Critic’s Corner Catalina 375

A Replacement for the C36?

With a longer waterline and ample sail area, the Catalina 375 is quite happy on a reach in a light to moderate breeze. The new 375 expands to meet the needs of today’s Catalina owners. ow celebrating its 40th year in in California, the move to Florida brings change in 1995 to become the Mark II. Nbusiness, is one Catalina closer to its customers. Today, Combined, the two versions account for of the most enduring companies in more than 70 percent of Catalina’s new more than 3,000 hulls. Looking at the the U.S. building business. For boats go to owners east of the Rockies. wishlist of today’s Catalina owners, it was most of the company’s life, produc- This sort of foresight, alongwith But- clear that modifying the C36 was not a tion took place at two facilities: one in ler’s irrepressible drive, is what has helped practical option. Expectations called for Woodland Hills, Calif., where the com- Catalina weather the economic storms a longer boat, and a new hull form would pany has its roots, and the other is a that have sent other U.S. builders to the give more flexibility. factory in Largo, Fla., that Catalina ac- bottom. Butler’s contagious passion for Better performance, Douglas says, quired from Morgan Yachts in 1984. his work and his hands-on approach to was at the top of the list, and giving the

Currently, the company website lists customer service have earned the loyalty 375 a longer waterline and greater sail Yachts Catalina of courtesy Black, Billy by Photo its fleet at more than 20 models—from of legions of Catalina owners. area-displacement ratio than the C36 the 8-foot Sabot dinghy to the 47-foot “We do well in a down market,” says ensured success on that front. Clearly, 470 cruiser—but a few of those, includ- Douglas, succinctly. “We always have.” the 375 has a greater potential for faster ing one of the best-selling boats of all Although the market for new boats passages than its predecessor, but it is, for time, the , have been re- has soured considerably, two boats in the all intents and purposes, a family cruiser, tired. (The Catalina Sport replaced the Catalina line are selling relatively well. with comfort taking precedence. Catalina 22, just as the C309 replaced The first is the Catalina 375, a mid-sized Comparing the fin keel versions of the iconic .) Total output is cruiser launched in 2008, the other is the the 375 and the 36 Mark II reflect the about 25 percent of what it was during Catalina 445, launched last year. Both thought process at work. The 375 has 41 the company’s peak, but if any com- boats earned high praise in the adver- percent more waterline, 9 percent more pany can float above the current crisis, tising-supported sailing magazines, so beam, 15 percent more displacement, 13 it’s Catalina. Practical Sailor was curious to see how percent less ballast, and 17 percent more One of the big three sailboat manufac- the boats held up to these reviews. Al- sail area. Its displacement-to-length ratio turers with facilities in the U.S.—Hunter though this article highlights the 375, of 169 puts it right in the middle of the and Beneteau being the other two—Cata- we hope to take a look at the 445 in a Hunter 38 and the Beneteau 37, with the lina is a privately held company. Since future issue. Beneteau being the more performance- 1998, it has been co-owned by founder oriented boat. (See table, page 12.) Given , Marketing Director Sha- Design details the popularity of the tall rig version of ron Day, and Vice President and Chief The 375 replaces the very popular Cata- the C36 (with an additional 50 square Engineer Gerry Douglas. In addition to lina 36, which was first launched in 1982 feet of sail area), it is no surprise that the shedding the high cost of doing business and went through one major design design team added more sail horsepower

 October 2010 www.practical-sailor.com Critic’s Corner Catalina 375 In-mast furler Pros • High lifelines and wide sidedecks make moving forward safe and easy. • Convenient port-side traveller controls allow for easy operation. • The in-mast furling keeps the crew happy and makes reefing easy. • Plenty of cockpit stowage. Pro: Well-placed handrails cons • No dorade vents for ventilation. • Traveller too short to be very effective. Garhauer • In-mast furling yields a lackluster perfor- traveller mance compared to full-batten mainsail. • Covered lifelines give little indication of wire condition beneath the plastic. Pro: Ample locker stowage

