handling 34 vs 42 - Cruising-Racing - Discussion Areas - Catalina 42 Discussion Forum - Message Board - Yuku

0 Kudo

handling 34 vs 42

Add Reply New Topic

<< Previous Topic Next Topic >>

Author	Comment
wcsailor	handling 34 vs 42		Lead	[-]
Posts: 1 04/25/08 15:35:01	Tags : None My husband and I owned a 1986 Catalina 34 for three years--lived aboard for 2 and cruised Mexico for the last year of ownership. We've been living "land locked" for about 7 years now and are considering going cruising again. We'd like to spend 6 months on the boat in Mexico and 6 months at home each year. We knew several cruisers on 42s but we've never went out sailing with them. We are wondering how much harder it would be for us to handle compared to the 34--more sail area, heavier, etc. One of our friends is selling their 42 and we are considering buying it. We don't live in the same state and we aren't able to go for a sail trip till early June so I'm just wondering if anyone can offer some kind of comparison as we digest and consider all the 42 information. We've been reading lots of good stuff on the forum here and we will join/participate more if we do purchase a 42. Thanks in advance! Lori
Interact My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Invite Blocking Ignore User's Posts	Reply Quote
Bill Wertz	sailing a 42 is a lot like sailing a 34	#1	[url]	[-]
Posts: 7 04/26/08 00:44:12	Having owned a 34 and also a 36 I can tell you that you'll be very pleased with the 42 and in many ways it's simply an 8 foot longer boat than your 34 in that it sails like it. While it's true the mainsail on the 42 is much larger the easiest way to deal with it is to buy one of the converted drills that in essence provide you with an electric winch. The boat is very good in heavy air and, like the 34, is very forgiving. Buy your friends boat if it's in good condition and go sailing. We live aboard full time and the storage is excellent.
Interact My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Invite Blocking Ignore User's Posts	Reply Quote
azure42	34 vs 42	#2	[url]	[-]
Posts: 318 04/26/08 08:06:26	Hi Lori, welcome to the forum. My wife and I lived aboard and cruised our C-42 after up-sizing from a 30' Islander. Both of us were amazed at the ease of working the 42 -- like Bill said, the extra 12 feet of boat and 4' of beam almost weren't noticeable when maneuvering...but you'll sure appreciate the added room down below. We usually double-hand the boat, but have met several single-handers on C-42's. The winches are sufficient to handle the sails, but an electric winch or drill-assist would be icing on the cake. Good luck! Rod Williams Azure' #343, 2-cabin fin Alameda/San Francisco Bay, CA.
Interact My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Invite Blocking Ignore User's Posts	Reply Quote
melelana		#3	[url]	[-]
Posts: 327 05/06/08 04:30:33	Lori, Welcome. I'm sure you'll love the move up. As Rod and Bill have said, you'll find the boat easy to get along with underway. Loads are higher, but the winches are sized appropriately. As with any "move up", you'll find the biggest difference around the docks. That's where you'll need some practice and time to get used to the extra momentum and mass. If not already familiar with them, learn about spring lines. Don't get between the boat and a dock, etc. Larry Melelana Catalina 42 #175 1990 3cbn, wk Solomons, MD
Interact My Recent Posts Message Me Connection Invite Blocking Ignore User's Posts	Reply Quote

<< Previous Topic Next Topic >>

Add Reply

Quick Reply