Catalina vs Beneteau
In addition to Bill's great points about the swept back spreaders on Hunters, I offer the following observations on Beneteaus.We have had Catalinas for all our sailing life. A C22 in the early 80s, a C25 from 87 to 98, and an 86 Catalina 34 for four years.After we bought the C34 (previously owned, but in great shape), and had sailed it for some months, we chartered a bareboat Beneteau 35 in the BVIs. Admittedly an older boat, but Beneteau is still making them the same way.Beneteaus have NO access to ANYTHING inside the boat. If you check carefully, you'll find that ALL hoses and wiring simply DISAPPEAR behind interior trim. This makes it darn near impossible to trace and repair anything. OTOH, everything on a Catalina is accessible.The engine access on that particular Beneteau was absolutely horrendous. To even check the oil, you almost have to dismantle the entire aft cabin.The Beneteau had a big wide scoop transom. However, the aft pushpit stopped at the corners of the stern, and the only thing between you and the ocean was a lifeline.The helmsman's seat on the Beneteau was flat. In a five hour sail from Cane Garden Bay to Cooper Island (mahvelous, simply mahvelous!!!) I had to stand all the way, since there was no comfortable helsman's seat. I forget if the C350 has the curved helmsman's seats like on the C34. You should check it out.Finally, the width of the traveller on the Beneteau is about two feet. The width of the travellers on Catalinas is wide enough to make them actually useful in shaping sail, trimming and depowering the main before reefing. What a clever idea! You will be sailing the boat in addition to hanging out at docks and marinas and anchorages.There's the interiors and the sailing gear to consider. But also, be very careful about your ability to perform basic maintenance chores. If they are hard to do, you end up putting them off, and then blooey, there goes your investment.Good luck in your hunting (no pun intended).