Currently looking at purchasing a boat and would like to hear what you feel are the advantages/disadvantages of each of the 2 models. I am looking at boats in the 1978 to 1983 range....
- Status
- Not open for further replies.
Just my take
Compared to other boats of that age, Hunter did not have some good years early on. I looked at them in the mid to late eighties and was unimpressed. One broker recently told me he would not buy a hunter older than 95', but that is just because I asked. I look at them in the boat show every year, they are getting much better. As one person put it, if it were not for Hunter, many people would not be out on the water. They serve their niche. I know several Hunter owners who praise their boats heavily. Best of luck.
Compared to other boats of that age, Hunter did not have some good years early on. I looked at them in the mid to late eighties and was unimpressed. One broker recently told me he would not buy a hunter older than 95', but that is just because I asked. I look at them in the boat show every year, they are getting much better. As one person put it, if it were not for Hunter, many people would not be out on the water. They serve their niche. I know several Hunter owners who praise their boats heavily. Best of luck.
B
Bob
Catalina - thumbs up
I had the same choice issues and even tossed in Irwins in the, "what to buy" mix. Interestingly, here at Lake Lanier, Hunters and Catalina's pretty much dominate the scenery, so choices were plentiful. I know of several folks with Hunters in the year range you are seeking and opinions vary with the level of enthusiasm with each owner. They are good boats. Both Catalina and Hunter are massed produced, maintain a strick QA/QC program, provide strong customer support, use similar branded hardware, sails, engines, etc., and close in costs. BUT, Warren Luhrs of Hunter loves innovation and he pops out a new design every year or two across the line. The Catalina 30 hull on the other hand has not changed in decades, it only gets improved. This is what impressed me when making my decision. I purchased a 1988 Catalina 30. I do believe that dollar for dollar, in the long run you would be happier with the Catalina for more space, re-sale value, performance and most of all support. The emphasis is on re-sale value as I feel the Cat 30 holds its value better based on it's popularity. Their are close to 6,800 Catalina 30's in the world, which makes it the most successful one-design sailing pleasure craft ever produced. Good Luck and Fair Winds Bob Breezin II
I had the same choice issues and even tossed in Irwins in the, "what to buy" mix. Interestingly, here at Lake Lanier, Hunters and Catalina's pretty much dominate the scenery, so choices were plentiful. I know of several folks with Hunters in the year range you are seeking and opinions vary with the level of enthusiasm with each owner. They are good boats. Both Catalina and Hunter are massed produced, maintain a strick QA/QC program, provide strong customer support, use similar branded hardware, sails, engines, etc., and close in costs. BUT, Warren Luhrs of Hunter loves innovation and he pops out a new design every year or two across the line. The Catalina 30 hull on the other hand has not changed in decades, it only gets improved. This is what impressed me when making my decision. I purchased a 1988 Catalina 30. I do believe that dollar for dollar, in the long run you would be happier with the Catalina for more space, re-sale value, performance and most of all support. The emphasis is on re-sale value as I feel the Cat 30 holds its value better based on it's popularity. Their are close to 6,800 Catalina 30's in the world, which makes it the most successful one-design sailing pleasure craft ever produced. Good Luck and Fair Winds Bob Breezin II
Might be asking a slightly biased group,
but the Catalina might even win if you asked the folks who own Hunters.
but the Catalina might even win if you asked the folks who own Hunters.
R
Rick A
Thanks but....
I need a little more guys/gals...good points, things that bug you, etc. The Catalina 30 reportedly has the largest cabin but the layout for the cockpit seems great on the Hunter 30... What conditions do they perform best in? Weather helm? Maintenance issues? Vibration? Best upgrades?
I need a little more guys/gals...good points, things that bug you, etc. The Catalina 30 reportedly has the largest cabin but the layout for the cockpit seems great on the Hunter 30... What conditions do they perform best in? Weather helm? Maintenance issues? Vibration? Best upgrades?
