Catalina over Hunters and Beneteaus
I have to agree with Stan (and Richard, but I'm not allowed to argue with him). We chartered a 31 foot 1991 Beneteau in Desolation Sound this year, and had to cross over the Straits of Georgia in a 25 knot "gale". On Rich's 1983 Cat 30, it would have been a dream, with the second reef optional. We sail in like conditions on the bay all the time. On the Beneteau, with its massive displacement of 7100 lbs, it was more like dinghy sailing. In the 3 hour crossing I couldn't let go of the mainsheet or we would round up. The boat only had one reef point, but we found we needed to reef in 15 knots (which is perfect full sail weather for the Catalina). I think I would have even preferred the 1982 Catalina 27 that Rich owned before the 30 in those conditions (even though I would have been wetter). The interior of the Beneteau was much nicer than the older Catalina but is probably on par with the current equivalent models.With the rigging debate, the rigging on many of the current Hunters and Catalinas (with the exception of the +40 feet versions) all come to one chain plate on either side. I consider this a huge weakness. Give me a chain plate per shroud any day.