Just got back from the Annapolis boat show and saw so many great boats. I'm shopping for my dream boat and looking for the usual, a great boat at a great value. Catalina
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I like the Catalina much better that the Jeanneau
The Jeanneau is not build, in my opinion as an engineer, as well as the Catalina. What ever the wood was finished in really stink. The Catalina stink too but not as bad. Did you check out the Hunters? The new 36 and 38 are much better boat than other boats.
The Jeanneau is not build, in my opinion as an engineer, as well as the Catalina. What ever the wood was finished in really stink. The Catalina stink too but not as bad. Did you check out the Hunters? The new 36 and 38 are much better boat than other boats.
ya I did
Yes I did check out the hunters and while I think for the money they give are a great value, I talked to too many former and current hunter owners that had quality issues with their boats, one even took me aboard and showed me areas in constructioon sloppyness and then walked me over to the catalinas where those issues where not a problem like joints that didnt line up, sloopy glue jobs, loose joint and panels etc.
Yes I did check out the hunters and while I think for the money they give are a great value, I talked to too many former and current hunter owners that had quality issues with their boats, one even took me aboard and showed me areas in constructioon sloppyness and then walked me over to the catalinas where those issues where not a problem like joints that didnt line up, sloopy glue jobs, loose joint and panels etc.
What Size Boat?
What size of boat are you looking for? My wife and I went through the Jeanneau 37, the Benneteau 343 and the Hunter 36 at least 3 times each. We concluded that we liked the Benneteau the best. Now I only need to come up with the $120K.
What size of boat are you looking for? My wife and I went through the Jeanneau 37, the Benneteau 343 and the Hunter 36 at least 3 times each. We concluded that we liked the Benneteau the best. Now I only need to come up with the $120K.
38-42
38-42 foot. but regardless of the exact size I was really looking at the quality remarks. Beneteau was my 3rd choice, looked good too, I just liked the styling and keel mounting of the Cs and Js over the beneteaus.
38-42 foot. but regardless of the exact size I was really looking at the quality remarks. Beneteau was my 3rd choice, looked good too, I just liked the styling and keel mounting of the Cs and Js over the beneteaus.
Punch List
Jason - any new boat will have "punch list" or items that need attention from the walk thru. Our 05 H36 had a very few items. Our one major item was told to us by the dealer prior to taking possession and was fixed before we left for our home port. We have sailed her over 1250 nm since August of 2004 and have loved every mile!
Jason - any new boat will have "punch list" or items that need attention from the walk thru. Our 05 H36 had a very few items. Our one major item was told to us by the dealer prior to taking possession and was fixed before we left for our home port. We have sailed her over 1250 nm since August of 2004 and have loved every mile!
Jeaneau In-Mast Furling
Here is something to note between the Hunter boats and the Jeanneaus. The Hunter in mast furling uses a Selden mast. If you have problems with the furling line you can go to the mast and hand crank in the mainsail. You can't do that on the Jeanneau mast, you'll have to take the entire sail down. We just saw the new Hunter 45 (I have a Hunter 44DS)....wowee, the owners cabin made me go ga-ga!!! Also, the Jeanneau brand is entirely owned by Benneteau. That's my input.
Here is something to note between the Hunter boats and the Jeanneaus. The Hunter in mast furling uses a Selden mast. If you have problems with the furling line you can go to the mast and hand crank in the mainsail. You can't do that on the Jeanneau mast, you'll have to take the entire sail down. We just saw the new Hunter 45 (I have a Hunter 44DS)....wowee, the owners cabin made me go ga-ga!!! Also, the Jeanneau brand is entirely owned by Benneteau. That's my input.
Comparaison
Jason, In my opinion, Jeanneau makes a very nice boat, but on most sizes Jeanneau is always overstating their numbers. A Jeanneau 40.3 is in fact not bigger in size than a Hunter 38. Length at waterline on a Jeanneau is a full 16 inches shorter than the Hunter 38 and hull length is within 4 inches. Beam is the same. In my mynd the Jeanneau 40 should be called a 38. As for the Bavaria, I am surprised that you find these too expensive as in Europe, Bavaria is, on all models, 15 to 30% cheaper than comparable models from Jeanneau, Beneteau or Dufour. This situation prompted Beneteau to launch the Cyclade line of sailboats to compete with Bavaria. I have a Hunter 35.5 and thinking of upgrading, my personnal choice would be for a larger Hunter. Hopefully you will be able to find the boat of your dream!
Jason, In my opinion, Jeanneau makes a very nice boat, but on most sizes Jeanneau is always overstating their numbers. A Jeanneau 40.3 is in fact not bigger in size than a Hunter 38. Length at waterline on a Jeanneau is a full 16 inches shorter than the Hunter 38 and hull length is within 4 inches. Beam is the same. In my mynd the Jeanneau 40 should be called a 38. As for the Bavaria, I am surprised that you find these too expensive as in Europe, Bavaria is, on all models, 15 to 30% cheaper than comparable models from Jeanneau, Beneteau or Dufour. This situation prompted Beneteau to launch the Cyclade line of sailboats to compete with Bavaria. I have a Hunter 35.5 and thinking of upgrading, my personnal choice would be for a larger Hunter. Hopefully you will be able to find the boat of your dream!
