Catalina 375

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richie30's picture
richie30
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Catalina 375

Was on a Catalina 375 today at the port Credit, Ontario In Water Boat Show.
Disappointed with this 36 replacement. Interior seeded cheap, arborite in place of teak in certain spots. I will stick to my 36!

Rich
Pazzo 1670

Rich

Richard & Joan Bain
PAZZO Hull#1670
1997 Catalina 36 MK11
Bayfield, Ontario

My Day Job Below
www.richardbain.com
www.bineapress.com

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dejavu
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I checked one out last week. I really love the new cockpits as opposed to my '91. I like the larger overall size and the wide coamings. Being a bit claustrophobic, I also like the bigger & taller V-berth area. I found the Nav seat awkward & uncomfortable compared to mine and, of course, there's no "pit sofa". The shower is nice as is the front-opening frig. All in all, it's a nice boat. Then we talked dollars. YIKES! The best thing I heard was when we talked trade-in and I found that my '91, purchased by me in '99 has depreciated a whole $ 10,000 in 10 years. Not bad. When I considered what I could add to mine for just the SALES TAX on a 375, I gave her a big hug.

Mike

Deja Vu
1991 MK I # 1106
Marina del Rey, CA

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therobesons
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Posts: 114

We too looked at the new 375 and the 350.

We also like our 36 better. It just seems they got it right when they did the 36, Handleing, storage, layout, volume etc.

It would have been nice if they freshened her up, MKIII maybe with taller freeboad, making for a larger and taller rear state room (ever look at the 34?), a taller more usable shower, maybe even a seperate shower, more holding tanks, a more plumb bow for a longer water line, etc, in other words a more modern boat with all the good stuff from the oringinal 36.

The 375 seems like thy forgot what made the oringinal 36 the more popular 36 ever, selling almost 3000 units and just went off in its own new direction.

Time will tell if the 375 matches the 36 in owners, loyalty, numbers and years.

JMHO

Bob, LaRainne and McKenzie Robeson

1985 Std Rig C-36, Hull #374

San Pedro, Cal

Sailing the So Cal Islands and coastal ports from San Pedro south to San Diego.

Solla Sollew
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I recall either hearing or reading, very likely here on the "old" 36IA website, that Gerry Douglas more/less said that he considered updating the 36 by adding a "little more" of this, or a slightly wider that, and add that shower stall our ladies dream about, but he couldn’t fit it all into 36' (i.e. the existing mold) hence the need to start from scratch. He said upgrades were necessary to remain competitive in the new sailboat market. I believe he’s right but I still love my 36!

Marc & Susan Garcia
"Solla Sollew" #1473, Mk.II
 San Buenaventura, Ca.

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therobesons
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I do aggree that the old 36 hull molds had run it coarse, put to abandon the 36 and everything they did right on that boat for a 375 without and the amenities that the 36 had, well maybe not so good, time will tell if the 375 has the legs of the old 36.

Bob

Bob, LaRainne and McKenzie Robeson

1985 Std Rig C-36, Hull #374

San Pedro, Cal

Sailing the So Cal Islands and coastal ports from San Pedro south to San Diego.

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therobesons
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Missing, smaller or less Hanging locker and all the storage in the v-berth.

Center line sink in Galley for proper drainage while under way.

Size of Galley 375 seams smaller, lot less storage.

375 has smaller sideways nav station (same as the MK2 36 but not the forward facing of the MK1.)

Much smaller rear state room. I think it has more volume and is taller but the bed is a lot smaller, and no sofa like the MK1 has.

Much less storage behind settees.

Smaller head with almost no storage.

Mickey mouse dinette with storable seating, taking up what little storage you do have.

On the plus side...??? Its new...

Bob, LaRainne and McKenzie Robeson

1985 Std Rig C-36, Hull #374

San Pedro, Cal

Sailing the So Cal Islands and coastal ports from San Pedro south to San Diego.

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stu jackson c34
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I did a "review" of the C375 at the Oakland Boat Show when it first came out. You can read it here, with pictures: [url]http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,4232.0.html[/url]

You C36 guys did one, too, and I'll bet if your search this board and the old one you can find it. It's helpful to have been on the actual boat.

