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 dlindauer |
off shore cruising |
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Posts: 2 10/30/05 10:08:28 |
I currectly have a Catalina 320, but have been planning on going off shore and cruising for several years, possibily even a circumnavigation. Obviously the boat is going to be a big part of this process. I am looking for input on the suitability of the Catalina 42 for this and its capabilities to handle heavy weather, hull strength, tankage, speed, singlehand-ability,and any other topics that the reader might deem appropriate.
Thanks |
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oscar |
Re: off shore cruising | #1 | ||
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Posts: 477 10/30/05 19:59:36 |
Boy, you ask ten sailors these questions, and you'll get 12 answers.....
The majority will not consider the 42 a Blue Water boat....based on it's stability numbers, and the general fact that it is a high volume production boat. Catalina owners are prejudice. They, and as one of them I agree, generally believe that the 42 is under estimated in this respect. That it is a damn fine design, and that the important pieces, hull, keel, standing rigging, are built well, and can take quite a bit of abuse. Is it, out of the factory equipped to go off shore? No, but, most boats aren't. So you'll need to spend a few bucks getting it in shape. The bottom line is that a well equipped, maintained, and operated vessel stands a much better chance than one that is poorly equipped, maintained and sailed, regardless of design. Fact is, that you can have a 42, well equipped, for a lot less money than most other 42 footers..... Would I want to be in breaking 30 footers in a 42? No. But I'm not sure I'd want to do that in anything. The well sailed part means staying out of stuff like that. Being conservative in that respect goes a lot further than boat design. One question I can answer with certainty is that the 42 can be soloed just fine. I do, twice a year, off shore between the Chesapeake and South East Florida. Takes a while to get everything set up just right, but that's on any boat. So, did I answer your question? Nope, you have to answer it yourself, like anyone else. One of my goals is to sail to Europe, solo. If I have the money I'll buy something a little further up the food chain. But if I don't I would consider taking Lady Kay....after some serious prepping. Captain Oscar, USCG/OUPV C-42 #76 Lady Kay 3C/WK Chesapeake/Fort Lauderdale |
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ronjane |
offshore cruising | #2 | ||
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Posts: 46 10/31/05 08:30:17 |
While c-42's are known as Coastal Cruisers, they have been known to cross oceans quite successfully. They have done the Transpac/Pacific Cup which covers about 2,225nm of blue pacific ocean.
With all the satallites up there and with all the receivers avaiable for relatively little money, the real question is, "Why venture out if you know what's out there?" The Dashews wrote that they encountered less than a dozen truly stormy days in the past 15 or 20 years of cruising. The Dashews have tens of thousands of miles under the keels of their various boats. Under the right conditions, you can cross an ocean is a bathtub and survive. In other conditions, even an aircraft carrier is too small. While I have lots of miles under the keel of my C-42, when it comes to crossing oceans, there's nothing quite like a Boeing 767. Regards, Ron Landmann 100 master sail/steam/power |
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captrick |
Re: off shore cruising | #3 | ||
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Posts: 199 11/01/05 09:09:13 |
I've taken my 42 from Del Rey to Puerto Vallarta and back and from Vancouver to Del Rey. While not exactly bluewater, both voyages, especially from Van were pretty rigorous. The boat did well, even in conditions that had me scared like crossing the bar at Coos Bay in 20' seas. Basic changes that seemed most important were adding a 3rd reef, improving the reefing rig, adding 2nd bilge pump for safety (although it was never needed), having a sturdy dodger, strengthening the traveler and sealing the fwd portlights. Having good weather info and learning to interpret it is very important but surprises can happen. I would consider taking the boat across the Pacific and may some day.
Capt Rick, OUPV |
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salacia |
Currently offshore in a 42 MKII | #4 | ||
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Posts: 29 11/01/05 11:01:26 |
Hello,
We're from Victoria, BC, Canada and are currently in San Diego on our way to Mexico and the South Pacific in our 42. The previous owner, followed by myself, made many modifications to enhance the boats offshore capabilities. The boat has already been to Australia and did well. You can check out the major mods at www.salacia.ca. Go to the photo albums and click on the first one about the boat. You'll find photo's and details. We've had several gales and the boat has performed well. Storage, as well, has not been a problem. Have fun! |
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ernieapril |
Re: Currently offshore in a 42 MKII | #5 | ||
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Posts: 40 11/12/05 21:16:53 |
Hey, dlindauer-
Here's the clincher in our decision to buy a new '98 C-42 back in '97. "Surf's Up" (4th tale) might answer your questions, too. catalina42.org/tales.htm Then look at the 2nd tale about the Catalina-42 Sea-G respectfully finishing the horrendous and deadly '98 Sydney-Hobart race. And, along the lines of the 1st tale, I single-hand coastally a lot, well off shore occationally... both comfortably. 'Nough said. The C-42 has proven herself a capable offshore cruiser. Ernie April WindCatcher #618 |
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chrisgarraway |
Re: off shore cruising | #6 | ||
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Posts: 37 11/15/05 12:01:25 |
I see that most of your replies seem to be along the lines that the 42`s are very well built and should well be able to stand ocean sailing.
I do hope so because I have just bought one in Malta and hope to do not just the Med ( which can be much worse than the Atlantic at times with it`s short "square" waves). Look at the huge no. of standard production yachts that do the ARC every year from Canaries to St Lucia. I did this a few years ago in a totally standard X412 with no mis givings at all and we pushed hard in the race div, to make a 3000mile crossing in 16 days. To get to the start in Gran Canaria we had to passage from UK to Portugal across the ( quite rightly so) infamous Bay of Biscay again no problem withe yacht although we suffered a bit in big big seas for three days. If you obviously prepare properly and cretainly add some ocean going patrs as one replier suggests , go and enjoy!!! |
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