[C38] Catalina 38 Offshore Sailing

[Jon Bixby]

I own a Catalina 38, Osprey and moor her in Portsmouth RI.  I am outfitting Osprey up for an eventual offshore trip to Bermuda and beyond and I am trying to get some feedback from people that have sailed their Catalina 38's offshore.  I have sailed many time offshore on other peoples boats, but never on my Osprey.

How do the Catalina 38's handle in off shore conditions?  What were some of the conditions readers have experienced?  What do you carry for sail when you go offshore?  Do you have a inner forestay on your Catalina 38?  

I am thinking of installing a inner forestay on Osprey.  Did you do it yourself?  How does she handle when sailing with a sail on the inner forestay?  Do you often sail with a sail on the inner forestay?  Do you use running back stays? 

What about the cockpit scuppers, are they large enough?  Has anyone done any modifications to the cabin entry hatch to reduce its size, or isn't it a problem?  The cabin entry hatch is quite large for offshore sailing.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your reply.

With Best Regards,
Jon Bixby
Portsmouth, RI
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