Stu Jackson, C34IA Secretary, C34 #224, 1986, SR/FK, M25 engine, Rocna 10 (22#)

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Jimmy
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1.Backing plates encased in fiberglass keeps water out of the core.

2 BETTER CHAINPLATES!!!!

I like the boat's layout but I like my 36 better, but the two items listed above are a big deal!

I notice the mainsheet pulleys are mounted the same weak way. Why not fix this with encased backing plates? Only Catalina!

Jimmy,
Secondwind
Hull No. 2058

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ProfDruhot
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My wife and I boarded a 375 at a boat show and we too were not impressed other than the smell of the new teak. We walked away asking ourselves why did Catalina make a change. Boat manufactures as well as automobile manufactures feel like they have to cme out with a new and (not always) improved model. When you compare the amenities on the 375 to our 36's you really don't get much more in space or comfort. And I agree with the others who have posted comments here, the price is staggering!

Glenn Druhot
Carpe Diem
New Bern, NC
35* 6' 10" N / 77* 2' 30" W
2001 C36, Hull #1965
Std Rig; Wing Keel; M35B

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deising
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I think that perception by the buying public drives makers to do all sorts of things. It may be true (in most opinions) that an incrementally-improved model is superior in value to to many brand new models, BUT if the public looks at competitors coming out with new models all the time and Catalina doesn't, it is easy for them to get the idea that Catalina's offerings are stale.

The marketplace is a tough environment. I applaud Catalina for having walked that fine line for so long and hope they have continued success.

I still love our C36 and would likely not upgrade even if I had the money.

Duane Ising - Past Commodore (2011-2012)
s/v Diva Di
1999 Catalina 36 Hull #1777
Std rig; wing keel, M35B, Delta (45#)
Punta Gorda, FL
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/diva-di/

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gforaker
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Don't forget that much of the pressure for new models comes from dealers. They don't want to compete directly against the used boats. It would be difficult to sell a new C36 at $190,000 when a buyer can get a really good recent used model at maybe $130,000. With a new model, he can sell the improvements, however slight.

Gene Foraker
Sandusky Yacht Club
Sandusky, OH
1999  C36  #1786
Gypsy Wagon

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stu jackson c34
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Faulty logic there, I think. How come the C36 and C34 were made for 20 years??? People WANTED them because they were very successful boats for sailing. I'm not so sure these new boats sail well at all, see my review on page one of this thread, and the comments from others. The new vs used boat market discussion is as old as less than ten years after they built the first boat!;) I think it has a lot less to do with Gerry's decision to build the new boats than others comments about why he did it. Also, if you look at all the newer Catalinas, the HEADROOM is much bigger, a particular issue for many of our C36 and C34 owners. Bigger headroom means more freeboard and windage and the need for more handholds down below, some of which are still lacking.

Stu Jackson, C34IA Secretary, C34 #224, 1986, SR/FK, M25 engine, Rocna 10 (22#)

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gforaker
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I agree with your opinions and choices on a good sailing boat, but what does that have to do with the business decisions of a dealership? Ask a dealer about it in a calm moment away from a boat show. Thew want flashy new models.

Look at the recent sales of Hunter and Beneteau compared to Catalina. It is new models, flash and room down below that sells new boats, not sailing ability and quality of build. Our local dealer changed his franchise from Catalina to Beneteau.

Gene Foraker
Sandusky Yacht Club
Sandusky, OH
1999  C36  #1786
Gypsy Wagon

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stu jackson c34
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Gene, I believe it has nothing to do with dealerships. If dealerships are instigating the production of new boats that sail like sh*t compared to the boats that actually worked as sailboats, they can all go to Beneteau for all I care. Our local dealer, Farallone Yachts, was really disappointed at the closing of the C36s and C34s because they were best sellers for them. People all over the country know how to sail well, but SF Bay is challenging in many different ways than other parts of the country. We have high winds consistently with good weather and can stay outside without needing air conditioning. This is a reality, not a knock on other parts of the country. Heck, I'm glad I don't need to drop a 35# anchor every single time I anchor because we don't get the usual afternoon mini-hurricanes that Florida and the east coast get every afternoon in the summer.

But good SAILING boats with accommodations down below that reflect the traditional REQUIREMENTS of boats to be able to sail them for long distances with layouts that work for crew are getting harder and harder to find. Case in point: the silly individual "seats" on the starboard side of the C350 and C375. There is NOWHERE to stretch out down below on a port tack.

