Blair, this is one of those unanswerable "What is the Best boat?" questions.

I think perhaps you might want to consider turning the question upside down: "Why do you like your Catalina?" and make a list, then compare the other boats to those qualities. It'd be a much easier exercise.

Back in the late 80's when we started our email List (before our website) we compiled a list that many skippers had made about the qualities they liked in their C34s, which would be pretty much the same for your C36 boats. Read the "Why we are Catalina owners" topics at the top, here: [url]http://www.c34.org/faq-pages/faq.html[/url]

I often am asked that question and reply in three ways:

1. Access, access, access & The KILLER Dipstick Question: We once did a bareboat charter on a B350. To get to the dipstick we had to completely UNDO the cushions in the aft cabin, just to get to the difficult-to-remove "access" (haha) panel. I check our oil before I start our engine almost all the time. Why? 'Cuz it's the right thing to do and it's easy - I just open the little door Catalina installed at the factory for just this purpose. If you can't easily get to the dipstick, how often do you think the PO ever did? My $10,000 engine requires oil without water in it to run. I always check it. Catalina has always been good at implementing user feedback. The new C355s (part of our group like the C375s are with you) have had tremendous support from Gerry and the factory.

2. Size of hardware and the width of the traveler for mainsail control: Check out the Bs - their travelers are a joke, one third the length of yours and mine. Blocks on Hs are half the size of ours.

3. Class Association websites: Catalinas (regardless of size or model) have by far the best websites and information about their boats than all other brands combined. I have been active on the internet for over 15 years. I KNOW this is true, because I read complaints from other brand owners who can't get answers to simple questions, forget about more complicated projects that are covered in depth by skippers, as you know from reading this forum and your C36 website. These quality websites are a very valuable tool and avoids having to reinvent the wheel, and maybe do it wrong. Priceless. And you, as a new owner of an older boat, have already found that out in the relatively short period of time you've been here, right? :cool:

Could just as easily ask, "Will you ever buy another Catalina?"

My family's next boat is almost certainly a Beneteau First 36.7, although I would prefer an older Express 37 if it had passed the wife test. If possible I want to get a European-built 36.7 as there are subtle differences that make them a better boat than the Carolina-built ones.

Ultimately it's more about the designer than the builder. I would totally buy a Catalina if they built a boat designed by Farr, Judel/Vrolik, Mills, Peterson, Schumacher, heck anyone who ever did a proper race boat. I suppose the old S&S designed 38 would count but it is too old.

If there's a next it will be a trawler suitable for the Pacific Northwest.

Would never buy anything other than a Catalina.....but this will likely be it for us anyway so it's a moot point from where I sit. Interior space usage and design is the best of any sailboat we've ever seen and the maintenance/serviceability is outstanding. We don't race so the sailing speed and ability is just fine for our purposes. Build quality is typical production but I think better than most, like that it's a heavy boat. And just love the looks of the classic older boats, the 5 series new boats, not quite so much.

I think my decision will be based solely on usage.
as a Great Lake or coastal cruiser, the Catalina brand beats Hunter 10:1 and Beneteau 2:1
If I was going off shore, I would look at a Valiant, Tartan, Cabo Rico or Passport.
But a Trawler sure has me pondering, and may be my next move!

I couldn't agree more that "access" is a key factor. Sailing on other brands has brought that home solidly. I was just sailing with a friend in his 2003 Hunter 46 from Newport to Maine and back. It took both of us and about 20 minutes to remove and replace his raw water intake screen and a wrench to stop it from leaking. Its almost that hard to drain the water from her Raco water separator, and other similar issues. Every time I sail with him I go back home and hug my C36. When I go on board pretty new boats at boat shows, I like to ask the salesman, where is the access to these items. They usually don't have a clue and aren't interested in finding out as they're too busy showing off the Coran counter tops.
Sam

Blair,

What need does your 36MKII not fill? That will lead you to where you need to go. That's how I moved from the last boat to my present 36MKII. I compiled a list of what I needed in my next boat and looked at everything. If you decide you want a Ketch, Catalina is not likely going to be your boat. :)

From your posts, I would not have been surprised to see you go to something smaller and more manageable.

I personally really don't like the contemporary look of the French boats and also think they and Hunters skimp on some of their components. I hope Catalina keeps it's more traditional look. If I were in the market and wanted to spend a lot more money, I would seriously look at a Sabre or Tartan-love their design and interiors.