Frank Butler's design for Catalina Yachts became one of the most successful small cruising sailboats ever produced, with thousands built since its introduction in 1971. This coastal cruiser struck an ideal balance between affordability and sailing performance that resonated with weekend sailors and first-time boat owners across America. Built with a moderate displacement hull and fin keel configuration, the boat offers predictable handling characteristics that inspire confidence in novice sailors while remaining engaging for experienced crews. The cockpit provides comfortable seating for day sailing, while the cabin accommodates basic cruising needs with sleeping quarters and essential amenities for short coastal adventures. What truly distinguished this design was Catalina's commitment to production efficiency and quality control, making boat ownership accessible to middle-class sailing enthusiasts. The boat's reputation for solid construction and reasonable maintenance requirements helped establish Catalina Yachts as a dominant force in the recreational sailing market. Perfect for coastal cruising, weekend getaways, and sailing instruction, this model continues to hold its value well in the used boat market. Its widespread popularity means parts and service remain readily available, making it an excellent choice for sailors seeking a proven, no-nonsense cruising platform.
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- Based on asking prices — not actual sale prices, which are typically lower.
- Condition, year, location, and included equipment are not factored in.
- Outliers are automatically excluded using statistical filtering.
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What is the Catalina 27's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Catalina 27 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 14.31. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Catalina 27's comfort ratio?
The Catalina 27 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 24.99. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Catalina 27 safe for offshore sailing?
The Catalina 27 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.86. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Catalina 27?
The theoretical hull speed of the Catalina 27 is 6.25 knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Catalina 27 weigh?
The Catalina 27 has a displacement of 6,850 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 26.92 ft.
How much does a used Catalina 27 cost?
Based on 82 recent market listings, used Catalina 27 sailboats typically sell for between $1,200 and $19,500, with a median asking price of $5,700. Price varies significantly based on year, condition, location, and included equipment.
Who designed the Catalina 27?
The Catalina 27 was designed by Frank Butler, first built in 1971.