Catalina vs Hunter

[Lorraine]

I am considering buying a Catalina 270. I am also looking at a Hunter 270. Would anyone know what the differences in the way they sail? What about maintainence differences? Any other differences I should be aware of?I have asked some brokers and they only know one boat or the other.Thanks, Lorraine

 

[LaDonna Bubak - Catalina Owners]

Are you talking new?

If so, the maintenance issues should be neglibile. As far as how they sail, you should definitely test sail both before buying. Then decide which one you like better and go for it!LaDonna

 

[Joe]

Cat v. Hunter

... I prefer the traditional lines of the Catalinas over the boxy, euro style Hunter. Since both boats hsve such different styling it's hard not to make that your first consideration. I would compare re-sale data for both models, and search past issues of Sail, Sailing, and Cruising World for review articles. Check out Practical Sailor for their boat reviews. Your local West Marine store will let you browse their copies to find the source for ordering the reviews. Finally, most of our readers here are partial to their own boats, cause that's why they bought 'em. The Catalina folks will pump up Catalinas and the Hunter owners are to rave on about Hunters. So look for comments by people who have owned both.

 

[William Rogers]

Cat vs Hunter

I'm a member of a sailing club in Alameda that has a fleet of 90% Hunters. I have sail them many times. They are very comfortable boats and they have a lot of bells and whistles. They are built with very nice stylish interiors. I really like the layout of the cockpit and the margarita seats on the stern are an awsome feature.Now for how they sail in comparison to the Cat's there is no comparison. Most of them have way too much rig and to little draft. In a 15 knot blow you better condsider a second reef. They don't have the speed of the Cat's either. I have a Cat 30 and I can easily do 6.5 to 7 knots upwind. The Hunters are usually lucky to get 6. I assume since your looking at the 27's you primarily plan to sail in protected waters, however the Cat 27's seem to handle the rougher water just fine. I don't know if I'd go for it on a Hunter. Most of them aren't set up for a third reef.Bottom line, like the others have stated, try them out. Check out the local clubs. Both brands are popular boats for club fleets. Hope this gives you a little extra insight.

 

[doug]

Cat 270

I have a 270....after visiting stictlysail last year i noticed that catalinahardware is FAR SUPERIOR!!!Youll love the 270!