I think the Cat 27 is one of the crappier Catalina designs.
The interior is too small and the boat does not perform
all that well, but it can handle San Francisco conditions.

Inboard diesels are good to have and work better in
rough condtions. But in a boat that size an outboard
might be more practical.

The price of your's sounds good.

FamilySailor wrote

We are thinking about purchasing a 78 Catalina 27' Does anyone have an
opinion about this boat. I understand they are more of a small cruising
boat, but pretty fast too. I have not had the chance to survey the boat in
person yet. It is said to be ready to sail and has an 11 hp inboard
diesel.
I will call them tonight. It has an autopilot, all sails, roller furler,
dodger & bimini top, alcohol stove etc. and they are asking $4000. Any
Catalina specific questions I need to ask?

Happy Sails,
FamilySailor (John)