And the BIG interiors end up shaping the below the waterline configuration, making them just beamy and flat bottomed slugs.

So if the dealers who sell these pretty shiny new condominiums are making the decisions instead of the factories that design them, then the folks buying these pig-boats are getting what they want and they can have them. They may wonder why their boats go so slow compared to older boats, like ours!:cool:

Stu Jackson, C34IA Secretary, C34 #224, 1986, SR/FK, M25 engine, Rocna 10 (22#)

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Jimmy
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way over priced. I think they brought it down under 200 but still over price. I would get a real blue water boat first.

Jimmy,
Secondwind
Hull No. 2058

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dejavu
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Yes, for 200 grand you could get a VERY nice lightly used 42 and have way more boat IMO. Or like you said, a bluewater boat instead.

Mike

Deja Vu
1991 MK I # 1106
Marina del Rey, CA

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Jimmy
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If you guys do not like the boat, it proves my point, they need a new chief engineer, some young blood with talent. I like the glassed-in aluminum backing plates.

The boat's hull is solid glass; the side decks and cabin top are balsa cored. [B]Deck hardware mounts on glassed-in aluminum backing plates.[/B] Garhauer supplies the traveler and also the blocks, which are stainless steel. A structural grid system gets glassed into the hull before a liner and furniture are installed, and there's no wood in any of the boat's structural components. The 375 can be fitted with either a fin or a winged keel.

[url]http://www.cruisingworld.com/boats-and-gear/boat-reviews-and-previews/ca...

Jimmy,
Secondwind
Hull No. 2058

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Rockman
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I suppose it depends on what you want and the availability of boats. I bought a 375 to place into my charter fleet (along with my 320), as this boat is ideal for those people who want to jump onto an easily sailed yacht, and cruise around the whitsundays during the day. It is never used for overnight sailing, and is in relatively calm water.

After sailing it for several weeks in all sorts of conditions (35kn/5m seas) with 5 adults aboard, we have purchased another one for our own use. A different boat may be better, but if you cannot buy one, then there is no point. There are several modifications that are already on the list (and I cannot understand why there were not included in the factory).

Cat375 - Rock The Boat - Hull 54
Lake Macquarie - NSW - Australia

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LCBrandt
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I am glad to see the discussion on the Catalina 375, because this organization - the C36IA - has voted to expand its charter to include this beautiful boat. We are now the C36/375IA. There hasn't been much on the C375 yet, presumably because the early fleet is fairly small.

If we have C375 owners participating here, PLEASE identify yourselves with an automated signature so we know who you are and what your point of view is. Heck, *everyone* here should identify themselves with an automated signature, for that matter. It is EASY to do. Just click on UserCP in the upper left corner of this page and do it. Use my signature below as a model for what type of information you should provide.

We're all here to get help or to give it. It's a lot easier to contribute help when you have some 'connection' with the other person...a name, knowing the model/hull# of the boat, and where they (you) sail. We're all unpaid and are offering our help because we can, because we're challenged by the discussion, and because we're just darn nice folks. Give us a break and create an informative automated signature, please.

Larry Brandt
S/V High Flight #2109
Pacific Northwest, PDX-based
2002 C-36 mkII SR/FK M35B
 

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ProfDruhot
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I'll keep my 36. I love it. It sails beautifully, looks great and I paid about 50% of what a new 375 would cost. The 36 is a perfect boat for my wife and I.

Glenn Druhot
Carpe Diem
New Bern, NC
35* 6' 10" N / 77* 2' 30" W
2001 C36, Hull #1965
Std Rig; Wing Keel; M35B

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bboggs
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I briefly looked at the 350 and 375 at the Annapolis show so my memories are a little fuzzy, but I remember liking the 375 way more than the 350. I felt the delta in my opinions was wider than my preference for the C36 over the C34. The 350, just didn't appeal to me, but I could see myself being pretty happy with a 375.

That said, if I had that kind of money, I'd probably by a used C42 or perhaps something in the 40' range with more of a Bluewater pedigree. Its all a hypothetical for me, because unless I hit the Powerball, I won't be buying any brand new sailboat.

