to Harding Rock making several tacks, gybed, sailed a beam reach for a "speed run" then returned to Alameda via the backside of Treasure Island.  Speeds were taken off a hand held GPS.  Apparent winds peaked out in the low twenties, not nuclear, but typical for early afternoon here.  Tide was in flood so the Bay chop was fairly "flat".

I didn't notice the engine's apparent small size at all as it pushed the boat into the flood in the mid six knot range.  Boat tracks well under power.  The sails were a 110 jib and a main with vertical battens.  I understand that Catalina no longer has their in-house sail loft so sails can be custom ordered.  Hoisting was easy and I found the main easier to set and trim for speed than what I experienced on the roller mains on C34s.  The primary winches are set back close to the helm (where the secondary's usually are).  This made it a snap to do single handed tacks and trim adjustments, but I think it would get a little crowded in a full crewed situation.  Helming was a delight, it was very easy to put the boat in trim and sail with a balanced helm.  Traveler controls were at the edge of the coach roof and easily accessible from anywhere in the cockpit.  You could "power up" or flatten the boat down at will with just minor traveler adjustments.  We had no problem gybing.  The boat peaked out in the low eight knot range (GPS) which would put us at or near hull speed during our "speed run".  The boat has much higher freeboard than the 34's or 36's and I was unable to bury the toe rail (which I did on my 34's test sail).  The boat is very dry even without a dodger.  This 355 was not equipped with a kite so I wasn't able to try out the (optional) bow sprit.

I thought that the 355 was a nice sailing boat. It is a Catalina and heavy so it's performance drops off dramatically under 10kts apparent.  But, in teens to low twenties, a delight.  I especially liked the cockpit ergonomics.  Gerry has flatten out the coamings near the helm making comfortable seating positions for the helmsman.  I really, really liked this feature.  The 355 has a much heavier feel than the 34 (akin to the 36).  But being able to sit "high and dry" would be less fatiguing for the helmsman on longer passages.  I have to confess, at first, I did not like the direction Gerry was taking on the 350 design, but lately I've been rethinking my bias.  I have had the opportunity to race against a 350 on several DH Lightbucket and Farallone races and they are not the pigs I once thought they were.  The 34's and 36's are still a lot faster on the open ocean,  but, for someone looking for a couples or family cruiser, this boat would really fit the bill nicely in my opinion.
Title: Re: CATALINA 355 PROS CONS ISSUES
Post by: Ron Volk on August 11, 2011, 12:21:47 PM
The Universal M-35 (which Catalina referred to as a M-35C) was used in the 1.5 version, is 30 HP.  The MkII's have the M-35B which is 35HP.
Title: Re: CATALINA 355 PROS CONS ISSUES
Post by: Clay Greene on August 11, 2011, 12:24:41 PM
Geroge, thanks for the review.  Very interesting information.  I saw hull #1 at Annapolis last fall and am going to see another one in a couple of weeks at a local boat show.  Similar to our boats but lots of nice improvements.  It really is a C34 Mark III.  

As to the horsepower question, Universal rated the M35 and M35A engines at 30 horsepower but the M35B was rated at 35 hp.  I can't say whether it was mostly marketing or a real performance improvement.  
Title: Re: CATALINA 355 PROS CONS ISSUES
Post by: wind dancer on August 11, 2011, 03:40:57 PM
Ah, so, sorry for the confusion.

I am excited to test sail a 355, but have been putting it off because I know I'll want to buy one on the spot.  I've been trying to convince myself that a lightly used 36 would be a good alternative as a replacement to my old 34.  Waiting until I can afford the 355 is probably the best decision.
Title: Re: CATALINA 355 PROS CONS ISSUES
Post by: Mike and Joanne Stimmler on August 11, 2011, 03:50:24 PM
I think you should test sail a 36 before you think about giving up your 34.

Mike
Title: Re: CATALINA 355 PROS CONS ISSUES
Post by: wind dancer on August 12, 2011, 08:06:09 AM
Do you think the 34 sails better than the 36?  I figured they were pretty comparable, but that the 36 with it's extra weight and draft might be a bit "heavier".  Whether that translates as slower, I don't know.  I thought the small amount of extra waterline would compensate.

Title: Re: CATALINA 355 PROS CONS ISSUES
Post by: Ted Pounds on August 12, 2011, 04:22:57 PM
I've been on and raced against a couple of 36's (MK II's).  I think the 34 is a better boat.  JMHO...
Title: Re: CATALINA 355 PROS CONS ISSUES
Post by: tommyt on August 12, 2011, 08:09:59 PM

The 34 and 36 sail the same. There is what, 9 " difference in the boats? On MKII's the cockpit is identical between the two. Make the decision in the salon (which the 36 does have a great one) or the
V-berth (where the 34 wins hands down). There is a slight difference in the aft berth where again the 34 wins...but the difference is minimal.
Title: Re: CATALINA 355 PROS CONS ISSUES
Post by: scotty on August 12, 2011, 08:34:24 PM
One big difference between the 34 and the 36/35 is the freeboard.  I prefer the lower freeboard of the 34 because it is much easier to get on and off the boat when at the dock.  It also seems a bit closer to the water (but only slightly so) when sailing.  All three are great boats (my brother has a 36 - totally cool), and each has it's own advantages.
Title: Re: CATALINA 355 PROS CONS ISSUES
Post by: wind dancer on August 15, 2011, 10:22:29 AM
Quote from: tommyt on August 12, 2011, 08:09:59 PM

The 34 and 36 sail the same. There is what, 9 " difference in the boats? On MKII's the cockpit is identical between the two. Make the decision in the salon (which the 36 does have a great one) or the
V-berth (where the 34 wins hands down). There is a slight difference in the aft berth where again the 34 wins...but the difference is minimal.

