Messages

W,

Did you end up installing the Vector Turbo 16K?  I am considering the same unit for my 36 and I am curious to read a review of a new install.  Are you happy with it?  Was it worth the extra $$$$? Hoiw is the sound or lack there of?

There are a couple from Dometic that I am considering mainly because the new controls will fit perfectly over my existing controls and I do not want to build additional trim for a new set of controls...

The Vector is twice the price as the the Dometic EnviroComfort Air Conditioning Retrofit Kit - 16K which is basically what I have now only new.

http://www.dometic.com/enus/Americas...ctdataid=98459

Either one should be more efficient (18% on the cool side according to the specs and the plate on my 12 year old MarineAir unit.

Thanks in advance.

Going out on a limb here...

I have a 36MKII - 1996 with a tall rig / fin Keel. 

First of all, both boats are great. 

Why I went with the 36...
I had a 1989 C30 "Traditional" layout and wanted basically the same thing in a larger boat.

I went with the 36mkII because of the "traditional" layout.  (They do offer a "U Shape" Seating)

For me personally I liked being able to keep the table up and out of the way.  I felt this added back more useable interior space for moving about or having additional people on board for entertaining.  We typically eat in the cockpit.  The table only comes down if both berths are used or we are serving dinner in the cabin for more than 2 people. 

The "game table" on the stbd side is typically down and the cushions are in, making this a full length seating area.  We prefer to use this table when it is just my wife and I for dinner and we are not eating outside. 

As for the aft cabin, yes it is our storage room ("garage") for the cockpit cushions, cruising spin, etc. until we have guests on board.  (The stuff is going to end up somewhere on any boat.) And it can be a little tight getting in with two people.  Once both are in the berth there is plenty of room.

There are trade-offs on any design. 

34 pros...
The 34 aft head is great for keeping it close to the cockpit where you typically come from.
TCO may be a little lower depending on purchase condition.

36 Cons,
The sink on the 36 is a few feet in front of the ladder which can take a little getting used to.
Battery access on the 36mkII is tight.  Plan on inventing a few words every 3 years when you need to replace them. There is only about 1/2 inch on each side to pull them out.
The Nav Seat is a waste of space in my opinion.  I pulled mine out and I am in the process of making teak doors with shelves for that space.

Both boats are now legacy models since Catalina stopped making them. 

Maintenance wise, the boats should be similar except for a few areas...
1. Bottom jobs will be a little less on the 34.
2. The 36 is on the cusp for Wheel driven Autopilot.  The wheel based pilot will work until the wind gets to about 15 and then it is too small for the boat.  Basically you would need to go with a more expensive linear-drive unit. 

Both sail well and I am sure you will be happy with either.

I think that at the end of the day, either is going to provide great enjoyment and hold very good re-sell value over time.

All other things equal, it will come down to what layout you would rather have.

Just my thoughts,

Jack