I'm fortunate to have the opportunity to own a boat as well thought out, and well built as my C36 and it will in all likelihood be the boat that fulfills my sailing destiny, barring the above mentioned winning lottery ticket. I'm sure those fortunate enough to be able to choose a new 350 or 375 feel the same way.

Bill Boggs
s/v Palmetto Moon
1991 C36, Hull 1128
Herrington Harbor South
Chesapeake Bay

mablamb
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Gerry Douglas may be dumb as a fox in that we all love the C36 but I would guess that very few of us would move up to a new 375 - it has always been the dream of a 42 but that will soon be gone too so the 375 is for another group of folks. I've seen others talk of the 445 and after seeing it - it really is where the C36 lives within Catalina and may be the replacement of the C42 in my dreams. Perhaps a 10 year old 445 will be in my future? Check out the 445 - it is what I expected of the 375 and like most of you, was disappointed. Bob Bitchin of Lattitudes and Attitudes did a nice video of hull #1 - [url]http://www.catalinayachts.com/videos.cfm[/url]

Mark Bierei
Fleet 2 Long Beach
1985 C36 MK1 #456
Wing N' Prayer

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stu jackson c34
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Doh! What's the idea of putting the AC and DC panels BEHIND a separate glass door???:confused: Nice boat, but why take a 36 foot boat THAT WORKED and stretch it into 44 feet???

Stu Jackson, C34IA Secretary, C34 #224, 1986, SR/FK, M25 engine, Rocna 10 (22#)

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Rockman
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Another advantage of the 375, it comes in just under the 12 metre mark. Many places use 12 metres as the next big jump in prices.

Cat375 - Rock The Boat - Hull 54
Lake Macquarie - NSW - Australia

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meteor64
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We just love our 375. We owned a 1972 Trojan for a number of years and due to its age, it needed constant maintenance and repairs. We figured, next boat would be new or nearly so. We bought a new C320. Not too much money just in case we decide sailing was not for us. Turned out we got used to the different pace. Then a year later, the C375 came out. My better half was not too keen on more money in a boat but considering that the stock market just kept dropping, we felt we would have more fun spending it then loosing it.

We really liked the shape of the C320 cockpit, and the 375 is along the same shapes. Fairly high backrests.

I wanted a real bed, somewhere I could get up and not knock my head on the ceilling. No aft cabin low ceiling. 375 does it nicely in that respect.

All comments made previously on lack of storage are right. No boat has enough storage space. I don't have enough at home! Since there is only the two of us, we use the aft cabin for stuff we cannot store elsewhere.

For people looking for a new boat, I found that this Catalina beats the others in style, quality and layout. We upgraded to the L shape settee. There are always compromises to be made: money, look, intended use.

We really liked the 445 too but on lake Ontario, most marina have problems accomodating transient boats larger than about 38-40 feet.

Francois Desrochers - C375 Tech Editor
S/V Alizes #15
Lake Ontario
2009 C375

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Rockman
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Hi,
Can you see the smile on my face from there!:D:D
We spent yesturday inspecting and setting up our new 375. The new boat is hull number 54 (our other 375 is #41). It was great to see some of the slight improvements that have been made (and there is still plenty of room for others).

I do like the anchor winch, which has been upgraded - the new one does not protrude above the deck.

As for storage - yes, you can always want more, but maybe another way to look at a shortage of space is to ask "what do I really need to take with us?".

So, next weekend its 3 days of cruising on Pittwater.

You will not regret upgrading from the 320 to the 375.

Cat375 - Rock The Boat - Hull 54
Lake Macquarie - NSW - Australia

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bboggs
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Posts: 144

We moored next to a 375 in Annapolis the other day and it was a nice looking boat on the water. Not that I'm in the market but it made me want to take a look inside again which I hope to do at the boat show next month.

Bill Boggs
s/v Palmetto Moon
1991 C36, Hull 1128
Herrington Harbor South
Chesapeake Bay

Duet in Sea
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We just purchased 2010 Catalina 375 hull 43. We picked it up near Cleveland and sailed for 2 weeks all the way to Wilmette Harbor just north of Chicago. So far we are very happy. The boat is in perfect condition, extremely comfortable, and sails well. We just did our first race. As we get older this is a nice replacement for our 1984 Hunter 34.
Michael and Suzanne Poulos
2010 C375 Duet in Sea
Wilmette Harbor, Illinois

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