True, the waterline is only 9" longer (there is more difference in LOA).  Truth be told, I'd rather have a C355 as I love the layout and handling of my C34, but it's a bit out of my price range.  Sailing-wise, I am looking for newer systems, rigging, dutchman, sails, etc.  I can do all of that to my old boat, but would like more headroom, longer vberth (I measured a C36 as being 4" longer than my C34), a swim step, larger head/shower, and more deck space too.

I am torn at this point. . . and may just wait until I can afford the C355.  It's not like I don't have a great boat now (it's just a little small for me).
Title: Re: CATALINA 355 PROS CONS ISSUES
Post by: tonywright on August 15, 2011, 11:25:06 AM
"there is more difference in LOA"

Are you sure about that?:  Catalina 34 LOA: 35' 8".  Catalina 36 LOA: 36' 4". My math says 8 inches...

Tony 
Title: Re: CATALINA 355 PROS CONS ISSUES
Post by: Ralph Masters on August 15, 2011, 02:08:56 PM
Hey Wind Dancer,
There is a boat in the slip next to mine has everything you're looking for.
It's a Cheoy Lee 53, listed at 384,000.

Ralph
Title: Re: CATALINA 355 PROS CONS ISSUES
Post by: wind dancer on August 15, 2011, 03:08:59 PM
Quote from: tonywright on August 15, 2011, 11:25:06 AM
"there is more difference in LOA"

Are you sure about that?:  Catalina 34 LOA: 35' 8".  Catalina 36 LOA: 36' 4". My math says 8 inches...

Tony 

Yes, positive.  C36 LOA is 37'9".  LOD is 36'4".  The old brochures listed it incorrectly.  Check out the 2004 brochure here: http://www.c36ia.com/files/C36%202004%20Brochure.pdf (http://www.c36ia.com/files/C36%202004%20Brochure.pdf).
Title: Re: CATALINA 355 PROS CONS ISSUES
Post by: wind dancer on August 15, 2011, 03:12:48 PM
Quote from: SD Diver on August 15, 2011, 02:08:56 PM
Hey Wind Dancer,
There is a boat in the slip next to mine has everything you're looking for.
It's a Cheoy Lee 53, listed at 384,000.

Ralph

Haha, very funny. :-)  If I was looking for a live-aboard I'd take a Catalina 400 or 445 over that any day, for less money.

Seriously though, the C355 looks great to me.  A little short inside, but I could make do. ;-)
Title: Re: CATALINA 355 PROS CONS ISSUES
Post by: Ralph Masters on August 16, 2011, 10:16:06 AM
The admiral is all set to order a brand new 355 with all the bells and whiltles, she evens wants the dark blue hull, and I'm sure for enough bucks catalina would make it with the blue gel coat, all we need is the winning lotto numbers.

Ralph
Title: Re: CATALINA 355 PROS CONS ISSUES
Post by: Dave Spencer on August 16, 2011, 04:31:09 PM
The C34 looks great in Flag Blue so I assume the 355 would too.  My PO had our Sail #1279 Awlgripped when he first bought it in approx 2001.  It's never seen wax and the North Channel water still glistens off the hull.  I'm trying to decide if I should add a cove stripe.
Title: Re: CATALINA 355 PROS CONS ISSUES
Post by: scotty on August 16, 2011, 08:27:41 PM
The cove stripe would be a "Good Idea"!!   :thumb:  Beautiful boat!!!
Title: Re: CATALINA 355 PROS CONS ISSUES
Post by: Solstice on August 17, 2011, 04:47:24 PM
First, I want to thank the C34 assoc. for having us. As a longtime Catalina owner, I know how valuable these forums are. I am the new owner of hull #17 and would be happy to answer any questions anyone may have regarding the C355. I took delivery in June and have put approximately 300 miles under the keel so far, so I've gotten a pretty good feel for her.
This is my 3rd Catalina (a C30TR and a C320--still a dues paying member of the 320 association). We had no intentions of buying the boat when we did, however we were looking for 3 things for our 'last' boat--an island berth, separate shower and lower freeboard in a boat under 35 ft. I had read all the press that came out of Annapolis, but when we saw it at the New England boat show, we were sold. I spoke to an owner who had sailed her since January and he was gracious enough to give me honest feedback on her sailing performance--we have not been disappointed! She sails great but I can't wait to put a feathering prop on in the spring.
Title: Re: CATALINA 355 PROS CONS ISSUES
Post by: Jim Hardesty on August 22, 2011, 08:56:59 AM
I was looking around the web and came on this.   The spinnaker set has perked my intrest.

http://www.seafaring.com/latsTV/boatReviews.php?id=18

Jim
Title: Re: CATALINA 355 PROS CONS ISSUES
Post by: scotty on August 22, 2011, 08:51:31 PM
OK, I never should have looked at the video site.  This (the 355) is a seriously well put together boat.  I hope my wife dosen't see this video - I'll have to keep her away from the boat show next year - or we might be taking out another boat loan.  OK, back to my reality, I love my 34.  Just can't help a little lust in my heart.  Oh yeah, welcome aboard 355 owners!!