B
Bob
Too Many Variables
Rick. Your search for a boat in the late seventies to early eighties range brings up numerous issues with each vessel your looking at relative to that age. I would be seeking a vessel in the best condition overall. Both have weather helm, but sail trim and what your flying has alot to do with it. My suggestion, is to submit a post in the, "Ask Every Sailor Forum", where you will get responses from Hunter owners. The cockpit in the year range your seeking for the Cat 30 did not change until 1987-88 (t-shaped), which offer more room for the helmsman to get around. The earlier models are straight benches and attached helmsman seat. Not bad for comfort. Maintenance? Upgrades? Their is alot of literature on the subjects, but the weakest part of the Cat 30 is the mast post compression problem that often softens the deck. The Cat 30's mast is not thru the deck , but rather sits on the deck and is suppported by a compression post below. Under that post on your years is a large piece of wood subject to rot, softening and loss of support for the mast. They switched to a metal support in late 1988. Critical you check this out as it can be an expensive fix. Catalina hull to keel joints have been an issueon older models. The older models keel bolts would rust and rust would leech down thru the keel/hull faring seal. The infamous Catalina "smile" is the crack and leeching rust coming thru the keel at the hull/keel joint. Very evident during a haul out survey. The early models have the older electrical harness which seems to be a problem for some owners. Leaking windows, noisy engine compartments (engines set amidships), etc., have been some of the complaints I have read about on this forum as well as discussions with surveyors. Many inexpensive fixes. BUT, I am sure the Hunter shares its list of issues as well. You are looking for a vessel 20+ years old and have to expect issues will arise during the survey with Cat or Hunter. If you look carefully and take your time, you will come across that very well maintained and loved sailboat that will give you years of pleasure, but if possible try to get the newest model you can as improvements are noted through the years. My 1988 has alot of great refinements, even to the interior. Originally, I was looking at the range you are seeking and decided to spend the extra bucks to get all the refinements. My vote still goes to Catalina, because I feel overall its a better boat. I hope this helps abit. Bob
Rick. Your search for a boat in the late seventies to early eighties range brings up numerous issues with each vessel your looking at relative to that age. I would be seeking a vessel in the best condition overall. Both have weather helm, but sail trim and what your flying has alot to do with it. My suggestion, is to submit a post in the, "Ask Every Sailor Forum", where you will get responses from Hunter owners. The cockpit in the year range your seeking for the Cat 30 did not change until 1987-88 (t-shaped), which offer more room for the helmsman to get around. The earlier models are straight benches and attached helmsman seat. Not bad for comfort. Maintenance? Upgrades? Their is alot of literature on the subjects, but the weakest part of the Cat 30 is the mast post compression problem that often softens the deck. The Cat 30's mast is not thru the deck , but rather sits on the deck and is suppported by a compression post below. Under that post on your years is a large piece of wood subject to rot, softening and loss of support for the mast. They switched to a metal support in late 1988. Critical you check this out as it can be an expensive fix. Catalina hull to keel joints have been an issueon older models. The older models keel bolts would rust and rust would leech down thru the keel/hull faring seal. The infamous Catalina "smile" is the crack and leeching rust coming thru the keel at the hull/keel joint. Very evident during a haul out survey. The early models have the older electrical harness which seems to be a problem for some owners. Leaking windows, noisy engine compartments (engines set amidships), etc., have been some of the complaints I have read about on this forum as well as discussions with surveyors. Many inexpensive fixes. BUT, I am sure the Hunter shares its list of issues as well. You are looking for a vessel 20+ years old and have to expect issues will arise during the survey with Cat or Hunter. If you look carefully and take your time, you will come across that very well maintained and loved sailboat that will give you years of pleasure, but if possible try to get the newest model you can as improvements are noted through the years. My 1988 has alot of great refinements, even to the interior. Originally, I was looking at the range you are seeking and decided to spend the extra bucks to get all the refinements. My vote still goes to Catalina, because I feel overall its a better boat. I hope this helps abit. Bob
- Status
- Not open for further replies.