Catalina 387 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Catalina 387's production began in 2003, continuing Catalina Yachts' long-standing tradition of in-house design and construction under the guiding principles of founder Frank Butler. Frank Butler's vision, which prioritized building "good boats" that were "straightforward, offer price for value, are solid and honest," heavily influenced the builder's approach during this era. Catalina Yachts, known for its robust five-piece construction method utilizing a dedicated structural grid and a full molded fiberglass hull liner, ensured the 387 would be durable and practical, adhering to a common-sense approach to boat building.

The designer, Gerry Douglas, aimed to create a vessel that could adjust space to fit a sailor's needs, focusing on comfortable coastal cruising with an easy-to-handle sail plan and a spacious cockpit and interior. While the standard configuration features a fin keel, a winged keel model was also made available, offering a shallower draft of 4.83 feet compared to the fin keel's 7.15 feet, with a slightly increased ballast to compensate for the reduced draft Notes.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 16.1, the Catalina 387 presents a moderate performance profile, suggesting a boat that handles a range of wind conditions competently without being an extreme light-air flyer or an overpowered heavy-air beast. Her ballast to displacement ratio of about 0.357 indicates solid stability for comfortable cruising, though she may not be as stiff in heavy winds as some more performance-oriented designs. The displacement to length ratio (D/L) of around 249 places the 387 firmly in the category of a moderate displacement cruiser, balancing comfortable motion with respectable speed for her size.

Owners have generally praised the 387's sailing characteristics, noting it as a good cruising boat that has even surprised some with its racing performance. The boat is described as being pleasant to sail, well-balanced, and capable of a good turn of speed.

Accommodations and Layout

The Catalina 387 is designed for comfortable cruising, offering a spacious and functional interior layout, typically with two cabins and one head. The design emphasizes flexibility, allowing spaces to adapt to various needs.

The forward cabin is described as a true guest cabin, while the owner's stateroom is located aft, a common arrangement for comfortable living aboard. Reviews suggest a generous saloon and a well-appointed galley, with ample space for entertaining and extended stays. The interior finish generally features wood trim and comfortable upholstery, aligning with Catalina's reputation for practical luxury. One notable design aspect is the deep bilge, which provides significant storage capacity under the cabin sole. However, some owners have noted that the aft cabin headroom can be somewhat limited due to the contours of the ceiling.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners frequently commend the Catalina 387 for its solid construction, comfort both at sea and at anchor, and overall attractive appearance. Many express satisfaction with its performance as a cruising vessel and even its surprising capabilities in casual racing. The boat's engine, a 40hp Yanmar, is generally found to be efficient, consuming around 2 to 2.7 liters per hour at cruising RPMs.

However, some common issues have been reported. A recurring concern involves the steering system's chain and wire, which may require frequent rebuilding due to its design, and the rebuild kit can be expensive. Additionally, some owners have experienced issues with in-mast furling systems, including backlashing when unrolling the main. Deck-stepped mast leaks have also been noted, with water sometimes entering through the in-mast furler. Despite these points, the collective sentiment from owners suggests a high degree of satisfaction with the Catalina 387 as a reliable and enjoyable cruising yacht.