Waffle Bavaria/Hunter
Waffle, Yesterday you were promoting Bavaria, today Hunter. What gives? Are you waffeling? Paul
Waffle, Yesterday you were promoting Bavaria, today Hunter. What gives? Are you waffeling? Paul
I am not promoting any boat
I like the new Hunters. The have corrected the chainplate issue. Chainplates are now attached to the hull as well as the deck. The new hunters have rack an pinion steering, the Catalina have cable steering. There are trade off. I think the Catalina is a better constructed boat.
I like the new Hunters. The have corrected the chainplate issue. Chainplates are now attached to the hull as well as the deck. The new hunters have rack an pinion steering, the Catalina have cable steering. There are trade off. I think the Catalina is a better constructed boat.
Decisions?
I currently own a Catalina 380 and Love it. I went to the Sydney show recently and the only other boat I would contemplate buying would be the Hunter. Jeanneau and the rest seemed to be lacking in size, room, quality and engineering. My input. Good luck.
I currently own a Catalina 380 and Love it. I went to the Sydney show recently and the only other boat I would contemplate buying would be the Hunter. Jeanneau and the rest seemed to be lacking in size, room, quality and engineering. My input. Good luck.
good responses, thanks
Thanks for the responses so far. your right Jeanneau does not name their boat numbers to represent their true size but they do price it accordingly, that is a 40.3 that is really a 38 is price like a 38 should be. I fell in love with the new Jeanneau 42DS at the Annapolis boat show and I really like the Catalina 40 & 42 footers. Any Jeanneau owners out there to lend their 2 cents?
Thanks for the responses so far. your right Jeanneau does not name their boat numbers to represent their true size but they do price it accordingly, that is a 40.3 that is really a 38 is price like a 38 should be. I fell in love with the new Jeanneau 42DS at the Annapolis boat show and I really like the Catalina 40 & 42 footers. Any Jeanneau owners out there to lend their 2 cents?
Catalina 387 owner
This year I purchased a new 2004 Catalina 387. I have found that the dealer is most important if you are considering buying a Catalina. Frank Butler and the Catalina Factory will do nothing for you if your dealer is not working for you. I have had problems with my boat the most recent is a bent boom. I sent pictures to Charleston Spar and they responded immediately. The problem is: Catalina incorrectly installed the boom bails for the main sheet. Charleston Spar has been most helpful in talking to Catalina and trying to get them to fix my problem. I have emailed Warren Pandy at Catalina and received no response. I spoke to Frank Butler the owner a number of times, he said nice words to soothe me but he has done nothing about this problem nor about my previous issues such as cracked and broken fiberglass in numerous places. Be very careful about purchasing a new Catalina, if your dealer is not behind you 100% the factory and Frank will not help you. If you want more info contact me at Catalina387@rnt.ca Greg
This year I purchased a new 2004 Catalina 387. I have found that the dealer is most important if you are considering buying a Catalina. Frank Butler and the Catalina Factory will do nothing for you if your dealer is not working for you. I have had problems with my boat the most recent is a bent boom. I sent pictures to Charleston Spar and they responded immediately. The problem is: Catalina incorrectly installed the boom bails for the main sheet. Charleston Spar has been most helpful in talking to Catalina and trying to get them to fix my problem. I have emailed Warren Pandy at Catalina and received no response. I spoke to Frank Butler the owner a number of times, he said nice words to soothe me but he has done nothing about this problem nor about my previous issues such as cracked and broken fiberglass in numerous places. Be very careful about purchasing a new Catalina, if your dealer is not behind you 100% the factory and Frank will not help you. If you want more info contact me at Catalina387@rnt.ca Greg
Another story like Greg's...
Just so we don't all think Greg's report is the exception that proves the rule, I talked with a surveyor hired by Catalina to check out a C36 or C38 who's owner reported he couldn't steer his boat under some conditions. The surveyor inspected the boat and, after everything checked out, suggested they go sailing. This was in Charleston Harbor on a blustery day and, sure enough, once the rig loaded up the boat could not be steered properly. The hull laminate was way underspec'd and was deforming enough to block full quadrant swing. To Catalina's credit, they quietly withdrew the boat and replaced it...but it does suggest that even a well-respected long-term builder can suffer from production problems that owners end up living with. Jack
Just so we don't all think Greg's report is the exception that proves the rule, I talked with a surveyor hired by Catalina to check out a C36 or C38 who's owner reported he couldn't steer his boat under some conditions. The surveyor inspected the boat and, after everything checked out, suggested they go sailing. This was in Charleston Harbor on a blustery day and, sure enough, once the rig loaded up the boat could not be steered properly. The hull laminate was way underspec'd and was deforming enough to block full quadrant swing. To Catalina's credit, they quietly withdrew the boat and replaced it...but it does suggest that even a well-respected long-term builder can suffer from production problems that owners end up living with. Jack
Greg, want to name your dealer?
