1988 Catalina 27 Owner's Manual

The 1988 Catalina 27 is a 27-foot cruising sailboat designed for comfortable coastal cruising and weekend sailing. This manual covers the vessel's specifications, systems, operation, maintenance, and safety procedures. Below are key sections for boat specifications, systems overview, operation procedures, maintenance schedules, and troubleshooting.

Boat Specifications

Key dimensions and construction details of the Catalina 27.

Hull & Deck Features

Construction details and deck layout components.

1. Hull: Hand-laid fiberglass with balsa core construction
2. Deck: Non-skid fiberglass with teak trim
3. Cockpit: Self-bailing with teak seats and coamings
4. Winches: Two Barient #10 primary winches
5. Lifelines: Stainless steel with gates port and starboard

WARNING! Always wear proper safety gear when on deck. Secure all hatches in heavy weather.

Rigging & Sails

Mast, rigging, and sail specifications and operation.

1. Mast: Deck-stepped aluminum with internal halyards
2. Standing Rigging: 1x19 stainless steel wire
3. Running Rigging: Dacron line throughout
4. Main Sail: 177 sq ft with two reef points
5. Genoa: 150% roller furling

CAUTION! Inspect rigging regularly for wear. Replace any frayed lines immediately.

Engine & Mechanical Systems

• Engine: Universal Atomic 4 gasoline engine
• Horsepower: 30 HP
• Transmission: Hurth 2:1 reduction gear
• Propeller: Two-blade fixed bronze
• Steering: Edson wheel steering with emergency tiller
• Through-hulls: Bronze with gate valves
• Bilge Pump: Manual and electric pumps installed

Electrical Systems

12-volt DC and optional 110-volt AC systems.

DC System: Two Group 27 deep cycle batteries, 30-amp charger, main panel with circuit breakers.

Navigation lights: Bow red/green, stern white, steaming light. Instruments: Depth sounder, knotmeter, wind indicator. Charging: Engine alternator with regulator.

Plumbing & Galley

Fresh water, waste, and cooking systems.

1. Water System: Manual and pressure water with 20-gallon tank
2. Head: Manual marine toilet with 15-gallon holding tank
3. Galley: Two-burner alcohol stove with oven
4. Icebox: Insulated with drain to bilge
5. Sink: Stainless steel with manual pump

Tip: Pump bilge regularly and check for leaks in plumbing connections.

Safety Equipment

Standard and recommended safety gear.

1. Life Jackets: Type I offshore PFDs for all crew
2. Fire Extinguishers: Two USCG approved Type B:C
3. Distress Signals: Flares, horn, and signal mirror
4. First Aid Kit: Comprehensive marine medical kit
5. Navigation Lights: Properly functioning bow and stern lights
6. Bilge Alarms: High water alarm with automatic pump
7. Throwable Device: Type IV cushion or ring buoy

WARNING! Test all safety equipment regularly. Replace expired flares and check PFD integrity.

Operation Procedures

Standard operating procedures for sailing and powering.

1. Engine Start: Check oil, fuel, open water intake, engage neutral, then start
2. Departure: Check weather, tides, secure all gear, brief crew
3. Sailing: Raise main first, then unfurl genoa, trim sails for conditions
4. Docking: Approach at controlled speed, use spring lines first
5. Anchoring: Scope 7:1 in normal conditions, set with reverse power

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance tasks and intervals.

Troubleshooting

Emergency: Contact Coast Guard on VHF Channel 16 for immediate assistance.

Service: Catalina Yachts customer service or authorized marine technicians.