Pro: Divided anchor locker

Con: Basic Con: No gasket or latch for windlass propane locker lid

to the 375. Its sail area to displacement Deck details piling all this weight aft does not come ratio is close to that of competing boats As a family cruiser, the Catalina 375 without consequences. from Hunter and Beneteau. tries to strike a balance between its dual Genoa sheets lead to two Harken ST44 There are two versions of the hull missions of providing safety and effi- winches mounted on the coaming near available: a deep- model that draws cient sailhandling at sea and providing the helm. A two-speed Harken ST40 and 6 feet, 10 inches and a shoal-draft model comfort and convenience at the dock, at a gang of four Spinlock XTS rope clutches that draws 4 feet, 8 inches. The deep draft anchor, and underway. to port of the companionway take care model is more than a foot deeper than the An obvious example of the challenges of the halyards, main outhaul, and boom C36, and this is consistent with current of this undertaking is the roomy cock- vang. A matching winch and three rope trends. When it comes to performance pit, where a fixed centerline table with clutches on the starboard side manage the dividends, a well-proportioned deep keel drop-down leaves takes up a large chunk spinnaker halyard, mainsail furling, and offers plenty of bang for the buck. of real estate. Coastal cruisers will find mainsheet controls. A convenient dou- While owners clamored for more the convenience of the table’s two cup ble-ended line controlling the Garhauer headroom below, Douglas said he wanted holders and center-bin storage worth mainsheet traveller leads to a pair of cam to maintain a fairly low profile like that the hassles of having a mid-cockpit ob- cleats, making it easy for one person to of the C36. As a result, the deck house stacle. Wednesday-night racers, on the adjust the traveller. extends farther forward than that of the other hand, may want to make room in Sidedecks are wide and clear, and C36—reducing the working area in the their garage for the furniture during race the 28-inch-high lifelines are a welcome bow—but the overall profile remains season. improvement over the 24-inch lifelines fairly low. Two aft opening ports instead Ample cockpit storage allows room on the original . A divided of the fixed glazing on the C36 make for fenders and lines, and there’s even a anchor locker meets the needs of coastal good sense and give the boat a slightly fixed mount for a small outboard. Stor- cruisers and rail-mounted 10-inch bow more salty appearance. The profile view age in huge cockpit lockers leaves room cleats avoid chafe while benefiting from of this boat, in our opinion, is one of the for a generator, watermaker, and air- the beefed-up solid glass at the hull-to- nicer ones in the Catalina line. conditioning unit, although the effect of deck joint. practical sailor October 2010  INTERIOR NOTES catalina 375

Blond teak veneer with solid teak trim are balanced by the white overhead to create a warm interior that is not too dark. The standard layout (above left) features a long drop- down table that can be folded in half to serve as a coffee table. A removable bench seat can be placed along the boat’s centerline to accommodate up to six for dinner. The nav station (left) is a compact nook with few creature comforts, while the galley (above) offers good ventilation and plenty of room for meal preparation.

A 12-volt Maxwell 1000 vertical wind- has been improved (with eight ports and tice that the galley has been shifted to the lass manages anchor duties. For most five opening hatches), and the cabin has a starboard side. While some argue that the coastal cruisers, this unit will provide new layout. The combined result is more traditional portside galley is more desir- adequate service, but it would not be our spaciousness, particularly in the main able when crossing oceans, the point is first choice for long-term cruising. Un- saloon. This roominess quickly loses moot for a family coastal cruiser. fortunately, since the vertical windlass is its appeal at sea, when you are search- Our tester liked the galley’s twin sinks integral to the locker design, installing ing for something solid to brace against, located well inboard for self draining, but a more robust horizontal unit is not a but Catalina has made an effort to lp ace noted that putting a front-opening fridge simple upgrade. grabrails where they are convenient. right next to the engine compartment The deck-stepped mast is supported Varnished teak presents a warm inte- flouted the laws of thermodynamics. by twin backstays and inboard shrouds, rior that isn’t dark. With solid wood doors The optional top-opening fridge/freezer allowing tight sheeting angles. Seldén and corners, the joinery will stand up to is less prone to the caprices of convection. Mast’s in-mast furling is standard. In abuse. Door frames are a powder-coated Good galley ventilation, through open-

