Catalina, Hunter, Yamaha, Pearson, or any production boat. Why not ask the owners? Which to buy? I’ve never raced and always sail short-handed. We cruse from 1 day to 2 weeks. Usually sail protected waters. I'm looking for a used boat in the late 80's and like factory equipment better than after market. Commits please.
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Looking for an argument?
That's a sure fire way to start a fight. <G> No one boat is the "best". We don't know where you live, your experience, your plans, size of crew, what type of sailing you like or what price range. All boats are compromises, some by price, some by design parameters. Quick!! What is the best car? Miata's and Hummer's are interesting vehicles, but I wouldn't want to take a long trip in one. I also wouldn't want to be stuck driving around town in a Cadillac or Van, but many people like doing just that. I wouldn't be caught dead driving around in a pick up truck, but many people must think otherwise, since they are among the best selling vehicles. Since you are looking for a used boat, there are some slight advantages to buying a brand still in production, such as Catalina, Hunter or Beneateau, but it's not as important as with a car. I suspect this is your first boat, so buy something with a good resale in your area. I also don't reccomend anything over 30'.
That's a sure fire way to start a fight. <G> No one boat is the "best". We don't know where you live, your experience, your plans, size of crew, what type of sailing you like or what price range. All boats are compromises, some by price, some by design parameters. Quick!! What is the best car? Miata's and Hummer's are interesting vehicles, but I wouldn't want to take a long trip in one. I also wouldn't want to be stuck driving around town in a Cadillac or Van, but many people like doing just that. I wouldn't be caught dead driving around in a pick up truck, but many people must think otherwise, since they are among the best selling vehicles. Since you are looking for a used boat, there are some slight advantages to buying a brand still in production, such as Catalina, Hunter or Beneateau, but it's not as important as with a car. I suspect this is your first boat, so buy something with a good resale in your area. I also don't reccomend anything over 30'.
They're all good boats
Chances are, unless you fall in love with one specific design characteristic, you'll end up with the boat that combines the best price, condition, gear, and asthetics. And of course, it depends upon what's for sale during the period in which you're shopping Have fun - looking for a boat can be a blast!
Chances are, unless you fall in love with one specific design characteristic, you'll end up with the boat that combines the best price, condition, gear, and asthetics. And of course, it depends upon what's for sale during the period in which you're shopping Have fun - looking for a boat can be a blast!
Find one that calls to you
As Phil & Gene pointed out, for the conditions you described any of those boats would work perfectly well. You need to go look at a few, see which one calls to you & then ask about that particular model, if you have any questions. Keep an open mind but have a clear idea of your needs (ie: standing head room, gimballed stove/oven, etc) and find the boat that calls to you. Take your time cuz there's always a good deal available. Have fun! LaDonna
As Phil & Gene pointed out, for the conditions you described any of those boats would work perfectly well. You need to go look at a few, see which one calls to you & then ask about that particular model, if you have any questions. Keep an open mind but have a clear idea of your needs (ie: standing head room, gimballed stove/oven, etc) and find the boat that calls to you. Take your time cuz there's always a good deal available. Have fun! LaDonna
Factory Equipment Preference
I'm not sure I understand your preference for factory equipment. In many cases, particularly in the age range you're looking for, after-market equipment is likely to be more up-to-date and often higher quality than original factory equipment. This is true of electronics, sails, dodgers, roller furlers, blocks, rigid vangs, etc. Im a little hard pressed to think of an exception. Poorly done, do-it-yourself modifications are a different story.
I'm not sure I understand your preference for factory equipment. In many cases, particularly in the age range you're looking for, after-market equipment is likely to be more up-to-date and often higher quality than original factory equipment. This is true of electronics, sails, dodgers, roller furlers, blocks, rigid vangs, etc. Im a little hard pressed to think of an exception. Poorly done, do-it-yourself modifications are a different story.
I agree
some boat buildersuse whatever they can get at a reasonable price at the time. Aftermarket gear is often betterquality and has been carefuly shopped and considered before purchase. Not always... but most of the time, I'd wager. in fact, may of the higher-end boats don't have all that much standard equipment. The buyer specs gear and the builder adds it.
some boat buildersuse whatever they can get at a reasonable price at the time. Aftermarket gear is often betterquality and has been carefuly shopped and considered before purchase. Not always... but most of the time, I'd wager. in fact, may of the higher-end boats don't have all that much standard equipment. The buyer specs gear and the builder adds it.
Big Sellers
The boats you named all have merit. I for one have been quite pleased with my 1982 Catalina 30 TR which I've owned since new. Its short on engine horsepower. Take a look around and see the numbers of the various boats sold. That might be one way. I kind of feel the older Pearsons were a bit better built but smaller. The Catalinas don't particularly break, however, so how important is stronger built?
The boats you named all have merit. I for one have been quite pleased with my 1982 Catalina 30 TR which I've owned since new. Its short on engine horsepower. Take a look around and see the numbers of the various boats sold. That might be one way. I kind of feel the older Pearsons were a bit better built but smaller. The Catalinas don't particularly break, however, so how important is stronger built?
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