
CATALINA 270
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 28.33 ft |
| LWL | 23.75 ft |
| Beam | 9.83 ft |
| Draft | 5 ft |
| Displacement | 6,240 lb |
| Ballast | 1,840.2 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.5 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 33.58 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 9.25 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 28.42 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 11.5 ft |
| FLforestay | 9.3 ft |
| Mainsail | 331.8 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 155.3 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 264 sq ft |
Engine
| Yanmar | 2GM20F18 hpSee all 35 parts → |
About the CATALINA 270
Wing keel: - draft: 3.5'/1.07m. - ballast: 2,060 lbs / 933 kg - displacement: 6,460 lbs / 2,930 kg Later models were available with a Yanmar 2GM20F motor. LE (Luxury Edition) version also available. Photo courtesy of Adam Hunt.
Designed by Gerry Douglas and built by Catalina Yachts (USA) from 1992–2007, the Catalina 270 is a popular 28.33 ft coastal cruiser with a displacement of 6240.0 lb. While the exact hulls built count is unspecified in the source data, the model remains a staple in the used market due to its manageable size and established owner base.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors seeking a manageable 28-foot package with a 9.83 ft beam for interior comfort. It is well-suited for couples or small families who prioritize ease of handling and dockability over high-performance racing.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a Capsize ratio of 2.14 and a Comfort ratio of 18.28, the boat is designed for protected coastal waters rather than extended offshore passages. Its 6240.0 lb displacement and fin keel provide adequate stability for bay cruising but limit its suitability for heavy weather bluewater voyaging.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Cal 27 and O'Day 27, which share similar dimensions and target the same coastal cruising demographic. The Catalina 270 distinguishes itself with a more modern interior layout and a higher SA/D ratio of 14.96 compared to many contemporaries.
Performance
Estimated Value
Medium ConfidenceAsking price by model year
25 listings · boat years 1974–2004 · median $25,000
Each dot is one listing · hover for details · dashed red line marks the median · obvious data-entry outliers (top & bottom 2.5%) excluded.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 28.33ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Featured YouTube Videos
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
22 reported issues across 8 systems for the CATALINA 270, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a CATALINA 270? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 22 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
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Engine Parts & Maintenance
The engines most commonly fitted to this model. “All parts” opens the engine's full catalogue; each part links to a matching listing on or
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Used sails that fit the CATALINA 270
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…