PS’s view, a conventional mainsail with aluminum, ensuring a satisfying fit. The ing ports, is much improved over that Yachts Catalina of courtesy Photo slab reefing offers a more practical and cabin sole is a synthetic faux teak-and- on the C36. Engine access is adequate efficient way to deal with a wide range of holly material called Lonseal. Wood lovers through removable stairs at the base of wind conditions on a voyaging boat. might turn up their noses, but this PVC the companionway and access panels in product isn’t a bad facsimile, resists stains, the aft cabin. BelowDecks and has good non-skid properties. Opposite the galley is a compact, Of the 56 owners of Catalina 36s who re- Catalina’s answer to the often conflict- outboard-facing nav station with a well- sponded to PS questionnaires sent out in ing roles of the main saloon (passageway, organized AC-DC control panel and 1985, 1989, and 1998, the majority rated storage space, dining area, entertainment system monitors. The chart table is too the boat’s interior as Good or better. But room, etc.) is to use convertible furniture narrow in our view (as are most today), interior details were also a source of and offer an optional main saloon layout. and the limited vertical space may require many of the complaints. Leaky ports The standard layout features a portside some creativity to fit a full suite of cruis- and chainplates, poor ventilation, and settee with a table that folds down from ing electronics, but is adequate for coastal “cheap” furniture were among the most the main bulkhead. Seating can be added hops. If the door to the aft cabin is open, common gripes. Catalina appears to by installing a bench seat, which stows— it blocks access to the nav station. have answered many of these concerns inconveniently—in the aft cabin when The head, with separate shower, is with improvements in the 375. not in use. The second layout features an accessible through not one, but two Ports and chainplates are well sealed, L-shaped dinette, with a triangular table doors; one from the forward cabin and headroom has been increased, quality of that seats fewer people. joinery has been stepped up, ventilation Former Catalina 36 owners will no- Continued on page 12

10 October 2010 www.practical-sailor.com INTERIOR NOTES catalina 375 Catalina 375 Construction Details Tried and True Methods Endure at Catalina Plant

