Hello, I am in the search for a C36 here in the northeast. I have found one that I have walked through and it seems to have everything I want (or thought I wanted). I have never had a sailboat this large before and have never sailed a boat with in-mast furling. I am wondering how folks like the in-mast furling, specifically on the 2001 Catalina 36. In theory is seems to be a great idea, providing the convenience of east up, easy stowing. Just want to make sure its not more of a pain in the rear than I am bargaining for. Is it something to look for or something to avoid? The boat I'm looking at also has a wing keel, so I realize there is already one strike in the performance department. I sail primarily in buzzards bay, cape and islands, so wing keel will allow me to get in and out of some skinny spots.
Also, please feel free to let me know if there is anything specifically to watch for as I look at these used boats! Thanks!
Please let me know your opinions!
McFly (soon-to-be C36 owner)
Jackfish Girl, 1999, C36 MKII, Tall Rig, Wing Keel, In-mast furling, Monument Beach, Bourne, MA
I have a 1999 MkII with in mast furling and I love it. I never had a problem with it and others I have spoken with say theirs are trouble-free as well.
Cheers
Bob
Lazybones - 1999 Catalina 36 MkII, M35B, #1731
E. Greenwich, RI
I have a 2002 with in-mast furling and like it too. There are some tricks in furling/unfurling that you have to learn and when the sails get old and stretched they can stick in the slot but it is managable. Much better then hanging over the boom trying to furl the main ina choppy sea or wind.
Chuck Parker
HelenRita 2072 Mk II
2002 Tall Rig - Winged Keel
Atlantic Highlands, NJ
I just bought my first large boat in March, a 2000 C36 MkII. I was very hesitant at first, but really happy I finally got her.
The C36 is extremely comfortable and a delightful boat to sail.
As with all sailboats your maintenance will be forever. Also figure you'll spend roughly 10% of her initial cost every year, on dockage, yard fees, repairs, etc. Just make sure you have a good marine surveyor to check her out so nothing major is wrong.
Two things I've learned to enjoy:
I love the wing keel (4.5 draft) because I sail in the Chesapeake...enough said.
I also have a main roller furling and was concerned about sailing performance. I've race all types of dingies & daysailors, Flying Scots, Lightings, Lasers, etc...J 24's and sail shape has always been extremely important. All I have to say... for crusing and pleasure sailing, forget about high performance. Just enjoy, sail & relax. With that type of perspective once you go with a main furling, you never go back. It's so easy to set and roll away. Even if you sail with just one other person who doesn't really know much. I'm indeed sold on them.
Tom R
ObLaDi ObLaDa
Tom Runiewicz
ObLaDi ObLaDa
Catalina 36 MkII, Wing Keel, Tall Rig
Hull #1998
North East, MD
Tom, I should have sent you a message months ago. Your posting is spot on. It's all about perspective and what kind of sailor you are. I enjoy crewing on a race boat once in a while, but I don't plan to race my boat. While cruising it will be me and my wife plus two little kids. Ease of operation is crucial as I'll be virtually single handing, and ease of operation lends itself to safety.
I am currently under agreement on a 99 C36 MkII, wing keel and in mast rolling main! Looking forward to this spring!
Mike
Jackfish Girl, 1999, C36 MKII, Tall Rig, Wing Keel, In-mast furling, Monument Beach, Bourne, MA
it’s almost unfair that you will never have to deal with slab reefing. :)
You have the right boat and you’ll love it!
2000 C36 MKII 1825
McFly,
We have a C36 in Phinney's, should see you around! Just bought our C36 last year - an '05 fin keel / slab reefing...
I would have liked in mast furling, our's had lazy jacks installed - going to add a Mack pak or similar.
Never had depth issues, but do pay close attention!
We came from a power boat, having not sailed in the last 20+ years, so I can't comment on performance ;-)
Good luck!