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Cat 36 to a Cat 42 - Differences

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dejavu	Cat 36 to a Cat 42 - Differences		Lead	[-]
Posts: 10 04/25/05 18:13:13	Tags : None Hi folks. I have a Cat 36 but am dreaming of a 42 for it's liveability and, well, because it's gorgeous. I handle my 36 just fine. No problems docking or sailing, even singlehanded (I just take things slowly and leave myself lots of room...autopilot helps, too). However, when I board a 42 and stand at the wheel, it just seems SOOO BIG. Maybe it's the width of the stern throwing me off, because I know it's only 6 feet longer. Can any of you who have traded up to a 42 from a 36 please list the biggest differences you experienced and whether they were easily overcome. I'm a safety-minded sailor and don't want to get in over my head, but boy do I love that forward cabin!! Also, should I consider a bow thruster or furling main? Thanks, Mike Deja Vu
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sjball	36 CAT to 42 CAT	#1	[url]	[-]
Posts: 66 04/25/05 20:03:46	I moved up from a 1985 36' to a 1997 42' Catalina two years ago. I have found it is twice the boat. I sail in Lake Michigan out of Holland. I single handle the boat many times during the season. The size initially is a little intimidating at first. However, a 42 is basically a big 36. It is setup and rigged about the same. The biggest difference is in manueverability due to the significant weight difference. You need to maintain speed to be able to manuever, but you can't come in too fast. The momentum is much greater in a larger boat and I have found you need to coast the boat more. With a little practice you will adjust to handling the boat just like you did on the 36. Steve Ball Hull 559 Holland Mich
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roderkt	36 to a 42	#2	[url]	[-]
Posts: 16 04/26/05 03:28:34	I moved up from a '99 36 to a '04 42. The trade up is great. You will love the added room. I also single hand quite a bit and with the auto pilot and a little pre planning, things work out just fine. I have to echo the previous post, it is jst a bigger 36. The handling is just about the same wxcept for the weight. Plan ahead for those docking moves and sit back and enjoy the boat, it is fantanstic!
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cwhitting	Re: Cat 36 to a Cat 42 - Differences	#3	[url]	[-]
Posts: 36 04/26/05 05:03:50	Hi Mike: I'll be able to let you know in a week or 2. I just got a 42, moving up from an Irwin 34. I do alot of single / short handed and my only real concern is docking so I tried to plan for it by getting a bow thruster. It fits very well under my foward bunk with plenty room left over. I'll try to remember to send another reply after I get some time to play around when I splash. Later, Codge Pog Mo Thon - # 919, Fin Keel, 3 cabin centerline Locust Valley, NY
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yorkrose	Re: Cat 36 to a Cat 42 - Differences	#4	[url]	[-]
Posts: 262 04/26/05 09:35:02	Mike, Never had a C36, but we have gone from a C25 to a C320 to a C400 to a C42. The latter transition was a non-event for boat handling, but the first two were similar. The larger boat feels long and heavy, but it is much more stable. It goes exactly where you direct it, and it is much less subject to wind gusts or other disturbances. Handling quickly becomes second nature with a little practice. One tight-quarters handling trick I have learned over the years is to steer the boat so that the mast goes where you want it. If you focus too much on the bow you will tend to undershoot most turns. Of course you need to avoid hitting anything with the bow, but you can usually swing around quickly as necessary. If the entire boat, as represented by the mast and keel, is in the wrong place it is hard to make the maneuvering work even if the bow seems to be in the right place. The longer the boat the more important this becomes. Regards, Gene Fuller Yorkshire Rose, C42 #870
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pdrimmer	Re: Cat 36 to a Cat 42 - Differences	#5	[url]	[-]
Posts: 159 04/26/05 12:21:22	I went from a C30 to the C42 MKII. Other than the boat is heavier (24,000) and there is much more momentum, there is no difference. We do not have a furling main, don't think I need one. I would consider a bow thruster. You will love the motion of the 42. We cruise for a month in the summer and never stay at a marina. Good luck, it is a lot of fun.
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Unregistered(d)	Re: Cat 36 to a Cat 42 - Differences	#6	[url]	[-]
Posts: 0 04/26/05 18:16:18	You will find a lot of opinions on the furling main. I have it, and so far I like it. If you a die hard sailor, or a racer, you probably won't. If you are a cruiser, and that last half a knot isn't important, you will probably appreciate the convenience. I'm still learning to maneuver the C42 (moved up from a C30). I can tell you that it handles well. A bow thruster might be nice, but it is a lot of money. Find a good instructor and get help first. You would be amazed what a good burst of throttle will do with the rudder hard over. Ken Fischer 2005 C42 #906 "Solaria", 3 Cabin, Fin Keel, Mast Furling Main, 155% Genoa
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dickbutler	Re: Cat 36 to a Cat 42 - Differences	#7	[url]	[-]
Posts: 55 04/27/05 08:25:38 Moderator	Hi Mike, We bought a 36 new in 1988 and have loved it. Last year we stepped up to a C42 Mark II Centerline #837 Escapade and REALLY love it. The only difference I find in handling is, as previously mentioned, the weight adds momentum and short handed docking is a challenge, especially in windy conditions. While we are getting used to it we set up a "Boat Catcher" in the slip - that takes a lot of pressure off! Incidentally, if you decide to step up you'll probably be pleasantly surprised at the resale value of your 36. Ours sold in 5 days for just about what we paid for it in 1988! Good Luck. Dick
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Izablue2	Re: Cat 36 to a Cat 42 - Differences	#8	[url]	[-]
Posts: 122 04/27/05 13:14:44	Mike, I went up from a Cat 30 to a 42. Yeah, at first I thought" this is a BAB(big ass boat)". and... it was a little imtimidating at first. But with sailing it more and more, taking baby steps, and taking it easy, if seems just as comfortable as sailing my Cat 30.... only better. You'll love it!!!! Mark "Izablue" #835/3
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dejavu	Re: Cat 36 to a Cat 42 - Differences	#9	[url]	[-]
Posts: 10 04/30/05 01:10:36	Thank you all for your comments. They seemed pretty much the same impressions, ie with a little practice, no problem. But geez, that boat has a big behind!! Thanks again, Mike
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cathyinct	Re: Cat 36 to a Cat 42 - Differences	#10	[url]	[-]
Posts: 310 04/30/05 16:37:20	The one thing that botherss me in trading up from a smaller boat to the C42 is the amount of freeboard and how that makes it difficult to get up and or down to a dock from below or above. I am a rather tall woman with long legs ---- and we sport two younng kids so I cannot risk falling on to a dock --- we are on a mooring so I don't typically get on and off all the time. So for me, the trickiest thing is getting on the dock quick to set the lines. But then it seems that when you have a larger boat, the dock boys/girls do assist you more. Cathy
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