he Catalina 375 is assembled us- Ting four principle molds: the hull (with a separately molded structural grid), the deck, the transom, and the interior liner, which incorporates the cabin sole and some of the furniture. There is also an overhead liner, which helps conceal wiring conduits and provides a layer of insulating air be- 1 tween the deck and cabin. Hull: The hand-laid hull is solid fiber- glass. Blister-resistant vinylester resin is used on the outer plies. The laminate schedule alternates cloth, heavy knitted and woven-roven fabrics, and chopped strand mat. Loads from the keel and rig are transferred via a separately laminat- ed structural grid. Molded with biaxial, unidirectional, and non-woven fiber- 2 glass for strength, the grid is bonded along the hull bottom. The separately 3 molded transom is glassed to the hull before the deck is capped. The interior liner has a full-length molded-in alu- minum stringer near the waterline to provide rigidity. Deck: The hand laid deck is cored with end-grain balsa. Solid laminate is used at high load areas, or where hatches or ports penetrate the hull, and aluminum plates are laminated into the hull at places where bolt-on hardware will be mounted. Bolts are well sealed with anti-seize coatings, but should 4 5 leaks develop, this arrangement (used by several other builders) can lead to hidden corrosion problems. Hull-to-deck joint: The 375 is the Practical Sailor’s recent visit to the Catalina plant in Largo, Fla., presented insight largest Catalina with an overlapping into its boatbuilding techniques and materials. 1. While the 375’s hull is solid glass, “shoebox” flange at this joint.PS prefers Catalina’s larger boats (top) have balsa core above the waterline. 2. Catalina’s a more rugged inward-turning flange ball-and-socket chainplate combats deck leaks. 3. Catalina molds a separate tran- joint in boats of this size. 3M 5200 adhe- som for its larger boats. 4. The 375 is the largest Catalina boat to use the overlap- sive sealant and 1/4-inch screws secure ping hull-to-deck joint. (The 375’s genoa track is inboard, not as it is shown here.) the deck. 5. Furniture corners are solid teak to withstand knocks. Keel and rudder: While both Bene- teau and Hunter use iron keels in their ed stainless steel structure that is welded from the deck. To reduce the chance comparable models, Catalina has stuck to the rudder post and bonded to the rud- of deck leaks where rigging loads pass with the more costly, but far less trou- der skin with heavy glass laminate. through the deck, Catalina uses a ball and blesome, lead keel with stainless-steel Rig: The 375 has a continuous two- socket tie-rod that reduces any sheer loads bolts. Its rudder is reinforced by a weld- spreader rig that allows easy adjustment at the adhesive sealant’s bondlines. practical sailor October 2010 11 With the bulkhead-mounted table folded up, the main saloon transforms into a spa- cious living room (above). The 15/16 rig (left) will keep the boat moving in light winds. The 375’s performance specs puts it very close to the Beneteau 37 and the Hunter 38. The Beneteau’s longer waterline and lower D/L ratio will give it an edge, but the 375 is clearly at an advantage compared to its predecessor, the C36. catalina 375 In context catalina Hunter Beneteau Catalina 375 38 37 36 MKII LOA 38’ 6” 38’ 2” 37’ 8” 36’ 4” LWL 34’ 5” 34’ 8” 36’ 6” 30’ 3” Beam 13’ 0” 12’ 11” 12’ 10” 11’ 11” Draft/Shoal 6’ 10”/ 4’ 8” 6’ 6”/ 5’ 5” 6’ 3”/ 4’ 7” 5’ 10” / 4’ 5” Continued from page 10 shallow-draft fin keel with Displacement 15,500 lbs. 18,326 lbs. 14,008 lbs. 13,500 lbs. the other from the main saloon. (Fol- a beamy hull lowing the logic of this trend to its ex- presents several Ballast 5,200 lbs. 6,128 lbs. 4,253 lbs. 6,042 lbs. treme, one wonders if a companionway challenges for a Sail area 647 758 621 555 entrance to the head is in the works.) designer. Some (100 % foretriangle) sq. ft. sq. ft. sq. ft. sq. ft. In the forward cabin, the traditional concerns that V-berth with a filler cushion found on were discussed Engine 40 hp. 29 hp. 29 hp. 29 hp. the 36 has been replaced with a wider in our article on 97 gals. 75 gals. 95 gals. 82 gals. centerline berth. modern sailboat Water The aft cabin, entered through a design (Febru- Fuel 40 gals. 35 gals. 34 gals. 25 gals. door on the portside of the compan- ary 2009) are SA/D ratio 16.7 17.5 17.1 15.7 ionway, makes more sense than the ex- the effect that pansive bunk found on the C36. One the shape of the D/L ratio 169 197 157 201 complaint among owners of the C36 immersed hull $35,000- was the aft cabin’s lack of ventilation and the lead Price* $180,000 $160,000 $140,000 $120,00 and low headroom. Although head- (the fore-and- * Median price of online search; actual prices can vary greatly. room is still low beneath the cockpit aft distance of the 375, opening ports improve ven- between the tilation, and there is a small hanging center of effort and the center of lateral like Hunter’s B&R Rig, Catalina’s cruising locker for clothes. resistance) can have on helm balance boats do not have swept-back spreaders, Our last interior comment is held when the boat is heeled. That article also allowing sailors to ease the main more for the starboard side “game table” and points out how shallow rudders can lose without worrying about sail chafe. facing upholstered chairs that date back effectiveness when the boat is heeled. However, when beating to windward in to the original C36 and the heydays of According to Douglas, the boat was gusty 12- to 15-knot winds under full sail, backgammon. Today, the table offers a given plenty of working sail so that it the boat rounded in the puffs and weather convenient place for laptop computers, would be fun to sail in light air, without helm was persistent. Reducing sail eased but PS laments the loss of another full- raising the spinnaker. Equipped with a the weather helm, but the resulting sail length sea berth. 140-percent genoa, our boat was clearly shape was less than ideal. Achieving a at home in the lighter wind ranges. lightly balanced helm in these gusty— Performance In 10 to 12 knots of wind, we were able and somewhat challenging—conditions We sailed the 375 with a shoal keel in to reach along nicely at 6 knots, and the required attention. winds that ranged from 8 to 15 knots, with boat was particularly sure-footed on a occasionally higher gusts. Combining a beam reach. It is worth noting that, un- Continued on page 31

