Depth of Bilge

[Paulus]

How deep is the bilge on a C34, 1989 and also what is the draft?  Is it 3'10" or 4'3"?  Would appreciate any info as I am thinking about buying a 1989 C34.
Thanks,
Paul

[Mike Vaccaro]

Paul,

Check out the Specs section of this site for dimensions.  Also, keep in mind that the draft for the wing keel is only at zero degrees of heel, thus you draw more when sailing that when flat.  There has been lots of discussion about relative merits of each type of keel on this board.  A quick search of the messages (using the "search" option form the Message and Discussion Forum menu at the top of this page) or site (using the "search" option on the home page) will provide you with multiple hits.

The bilge on the Catalina 34 is extremely shallow as are most modern "coastal" cruisers.  The minimal floors and cabin sole are nearly coincident with the hull, although there is a small four-compartment "sump" located immediately above the keel whose purpose is to collect water for the bilge pump to remove.  There is essentially no bilge storage space in the Catalina 34.

Cheers,

Mike