The Catalina 400 mkII was a beautiful boat to walk through, and we really enjoyed looking at it. Last week, we released our 14th episode, which was a video boat tour of the Catalina 400 mkII. In previous previous reviews, we saw a Catalina 350 and a Catalina 42. Now, the 400 – right in the middle.
Here’s a quick review of the highlights and drawbacks for our needs as liveaboards.
Rated For All Oceans
First things first – the Catalina 400 mkII is rated A for all oceans. This means we won’t regret buying and then being restricted to our little bay. The boat, like the Catalina 350 and the Catalina 42, is built strong and is ready for the rigors of the sea – in good weather of course. 🙂
While you can find several Catalina 400s for sale in Europe (indicating a successful Atlantic crossing), it’s really more of a racer/cruiser.
We don’t care to race a sailboat, but we do intend to cruise.
Is the Catalina 400 Good For Cruisers?
Let’s start in the cockpit. It’s a great touch to have twin helms in the cockpit as it really opens up some walking space.
Safe and Comfortable
For a family of three wanting to take up residence on a boat, every 12 inches of walking space is appreciated!
And the cockpit does feel spacious, but not too open that you’ll stumble and fall during a choppy sail. The combings (backrests) are high and safe, and the seats are deep enough to enjoy a night sleeping under the stars (I can’t wait to do that!).
You can see in the picture above, that the construction is thick and rigid with plenty of surfaces to lean onto or solid stainless steel to hold to when the winds are blowing and waves are tumbling.
With a beautiful daughter and little puppy, safety is number 1 in what we’re looking for in our cockpit!
Spacious, Yet Safe Deck
One thing we love about Catalinas is how clean and open the deck space is. The side decks are wide and clear, which makes them comfortable to move around and safe to walk on while sailing.
And the cabin top and bow area are also open and clear with plenty of room to layout, hang a hammock, or relax watching the sunset!
Challenges with Living on a 400 mkII
We’ve asked a few sailors about the Catalina 400, and overall there seems to one major challenge with living on the 400: storage space.
Yes, it’s a long “400” at 41 feet, but it also has a large aft cabin for comfortable sleeping arrangements. With that large cabin, you loose locker space for gear and equipment.
So there’s the major compromise on this sailboat.
You can have lovely leather seating on each side of the queen berth (bed), but you lose out on storage for exterior type gear and machinery.
Every boat has its compromise, and this is the Catalina 400’s weak point.
Catalina 400 mkii Sailing and Safety
This sailboat is a good length for offshore sailing, though is does carry quite a bit of beam forward, which will indicate a rougher ride when the waves pick up. Also the beamy stern will make for some rolly sailing downwind. But overall, the Catalina 400 should be solid and is rated for open oceans.
Renowned yacht designer Ted Brewer reviewed the Catalina 400 when it first debuted in 1995. He sums it up this way:
Nevertheless, despite some nitpicks, mostly minor, this is a fine boat. The Catalina 400 is handsome, she sails well, she has a very comfortable interior; and the price is certainly reasonable for all that she offers as a versatile coastal cruiser and occasional club racer.
Your Turn
What are your thoughts? Doesn’t she look beautiful?
If you read this far, you’re a real friend, and I’d love to continue talking with you in the comments below!
Cheers,
Matt.
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