12 October 2010 www.practical-sailor.com t i p s & T e c h n i q u e s n e w b o a t r e v i e w

to a 2,000 GPH pump, if the battery heard over engine noise while under- Continued from page 12 is fully charged. According to pump way and ideally by passersby or marina maker ITT/Rule, small electric submers- personnel when docked. As pointed out in our February 2009 ible pumps are rarely useful with more Automatic pumps should always article, this sort of behavior is more the than 4 feet of vertical discharge head be fitted with a readily accessible and rule than the exception among many and medium/large submersibles are clearly marked manual switch so that contemporary boats, and it can be ex- similarly ineffective with more than 7 even if the owner isn’t around, anyone acerbated when in-mast furling enters feet of head. (crew, marina neighbors, or passersby) the picture. The fin-keel version, with The discharge line should rise can locate and activate the switch its longer keel and rudder, would prob- steadily to the through-hull or loop. when the need arises. Switches also ably be less prone to these tendencies. If there are any low spots in the run, should offer visual indication that the According to Douglas, the C375’s rud- water will pool there once the pump pump has power supplied to it. Our top der area was increased, improving helm cycles off. This can create an airlock pick for mercury-free bilge switches, balance when the boat is heeled. when the pump is activated again, and reviewed in the January 2006 issue, is The 40-horsepower Yanmar and the pump likely will stall. Hose connec- the electronic Water Witch 230. fixed three-bladed prop move the boat tions, as recommended by the ABYC, If the larger-capacity pump has a well, pushing it at about 6 knots at should be made with non-corrosive float switch, we highly recommend 2,000 rpm, 7 knots at 2,800 rpm. The clamps and should be airtight. connecting it to a bilge alarm (and boat backed and turned responsively in • Wiring: Use correct size wire and alarm cut-off switch). That way, hope- tight quarters, and a bow thruster is one fuses: The proper wire size reduces fully, the horn will get someone’s at- of the many options available. voltage drop and properly fused wir- tention before the constant cycling ing reduces risk of a locked rotor (a of the pump drains your batteries. Conclusion motor that’s trying to turn, but can’t) We reviewed the Aqua Vigil Alarm in Catalina’s success is no accident. The causing an overcurrent situation and the May 15, 2001 issue, and deemed company brings a consistency and re- potential fire hazard. it “simple but quirky.” We plan to re- sponsiveness that its owners have come Consult the American Wire Gauge visit bilge alarms and cycle counters, to depend on. Some might question the 3% voltage drop table (www.marinco. including combo units like the Aqua company’s conservative philosophy, but com/page/three-percent-voltage) to be Alarm pump monitor, alarm, and they can’t argue with the results. sure you’re using large enough wire. counter. Customer support on new boats is Remember that the run length given Two good references on bilge good, and Butler has been known to in wire-gauge tables is the sum of the pumps and installing them are “This personally handle warranty claims. positive and negative legs of the cir- Old Boat” by Don Casey and Nigel Catalina has cultivated a very strong cuit; a pump 10 feet from the battery Calder’s “Boatowner’s Mechanical and community of sailors, so buying a will be referenced as having a 20-foot Electrical Manual.” Catalina boat is, truly, buying into wire run. the Catalina lifestyle. Catalina also For the fuse size, simply go by the MAINTAIN tries very hard to retain its new boat pump maker’s recommendation, and Regular and frequent inspections owners, so the trade-in values tend to you should be set. The fuse, per ABYC of your bilge pumps are a must and be strong. standards, should be installed within 7 should be included in the vessel’s Clearly, we were not as smitten by inches of the power source. overall preventative maintenance the performance of this boat as were If the pump’s leads are too short, program. This helps you know when some of our cohorts in the advertis- extend them carefully. Use oversized to replace worn or damaged com- ing-driven media, but Catalina has tinned marine wire and adhesive heat- ponents (bad float switches, deterio- made several key decisions that add shrink connections. ABYC standards rated hoses) before they fail. Before significant value. The lead keel, the recommend using a length of water- you set sail, it’s always a good idea to sensible rig, and the quality hardware resistant electrical cable, sealed at the make sure the pump has power and and systems will keep an owner happy pump connection, so all electrical con- is working properly, keeping in mind for many years. And a decade down nections can be made above the max that testing should verify the actual the road, when you’re pondering a new bilge water level. pumping of water overboard, rather boat, Catalina will have a good idea of • Accessories: A few accessories than (in the case of electric pumps) what you are looking for. to consider adding to the bilge pump simply switching the pump on and system include a visual/audible bilge listening for motor operation. alarm, bilge switch, and a cycle coun- Keeping your bilge clean can be a contact ter. ABYC standards require an alarm hassle, but it doesn’t compare to the catalina yachts, 727-544-6681, on boats with enclosed berths. Be sure headache of a locked rotor or an impo- www.catalinayachts.com that the alarm is loud enough to be tent bilge pump in an emergency. practical sailor october 2010 31