FamilySailor wrote:
Okay sailors,

We are thinking about purchasing a 78 Catalina 27' Does anyone have an
opinion about this boat.

It's a nice enough practical boat.

... I understand they are more of a small cruising
boat, but pretty fast too.

Umm, no. A Catalina 27 may be "fast" relative to a slower boat (of which
there are at least a few) but it is certainly not intended for any great
performance under sail. They do go to windward, they are not broach
coaches, but if you're used to sailing even a medium performance racing
dinghy like say a Lightning, the Cat27 will be a snooze.

.... 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?

Check the chainplates & the bulkheads under where the chainplates go
through the deck. Check the keel bolts & keel root too.

Sounds like a good price if the boat is really in good shape.

Fresh Breezes- Doug King