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We went today for our first sail by ourselves. It was great. the boat handled like a dream, Our old O'Day 30 , centerboard , was a good sailor but nothing like this. We had cold drinks as we sailed and when we got to the dock we firesd up the AC and worked in the cabin. (90 degrees outside)
Terry

Tomorrow is the day we get our new (new to us) 1988 Catalina 34. I must say the boat looks like brand new inside. The surveyor rated it well above average and we met with the sellers tonight and went through the boat again with them to get the final like "walk through". . (they are neighbors and on our canal here in Naples FL.)
When we did the prepurchase sail and survey I was sold when they rolled out the genoa and it was a multi colored sail. (so is the #110) The acessories are numerous and all kept in great condition. I am 3rd owner. Last owner had it since 2003 and is moving to a Catalina 38.
I sent in my association dues and hope to be an active participant in this list.  I would like to thank the list for the asssistance in what to look for (pros and cons)  in a 34. I have been working on this deal for weeks and yes, tomorrow is the day. Terry (and Rhonda)

I bought a Honda 2000Eui  and since I live in SW Florida I use it for power interuptions at home and for the boat too. When I bought mine the 1000's on line were about $700 the 2000 was under $1000. (Mayberrys I think) Quiet and I run my home refrig, freezer, TV and Fan on it after, Wilma, Katrina, Rita, Charlie, Francis, Jean and Ivan, Etc came by. You can hook 2 together and get 4000 Watts. This would run my AC at anchor.I am thinking of doing that. 
Has anyone put a generator in the stern lazarette area? Terry

As a thought. Why would you chose an anchor that is not popular enough to continue in production.? Good and great anchors will have a long life and production run. Maybe you are missing something. Terry

Why does Catalina keep increasing the HP on the diesel? Was this boat underpowered? It seeems to have gone from a 20 hp to now a 30 something hp, in stages? Is it just that boaters today want to do 7 to 8kts under power to keep up with the 40+ footers?  Terry

Sail was great today. the surveyor is an old "salt" from New England and went into every nook and cranny with a flashlight and didgital camera. There were some problems but nothing that I think is a deal breaker.
The diesel is original and has developed a water leak in the gasket holding the water pump. this has caused some rust on the engine and probably ruined the motor mounts on that side. A fuel line was kinked and there was an oil leak (small) coming from the top around one of the injectors. At full throttle the rpms topped out at 2500 and as we motored some they would slowly drop to 2300. The thought was that the fuel kink was inhibiting fuel and the rpm's. a mechanic will have to determine this.  (this is the 25xp Universal) what rpm's should it get with an original 3 blade prop.?
The other problems were a rip in the main, mast light, steeaming light, bimini and dodger repair. So really not bad at all.
opinoins??
Terry in Naples

Thank you for the tips, I am in Naples Florida and this is 1988 Catalina 34 is owned by one of my neighbors. It has spent the last 2 nights at my dock so I have been able to go over it at my leisure. It has some "Wilma" damage but looks new inside. The wind insturments at the mast head were damaged and some replaced. The antenna was blown off and the running lights and anchor light combo at the top is "off" not off the boat but twisted some so the red is forward the green behind. (some wind huh?) The lines are worn, the mainsail is a stack pack and the top of the sail sticks out and the sun has eaten the "red covering" at the top of the sail. The dodger and bimini need restiched or new canvas.
Most systems seem to work but tomorrow the surveyor will be with us to test the radar, GPS, bilges, the Diesel, etc etc. so we shall see.
I owned an O'Day 30 for the past 15 years (centerboard model) and am anxious to see how the bigger, stiffer boat with a wing will sail. Tomorrow is predicted 10 to 15 from the east with 1 to 2 foot seas, blue skies about 80 degrees.
Ahhh, it is a wonderful world at times. All things work out I may be the newest list member.  Terry in Naples

I am going tomorrow for a sea trial with the surveyor on the 34 I am very close to purchasing. Any tips on what to look for as this will be my chance to see how things work. Terry in Naples

I live in Naples and your draft will limit you if you enter the IC in Marco to Naples. Also do not go inside Cape Romano shoals and into the Goodland area with 5' draft unless it is very high tide. You will still have trouble going from Goodland to Marco IC. (in Little Marco pass the island "coconut island" is gone so do not look for it.) The "naturalists" dug up all the non native trees three years ago and it just washed away)
Best for you if you are stopping is shark River then around cape Romano shoals then past Marco to Naples. Gordan pass is good and you can anchor in amopng the million dollar homes in the bays or go on up to city Marina. If you pass Shark River then just go to Gotdon Pass. (8 miles past Marco) Naples is a great place to stop, overnight, eat at the Dock resturant. Bum around then leave early next day.

Entering into the channel between Sanibel and Ft. Myers looks like areal wide easy access channel but you need to stay within the markers. I r
bumped in there with a lot less than 5 feet down. Once in the channel you are all set. The Hurricane Charlie rearranged the barrier islands but the channel is still good.
I am in the canal system in the bay so if you need more let me know. I am in prepurchase survey mode on an 88 C34, which is why I saw this post.  Terry in Naplles

A few years back I purchesed a Zodiak, (not Hypalon) it literally fell apart and came unglued in 2 years in the hot SW Fl, Sun) never again..No warranty Terry

Price?

I am having a prepurchase survey done on a 1988 Catalina 34. Can anyone tell me of anything to tell the surveyor to especially check on? Any weaknesses that I need to see now not after I take posession?  Terry in NAPLES (SAILSMAN10@COMCAST.NET)

I am thinking of purchasing a 1988 Catalina 34 with a wing keel. The brochure states that the draft is 3' 10" but the owner says it is 4' 3". On another discussion group I have heard everything from " the brochures were printed wrong and it really is 4" 3"" to" it is 3'10" at rest but when hiked sail it is 4' 3". " Someone should know this and it is important to me as the canal passage to my dock gets pretty skinny at low tide. Anyone who knows. ?? contact me   Sailsman10@comcast.net   
Thanks...Terry in Naples FL