Catalina 27 Information, Review, Specs

The Catalina 27's production run, spanning two decades from 1971 to 1991, marked a significant era for Catalina Yachts. Introduced shortly after the wildly successful Catalina 22, the 27 quickly cemented the company's reputation for building practical cruisers. Founder Frank Butler's core philosophy was to construct "good boats" that were "straightforward, offer price for value, are solid and honest", a design ethos that the Catalina 27 exemplifies and which continues to influence the builder's approach today. The boat was designed to be a simple yet capable cruiser, emphasizing real-world usability and comfort.

Throughout its long production history, the Catalina 27 saw numerous small changes and variations, reflecting Catalina's responsiveness to customer feedback. Initially offered with a standard outboard well, an inboard Atomic 4 engine became an option in 1973, with other engine choices, including Universal Diesels, becoming available over the years. Owners often made engine upgrades over time. The Catalina 27 was also offered with multiple keel options, including a standard fin keel, a wing keel, and a shallow draft keel of 3.0 feet. Additionally, a tall rig version, featuring a slightly taller mast and a small bowsprit, was available, alongside the standard rig. The interior layouts varied as well, with options for a traditional aft galley or a midships galley/dinette arrangement.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The sailing performance of the Catalina 27 is generally well-regarded, offering a balanced blend of cruising comfort and surprising agility for a boat of its type. While its varied keel and rig configurations mean performance can differ, the Catalina 27 is broadly considered a competent performer. With a Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 15.27, it possesses enough sail power to move well in light air, with some owners reporting reaching hull speed (6.25 knots) in as little as 5 knots of wind. [5,

The Ballast to Displacement ratio, around 0.394, suggests a boat with good initial stability and stiffness, capable of standing up to a breeze without excessive heeling. The displacement-to-length ratio, approximately 297, indicates a moderately heavy displacement cruiser, which translates to a comfortable motion in a seaway. Owners frequently praise the boat's handling, describing it as balanced and capable, even in stronger winds, with reports of maintaining 7 knots in 25+ knot conditions. It is often referred to as a "performance cruiser" due to its ability to exceed hull speed under favorable conditions. The Catalina 27 is considered a solid vessel capable of handling typical coastal and inland passage waters.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its modest length, the Catalina 27 is known for its remarkably spacious and functional interior. With a maximum headroom of 6.08 feet, most individuals can stand comfortably below deck, a significant advantage for a vessel of this size.

As noted, two primary interior layouts were offered: a traditional arrangement with the galley located aft, and a version featuring a midships galley with a dinette. Regardless of the specific layout, the interior typically includes a V-berth forward, providing sleeping quarters, followed by an enclosed head compartment. The main salon features settees, often with a folding table that can expand to create a larger dining area. The galley, whether aft or midships, is functional for a boat of this size, usually equipped with a sink, a stove, and some counter space. A quarter berth is commonly found aft, offering additional sleeping or storage. The interior finish, consistent with Catalina's value-driven approach, is practical and robust, featuring a molded fiberglass hull liner that contributes to its durability and ease of maintenance.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Catalina 27 consistently express satisfaction with their vessels, often highlighting the boat's solid construction and overall value. Many owners indicate they would repurchase the boat given the opportunity, a testament to its enduring appeal. The generous headroom and interior volume are frequently praised, making time spent below deck more comfortable. Its sailing characteristics are also a common point of appreciation, with owners noting its good handling and surprising speed in various conditions. The large and active owner community, supported by resources like Mainsheet Magazine and various owner associations, further enriches the ownership experience.

However, like any older vessel, the Catalina 27 has a few commonly reported issues. A recurring concern among owners involves the original deck fittings, such as stanchions, chocks, and cleats, which can develop leaks over time due to a lack of backing plates, often leading to crazing or cracking in the gelcoat. Re-bedding these fittings is a frequent maintenance task. Keel bolt issues have also been noted, particularly with some lead keel versions, sometimes requiring retrofit solutions. While these problems are generally manageable and considered "irritants" rather than catastrophic failures, potential buyers should be aware of them. Engine access, particularly for the inboard models, can also be somewhat challenging for maintenance.