Looking for some feedback .. pros and cons ... on the above boats for Great Lakes cruising. Would also appreciate any feedback on the Dufour Gib'Sea 33. Are there any real quality differences in these boats particularly in hull integrity and quality of workmanship. All these manufacturers tout quality "built to last" yet offer only 5 year warrantees on their hulls. Given current techniques and materials, I would think longer warrantees would be offered if these were really built to last. Has anyone taken a close look at late model hulls and joints of these manufacturers to see how they compare. How long can one expect these boats to last if cared for crusing in the Great Lakes.
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David Foster
Check reviews, buy carefully
There are reviews of each of these boats in the archives. Having seen a number of these discussions, I suggest that you really "kick the tires" on all three boats. Get on board with your sailing partner(s). Lie down in all the bunks, sit on all the benches, and the toilet. Stand in the galley, and go through some meal preparation moves. Get out for a test sail on each one. By that time, you will probably prefer one of the models based on the feel, layout, sailing characteristics, look, or other impreseions. Then it's time to evaluate the dealer who will deliver the boat. From other threads here, it is clear that the "punch list" of defects from any of these suppliers will have a number of entries. Does the dealer have the capability to rework and repair any part of the boat? All three manufacturers will stand by the warranty/repair process, and step in of the dealer fails, but you will have a much better experience if the dealer as a solid reputation of working off the list without micro-managing from you. If I were buying new, I would really consider a hold-back of the price, and a survey to help manage the process, especially if the dealer of the boat I wanted did not have a great reputation. Which model is better? Go with your preference, and the price. I haven't seen anything on this site to disqualify one of the models, or convince me one is a clear winner over the others. Am I biased? Yeah - I really love the Cherubini Hunters. We have a '77 h27. But it sounds like you are focused on a new one. A used boat will give you lots more boat for the money, and generally will have the initial bugs worked out of it. But you can just substitute the maintenance checklist from the survey, and upgrades you will want. Good luck, David Lady Lillie
There are reviews of each of these boats in the archives. Having seen a number of these discussions, I suggest that you really "kick the tires" on all three boats. Get on board with your sailing partner(s). Lie down in all the bunks, sit on all the benches, and the toilet. Stand in the galley, and go through some meal preparation moves. Get out for a test sail on each one. By that time, you will probably prefer one of the models based on the feel, layout, sailing characteristics, look, or other impreseions. Then it's time to evaluate the dealer who will deliver the boat. From other threads here, it is clear that the "punch list" of defects from any of these suppliers will have a number of entries. Does the dealer have the capability to rework and repair any part of the boat? All three manufacturers will stand by the warranty/repair process, and step in of the dealer fails, but you will have a much better experience if the dealer as a solid reputation of working off the list without micro-managing from you. If I were buying new, I would really consider a hold-back of the price, and a survey to help manage the process, especially if the dealer of the boat I wanted did not have a great reputation. Which model is better? Go with your preference, and the price. I haven't seen anything on this site to disqualify one of the models, or convince me one is a clear winner over the others. Am I biased? Yeah - I really love the Cherubini Hunters. We have a '77 h27. But it sounds like you are focused on a new one. A used boat will give you lots more boat for the money, and generally will have the initial bugs worked out of it. But you can just substitute the maintenance checklist from the survey, and upgrades you will want. Good luck, David Lady Lillie
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LaDonna Bubak - Catalina Owners
Great advice, David
David's spot on in his advice. For your uses, each of these boats is equally qualified. Do what David suggests
David's spot on in his advice. For your uses, each of these boats is equally qualified. Do what David suggests
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Henryv
I chose the B
I looked at all of the mentioned manufacturers before choosing the 331. There are differences in layouts etc that enter into any selection however my choice was based in part on my assessment of manufacturing quality/finish/details. I found the Beneteau seemed to be put together best with Catalina a close second. I found the Hunters had more noticable rough spots. I am very happy with my choice. As to long term life I believe that engineering advancements and greater experience with fiberglass over the past 20 years should result in life spans of current production boats exceeding those of 20 years ago.
I looked at all of the mentioned manufacturers before choosing the 331. There are differences in layouts etc that enter into any selection however my choice was based in part on my assessment of manufacturing quality/finish/details. I found the Beneteau seemed to be put together best with Catalina a close second. I found the Hunters had more noticable rough spots. I am very happy with my choice. As to long term life I believe that engineering advancements and greater experience with fiberglass over the past 20 years should result in life spans of current production boats exceeding those of 20 years ago.
