Catalina 309 Information, Review, Specs

The searches have provided a good amount of information.

• Designer: Gerry Douglas
• Purpose: Cruising, "pocket cruiser"
• Reputation: "Boat of the Year" winner by Cruising World Magazine for 2007. Praised for speed, balance, agility, ease of handling, and maintenance. Good compromise of comfort, sailing prowess, and features for its price point.
• Production: 2005-2012
• Designer Philosophy: Gerry Douglas aimed to improve upon the successful Catalina 30, retaining its easy handling and overall comfort and efficiency of deck/cockpit layouts. The goal was a "performance hull designed for predictable, comfortable handling and motion under sail".
• Variations: Offered with a standard keel (6.25 ft draft) and an optional shoal draft wing keel (4.33 ft or 4.4 ft draft). Some sources also mention standard and tall rig configurations with bowsprit options, and deep fin keels, but the only specifies max_draft 6.25ft (standard keel) and a note about wing keel draft. I'll stick to the wing and standard keel variations as they are explicitly mentioned with draft differences in the notes and search results. The also specifies keel_type: bulb, but the note says "Wing Keel - draft:4.33 ft". This suggests the keel_type might be generic, and the specific boat data I have is for the wing keel version or the default keel is a bulb, while the note is specifically for the wing keel. Given the search results explicitly mention "standard keel" and "wing keel" with different drafts, I will include both. The has max_draft_ft: 6.25 and the note for min_draft_ft implies a wing keel: "Wing Keel - draft:4.33 ft". So the "bulb" keel type in might refer to the standard deeper keel's profile. I'll describe both.
• Sailing Performance Anecdotes: Described as having "speed, balance, and agility" and "predictable, comfortable handling and motion under sail". Owners report it handles well and is not a nightmare to sail.
• Interior: Open and airy with custom features. Hints of a smaller layout of the Catalina 350. U-shaped cockpit with folding teak table and stern rail seats. Lack of specific headroom in, but described as spacious.
• Owner Perspectives:
  • Strengths: Solid construction, comfortable motion (implied by design philosophy), good value, easy handling, comfortable and efficient deck/cockpit.
  • Weaknesses/Issues: Holidays (air gaps) in gel coat below the waterline, rudder issues. Several leaks in freshwater plumbing systems (easily fixed).

Calculated ratios:

• SA/Disp = 18.12 (Good light-air performance)
• Ballast/Disp = 0.408 (Stiff, stable)
• Disp/LWL = 235.09 (Moderate displacement, balanced performance cruiser)

Now I can start writing the article.