1972 31' Catalina, Fiberglass tri hull Info? opinions?

Dregsz · 06-14-2007, 11:59 AM

Hi All,

I'm interested in the tri hull 31' Catalina from the early 70s. Granted this boat was a bit of a departure from the classic wood Connie or Romer but it is a classic in it's own right.

Does anyone have an opinion or info on these boats? Thanks
Evan

dogsharks · 07-11-2007, 09:31 AM

I can't speak to the way the sailboat would handle, but I can speak to the quality of product Chris Craft was producing in this era, and it was VERY HIGH QUALITY in every way.

In 1962 Chris Craft was acquired by NAFI (National Automotive Fibers, Inc) and two years later they were producing a sailboat and the now iconic 38' Chris Craft Commander. The Chris Craft Commander series was the real big impact into fiberglass for the company, and this cruiser line branched out into many different models, and Chris Craft was also producing sport boats and as you know, sailboats too.

The acquisition was the best thing that could have happened to the company. NAFI did their homework well, selected only the very best resin and glass, and developed a construction method that is now legendary. Even the small boats that were also produced by the newly formed Corsair Division at Cortland New York (same time frame) used the identical resin and glass, and method of heavy roving, etc.

Here are some thoughts, manufacturer's early scans, and some photos and diagrams of how Chris Craft designed these early boats.

http://www.network54.com/Forum/42484...ge/1170987919/

Although these are not necessarily sailboat specific, it is an indication of the hull integrity the company was producing back in those days. In addition, here is a photo of a plug I recently cut out of a 20' fiberglass Sea Skiff, to install a transducer. This is from 1966. They don't build 20' boats like this any more.

Here is another thread about blisters on these early Chris Craft boats. Blisters, by the way, are hardly even talked about in these early boats. The quality is very impressive.

http://www.network54.com/Forum/42484...age/1177296548

Regards, Paul

wheelsnkeels · 09-10-2007, 05:15 PM

I also have an interest in this model I have found one manufactured in Pompano Beach Hull KXA 31 0021T not real clear on the last digit.
I found an owner who has one and he sent me a page of company literature with basic specs. It is too big to upload but I could email it to you.

The last guy was a little confused this is an all fiberglass Cruiser with twin 350Q motors. I would like to find out the HIN decoding and any other info someone may have? It appears only 60 hulls where constructed in 1971 and 1972

wheelsnkeels · 09-26-2007, 05:41 PM

Well I'll be able to tell you soon I just purchased a 1972 Chris Craft Catalina 31 Tri hull. she is powered by Chris Craft 350Q engines with Paragon transmissions. Everything seems to be original and in working order.

wheelsnkeels · 10-18-2007, 05:47 PM

Well The deal is done and she is floating at the pier behind the house. She has been in dry storage for 5 years and the starboard 350Q ran more then a little rough. Thanks to Sea Foam and patience she is running fine.Still have a little clean up to do but have been out cruising and she handles well.

The unique design allows for the cabin room of a much larger vessel. She has two opposing lounges that convert to bunk beds and 2 forwrd berths. The head has a full shower and it has a unique table and ottomans I believe to be factory that allow seating for 6 at dining or cards.

Our 2002 27 ft express did not have as much cabin room. She only drafts 28 inches wich is important in our area and the 11'7" beam gives her a solid ride.

Some cleaning and a little wax and she should be ship shape for next season. for now we will just enjoy the ride while we wait to find a storage trailer.

There is one for sale in Ohio Ive seen ans I found a guy in California who has one too!

bigboneli · 11-10-2007, 10:34 AM

Any interior shots on these type of CC's?

Really curious to see how much improvement you get sizewise belowdecks. When bow beam is nearly stern beam in width, you should have A LOT of room inside, and I'd love to see it!

wheelsnkeels · 11-10-2007, 11:05 AM

Here is a link to the 1971 Catalina catalog on Chris-Craft.org I have them in PDf but they are too large for the site. If you send ma an email address I can send you som pics.

http://www.chris-craft.org/archive/b...H7pNdYgg%3D%3D

Here is a link to the origianl sales brochure.

http://www.chris-craft.org/archive/v...1194713964.PDF

pheinekey · 11-23-2007, 12:28 PM

hey guys,I also own a 31ft tri hull.Have had much trouble finding any info on these,until I found this forum.I porchased this craft a couple of years ago.Unfortunately the previous owner decided that a f/g int. didn't belong in a boat so he cut it all out(@#^%$##) anyways I'm in the process of putting a custom int.This hull design allows for a lot of options as the beam is so wide thru out.When I'm finished it will seat at least 10 adults in the gallery,sleep 6 adults.Some one added a fly bridge to her,awesome addition.Any info or pictures anyone could send me would be appreciated,would love to see some original boats.Although the int.has been distroyed it will be an awesome boat once I'm done,Hoping for a launch in the spring of '08

wheelsnkeels · 11-23-2007, 03:35 PM

Here is a link to one of my albums on www.snapfish.com My boat is in storage but these are pics before I bought her this summer. I'd be happy to send you some more later. I cannot believe they would remove the glass in the cabin there is a lot of it approximately 70%. I hope this helps some.

http://www1.snapfish.com/thumbnailsh...23/t_=99510023

pheinekey · 12-11-2007, 10:29 PM

thanks,checked the pics out,did help out on a few things.Could you tell me if the motors rotate opposite each other or is this done thru the drives?Cecked the cam gears etc. and both seem the same.

wheelsnkeels · 12-12-2007, 08:20 AM

The engines are standard rotation Starboard and reverse rotation Port. They are mounted flywheel forward. The transmissions run off the crankshaft mine are Paragons. I did have an email returned at one time it said your account was full?

pheinekey · 12-16-2007, 08:35 PM

yeah,mines the original set up with paragons as well,wasn't sure bout the motor rotation tho as both are siezed.Geuss I'll have to get the cam resurfaced from the reversed motor.thanks for the info. Yeah unfortunately our mail box gets over run with junk mail now and then and won't except some files

wheelsnkeels · 12-17-2007, 05:16 AM

did you get all the manuals I dont remember what came back but I sent you the engine and transmission manuals? If theare is anything you need let me know if I can help.

Mine is being buffed and having gel coat repairs it is really coming back to life. A couple carb rebuilds in the spring and it should be ship shape.
MAC

Wolf2455 · 07-24-2008, 12:19 PM

Hi there
I am new to this forum but I own my 31 Catalina for the past 7 years. Did a lot of work to her but I am still looking for Paragon transmission manuals and does anybody know where I can get Closed Cooling systems for my 350Q's?
Thanks for any Help
Wolf2455