Greg, Did you buy the boat in central Ontario? If you have encountered a bad dealer in the area it would be nice to know who to avoid. I only know of Swan's selling Catalinas in the GTA. Kevin
Greg, Did you buy the boat in central Ontario? If you have encountered a bad dealer in the area it would be nice to know who to avoid. I only know of Swan's selling Catalinas in the GTA. Kevin
My Dealer
Hi Kevin I see that you are in Toronto. I purchased the boat from Sun and Sail on Lake St Clair in Michigan when they were a Catalina dealer. Since I purchased my boat Catalina has revoked the Catalina dealership at Sun and Sail. Since my dealer no longer exists I have no one to go to bat for me in dealing with the factory and Frank Butler. When we purchase again in 3 - 4 years I will most likely buy in the US as prices are better and selection is greater. I found that the Canadian dealers have protected territories and are not willing to deal. We saved considerable money purchasing in the US and it was no problem bringing the boat into Canada. No duties etc because of the free trade agreement. If you want more info contact me off the list. Greg
Hi Kevin I see that you are in Toronto. I purchased the boat from Sun and Sail on Lake St Clair in Michigan when they were a Catalina dealer. Since I purchased my boat Catalina has revoked the Catalina dealership at Sun and Sail. Since my dealer no longer exists I have no one to go to bat for me in dealing with the factory and Frank Butler. When we purchase again in 3 - 4 years I will most likely buy in the US as prices are better and selection is greater. I found that the Canadian dealers have protected territories and are not willing to deal. We saved considerable money purchasing in the US and it was no problem bringing the boat into Canada. No duties etc because of the free trade agreement. If you want more info contact me off the list. Greg
Greg/Kevin
I think going to a dealer that is far away to get a new boat is not a good idea. You are going to have a devil of a time getting support as the dealer and not the factory provides a lot of the warranty work directly. Is it any wonder that a dealer that knows you are going to be 500 miles away in another country will sell to you cheaply. They save a bundle in after sale support. I purchased a new 2004 Catalina 36 from Swans and have received good support. I live on Lake Huron about 160 land miles and close to 700 sea miles from Swans. The Catalina warranty clearly indicates that you must return the boat to the selling dealer for warranty work. I had some problems in my first year and Swans did an excellent job of resolving them and there was never any question about me being responsible for taking the boat there. They came and picked it up (they also will arrange repairs locally if that makes more sense).
I think going to a dealer that is far away to get a new boat is not a good idea. You are going to have a devil of a time getting support as the dealer and not the factory provides a lot of the warranty work directly. Is it any wonder that a dealer that knows you are going to be 500 miles away in another country will sell to you cheaply. They save a bundle in after sale support. I purchased a new 2004 Catalina 36 from Swans and have received good support. I live on Lake Huron about 160 land miles and close to 700 sea miles from Swans. The Catalina warranty clearly indicates that you must return the boat to the selling dealer for warranty work. I had some problems in my first year and Swans did an excellent job of resolving them and there was never any question about me being responsible for taking the boat there. They came and picked it up (they also will arrange repairs locally if that makes more sense).
Catalina Dealer
Malcolm I am glad that you received good service from Swans. That does not happen for everyone that purchases there. If you will read my original message I clearly state that your dealer is most important. Frank Butler and the factory will not help you. My dealer is not 500 miles as you state, he is only 190 miles not much farther than your dealer. I talked with a number of people about the dealers I was considering (including Swans) before I chose Sun and Sail. They have been in business for over 25 years and I received recommendations from previous purchasers and a friend that lives in the area. I didn't know that the situation there had changed and he was going to have his dealership revoked. Therefore I state again that your dealer is most important. Don't count on Catalina, Frank Butler , or the people that work for him to do anything to help correct problems they created in building your boat. If your dealer is not acting for you then you are alone. I'm surprised at the number of people that have contacted me that were planning on purchasing a new Catalina. I appreciate the opportunity to try and help others not make the mistake I did. I also think that we should not hijack this thread and continue our discussions of the list. Greg
Malcolm I am glad that you received good service from Swans. That does not happen for everyone that purchases there. If you will read my original message I clearly state that your dealer is most important. Frank Butler and the factory will not help you. My dealer is not 500 miles as you state, he is only 190 miles not much farther than your dealer. I talked with a number of people about the dealers I was considering (including Swans) before I chose Sun and Sail. They have been in business for over 25 years and I received recommendations from previous purchasers and a friend that lives in the area. I didn't know that the situation there had changed and he was going to have his dealership revoked. Therefore I state again that your dealer is most important. Don't count on Catalina, Frank Butler , or the people that work for him to do anything to help correct problems they created in building your boat. If your dealer is not acting for you then you are alone. I'm surprised at the number of people that have contacted me that were planning on purchasing a new Catalina. I appreciate the opportunity to try and help others not make the mistake I did. I also think that we should not hijack this thread and continue our discussions of the list. Greg
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