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Bryan C.
Hunter has great customer service rep
Personally, I have heard the benefits and disadavantages argued for Benehunteaus. From what I've read you might get some slight quality advantages from one model over the other, but the manufacturers come about on average about pretty equal. So Daves analysis point of view makes sense. Hunter does have a good customer service rep tho'. Time and again over the last three years I've followed this board people reported how Hunter came thru to fix whatever problem they had. Particularly for a new boat owner (in which case I'd probably recommend buying a used boat anyway) this kind of customer support adds a lot of value, IMHO.
Personally, I have heard the benefits and disadavantages argued for Benehunteaus. From what I've read you might get some slight quality advantages from one model over the other, but the manufacturers come about on average about pretty equal. So Daves analysis point of view makes sense. Hunter does have a good customer service rep tho'. Time and again over the last three years I've followed this board people reported how Hunter came thru to fix whatever problem they had. Particularly for a new boat owner (in which case I'd probably recommend buying a used boat anyway) this kind of customer support adds a lot of value, IMHO.
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Steve W.
We just chartered a 331 in the BVI's....
and really liked the boat. Just this weekend my wife commented that she could not think of a thing she would change on the 331, except adding A/C and a bigger water tank. The galley has lots of places to store items, especially liked the storage port side aft above the refer. Nav station was in a good location and added counter space to the galley in a pinch. The built in liquor cabinet was handy, too. My wife is 5'10 and I am 6' and had no headroom challenges. We have friends that own a 340, but felt the 331 had more room in the master stateroom, making it easier to make up the bed, move around, etc. The Westerbeke 30 pushed us along about 6.5 knots (GPS) at 2500 rpm. I liked having a real toerail, compared to a molded one that will probably develop gelcoat cracks. Great ventilation, with plenty of hatches and opening ports. The stern/seat combination can be kind of fussy to deal with but functions well.I do like the Hunter SS arch, less bimini tubing to damage. The 331 sailed great, but the 340 sails well, too. No experience with the Catalina. Hope this helps.
and really liked the boat. Just this weekend my wife commented that she could not think of a thing she would change on the 331, except adding A/C and a bigger water tank. The galley has lots of places to store items, especially liked the storage port side aft above the refer. Nav station was in a good location and added counter space to the galley in a pinch. The built in liquor cabinet was handy, too. My wife is 5'10 and I am 6' and had no headroom challenges. We have friends that own a 340, but felt the 331 had more room in the master stateroom, making it easier to make up the bed, move around, etc. The Westerbeke 30 pushed us along about 6.5 knots (GPS) at 2500 rpm. I liked having a real toerail, compared to a molded one that will probably develop gelcoat cracks. Great ventilation, with plenty of hatches and opening ports. The stern/seat combination can be kind of fussy to deal with but functions well.I do like the Hunter SS arch, less bimini tubing to damage. The 331 sailed great, but the 340 sails well, too. No experience with the Catalina. Hope this helps.
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Pete Smith
Boat choice
This is my first season with a 2001 Catalina 34 MkII with roller furling jib and main. The roller furling makes reefing to suit changing conditions so easy but sacrifices main performance. This loss may be more important on the Hunter which is a main driven rig. I wish that the Catalina had a couple more inches of head room. So far it's been a fun boat. By all means look at all of the boats and sail as many as possible.
This is my first season with a 2001 Catalina 34 MkII with roller furling jib and main. The roller furling makes reefing to suit changing conditions so easy but sacrifices main performance. This loss may be more important on the Hunter which is a main driven rig. I wish that the Catalina had a couple more inches of head room. So far it's been a fun boat. By all means look at all of the boats and sail as many as possible.
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Bill Hendrick
Catalina for my money
Have owned a Catalina 34 for nearly 8 years, the boat is now 13 years old. It has been a great boat, with very little expense beyond basic upkeep, eg, bottom paint, waxing, etc. Highly recommend Catalina yachts; friends with Hunters have sold them for Catalinas. Now looking for a Catalina 42, can't find one, but there are tons of Hunters on the market, which leds me to question why so many are for sale and so few Catalinas are for sale.
Have owned a Catalina 34 for nearly 8 years, the boat is now 13 years old. It has been a great boat, with very little expense beyond basic upkeep, eg, bottom paint, waxing, etc. Highly recommend Catalina yachts; friends with Hunters have sold them for Catalinas. Now looking for a Catalina 42, can't find one, but there are tons of Hunters on the market, which leds me to question why so many are for sale and so few Catalinas are for sale.
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