We presently have an Oceanis 300 which we really like, but due to a need for more cabin room we are looking at the B331 as well as a Catalina 34 MKII. Any 3rd party opinions would be helpful. thanks
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Beneteau faster... maybe
I have a beneteau 331. My neighbor on the dock has a catalina 34mkII. Everytime that we are sailing near each other my boat seems to just walk away from him. Doesn't matter the point of sail. Could be that I am just a better sailor, but I doubt it. I really think that it is the design. His catalina is about a foot wider and feels larger inside for sure. They are both nice boats. If I were to do it over again I would still choose the Beneteau. Good luck.
I have a beneteau 331. My neighbor on the dock has a catalina 34mkII. Everytime that we are sailing near each other my boat seems to just walk away from him. Doesn't matter the point of sail. Could be that I am just a better sailor, but I doubt it. I really think that it is the design. His catalina is about a foot wider and feels larger inside for sure. They are both nice boats. If I were to do it over again I would still choose the Beneteau. Good luck.
Numbers, FWIW . . .
For what they are worth: Portsmouth handicaps for a B331 and C34: B331: 79.9 C34: 84.9 So, the B331 is considered a faster boat. These numbers are from US sailing for 2005. Stability, from the RYA stability database: AVS, B331: 125 degrees. Stability Index (STIX) = 31 AVS, C34: not given, STIX = 36 (higher number is better, uses AVS, displacement, plus other factors) Both boats carry a CE rating of A (offshore) What matters would probably depend upon the individual, their priorities and perceptions and may only mean something over a glass of beer.
For what they are worth: Portsmouth handicaps for a B331 and C34: B331: 79.9 C34: 84.9 So, the B331 is considered a faster boat. These numbers are from US sailing for 2005. Stability, from the RYA stability database: AVS, B331: 125 degrees. Stability Index (STIX) = 31 AVS, C34: not given, STIX = 36 (higher number is better, uses AVS, displacement, plus other factors) Both boats carry a CE rating of A (offshore) What matters would probably depend upon the individual, their priorities and perceptions and may only mean something over a glass of beer.
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