I'm considering buying a Hunter 170 or a Catalina 16.5. (I'm in the process of selling another boat at this time.) I have seen each on a trailer (haven't been on the water yet). I like the style of the Hunter better then the Catalina. My main concern is when singlehanding, and returning to the ramp (assuming there is not a beach), is there a problem getting to the bow of the boat if you have to head into the dock. I like the storage area in the front but it looks like getting access to the bow with the canvas cover on would be difficult. The Catalina 16.5 has a hard cover deck at the front. Thanks for your comments.
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170's a strong choice
Lee, Congrats on considering a 170. These ARE better-looking boats on the water in my opinion than most other large dinghies out there. I get comments and looks everytime I'm out-- either while on the water, or while pulling my 170 out of the water at the ramp-- and sometimes while I'm ghosting past Sweet 16's, O'day Daysailers, and the rest on days when the water's glass--- and the 170 still moves. As for bow access-- no problem with the 170. The canvas top snaps on and has three fiberglass?? flexible "bows" which support it and give it it's shape. Both the aft two bows can be removed in a couple of seconds (the fore one too, but doesn't need to be removed for bow access), whilst you're unsnapping the ten or so snaps that hold the canvas down. This is an easy, easy procedure. Of course, in the 170, your center of gravity (your body weight) will be lower in the boat, as the bow compartment is only slight raised above the cockpit sole/floor. On the Catalina (a front deck?) your weight would probably be higher, which might prove a bit less stable--- although the C is probably more stable overall (under full sail, at a stop) than the Hunter. Also a quick note-- any time you head forward in the 170 (even with the tiller locked off), she will tend to head off the breeze fairly quickly, and can go all the way 360 if left to do so. Even with the board down, these boats don't stay on one compass for long (assuming no crew is aft on the tiller, that is). Let us know if you have more questions. The 170 reminds me of a super-sized Laser: ----super responsive and a total blast- a wolf in "family daysailer" sheep's clothing. Mike G.
Lee, Congrats on considering a 170. These ARE better-looking boats on the water in my opinion than most other large dinghies out there. I get comments and looks everytime I'm out-- either while on the water, or while pulling my 170 out of the water at the ramp-- and sometimes while I'm ghosting past Sweet 16's, O'day Daysailers, and the rest on days when the water's glass--- and the 170 still moves. As for bow access-- no problem with the 170. The canvas top snaps on and has three fiberglass?? flexible "bows" which support it and give it it's shape. Both the aft two bows can be removed in a couple of seconds (the fore one too, but doesn't need to be removed for bow access), whilst you're unsnapping the ten or so snaps that hold the canvas down. This is an easy, easy procedure. Of course, in the 170, your center of gravity (your body weight) will be lower in the boat, as the bow compartment is only slight raised above the cockpit sole/floor. On the Catalina (a front deck?) your weight would probably be higher, which might prove a bit less stable--- although the C is probably more stable overall (under full sail, at a stop) than the Hunter. Also a quick note-- any time you head forward in the 170 (even with the tiller locked off), she will tend to head off the breeze fairly quickly, and can go all the way 360 if left to do so. Even with the board down, these boats don't stay on one compass for long (assuming no crew is aft on the tiller, that is). Let us know if you have more questions. The 170 reminds me of a super-sized Laser: ----super responsive and a total blast- a wolf in "family daysailer" sheep's clothing. Mike G.
!70 hard to beat !
I too looked at other day sail boats in the 14 to 18 foot range and none of them matched the nice lines of the 170, As a first time buyer and sailor I was and am impressed with the handling of the 170. the wide hull gives plenty of leg room for everyone on board...I guess it will come down to your own personal choice and thats what counts, your going to be the one who picked it out and are sailing the boat of your choice. your off to a good start, do your home work, a few test rides on the boats that your thinking about, it will pay off for you in the long run if you spend a little bit of time now checking out the boats before you buy.you might like one thing on one boat and something else on another. Best of luck
I too looked at other day sail boats in the 14 to 18 foot range and none of them matched the nice lines of the 170, As a first time buyer and sailor I was and am impressed with the handling of the 170. the wide hull gives plenty of leg room for everyone on board...I guess it will come down to your own personal choice and thats what counts, your going to be the one who picked it out and are sailing the boat of your choice. your off to a good start, do your home work, a few test rides on the boats that your thinking about, it will pay off for you in the long run if you spend a little bit of time now checking out the boats before you buy.you might like one thing on one boat and something else on another. Best of luck
Excellent Choice
Lee - I too looked at the Catalina. I really liked the lines of the Hunter though. If you are ok with the look of the Catalina... you may want to look at Precision and American too. American has an 18 footer at a very good price and the one I saw at the show was a very decent boat. The Precision is nice too, but more expensive. The wife and I really like our new Hunter, I don't think you'll be disappointed. The storage area up front is easy to get to. The only problem I've run into is when I have too much stuff stored up there and try to step in that area. Tough to get good footing until I wiggle my feet down through all the stuff. Jerry
Lee - I too looked at the Catalina. I really liked the lines of the Hunter though. If you are ok with the look of the Catalina... you may want to look at Precision and American too. American has an 18 footer at a very good price and the one I saw at the show was a very decent boat. The Precision is nice too, but more expensive. The wife and I really like our new Hunter, I don't think you'll be disappointed. The storage area up front is easy to get to. The only problem I've run into is when I have too much stuff stored up there and try to step in that area. Tough to get good footing until I wiggle my feet down through all the stuff. Jerry
I Can See!
One thing not often mentioned is the Boom on a 170 is much higher than most. Much easier to see the waterscape & much less chance of a whack in the head! Joe
One thing not often mentioned is the Boom on a 170 is much higher than most. Much easier to see the waterscape & much less chance of a whack in the head! Joe
Single handling the 170
I single hand my 170 95% of the time I sail. When I come back to the launch ramp, I head the boat into to wind which is almost always coming at a 90 degree angle to the ramp. At the last moment I turn 90 degrees and step onto the dock amidship with a dock line in hand.. I never have to go to the bow of the boat to step on the dock. That would be hard and dangerous to do. I have owned my 170 for 9 months now and could not be happier. The more I put her to the test, the better I like her. However, I did not sail the Catalina 16.5 so I can not compare the two. Go to the link provided to read a review of the 170 by a very knowledgeable sailer in our club. You would not be dissapointed with the Hunter. Good luck. Brian
I single hand my 170 95% of the time I sail. When I come back to the launch ramp, I head the boat into to wind which is almost always coming at a 90 degree angle to the ramp. At the last moment I turn 90 degrees and step onto the dock amidship with a dock line in hand.. I never have to go to the bow of the boat to step on the dock. That would be hard and dangerous to do. I have owned my 170 for 9 months now and could not be happier. The more I put her to the test, the better I like her. However, I did not sail the Catalina 16.5 so I can not compare the two. Go to the link provided to read a review of the 170 by a very knowledgeable sailer in our club. You would not be dissapointed with the Hunter. Good luck. Brian
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