How many different brands of sailboats have you owned? Have you been loyal to a single brand (or a single boat) for decades... or have you owned a variety of boats in your lifetime? Have you owned popular production boats, short production run, semi-custom boats, or both? And how would you compare the attributes of various brands? Share your experiences here, then vote in the Quick Quiz at the bottom of the home page.
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Gary Jensen
past and present boats
I owned a 27 O'Day sailboat for twelve years and sailed it sometimes over a hundred days per year..Great boat. I can' say enough good things about it. I sailed it hard and often without a single failure and would recommend it to anyone. My second boat was a Catalina 36. It too provided me with a lot of fun times. It was more prone to failures simply becaues it was larger and had more thing that could go wrong. Relatively speaking, it was a good boat an I would recommend it too. My present boat, a Catalina 380, is really nice. I have had a few minor irritating problems (intermittant short, refer failure) but I like it and it seems to, like the others, sail well. All in all, the three boats that I have owned over the last twenty years were all good!!!!!
I owned a 27 O'Day sailboat for twelve years and sailed it sometimes over a hundred days per year..Great boat. I can' say enough good things about it. I sailed it hard and often without a single failure and would recommend it to anyone. My second boat was a Catalina 36. It too provided me with a lot of fun times. It was more prone to failures simply becaues it was larger and had more thing that could go wrong. Relatively speaking, it was a good boat an I would recommend it too. My present boat, a Catalina 380, is really nice. I have had a few minor irritating problems (intermittant short, refer failure) but I like it and it seems to, like the others, sail well. All in all, the three boats that I have owned over the last twenty years were all good!!!!!
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Bob Robeson
Types of Boats
I started sailing as a kid with my dad. Since I have been buying my own boats, I have had a 8 ft. Sabot, Litto 13, Lightning, Victory 21, Cal 25, Hobbie 16, Sunfish 11, newport 30, Hunter 34 and our current Catalina 36. Our Catalina has been hands down our favorite. It handling and sailing performance combined with the roomiest interior of any 36 size boat I have sailed. Bob 1986 C-36 #586
I started sailing as a kid with my dad. Since I have been buying my own boats, I have had a 8 ft. Sabot, Litto 13, Lightning, Victory 21, Cal 25, Hobbie 16, Sunfish 11, newport 30, Hunter 34 and our current Catalina 36. Our Catalina has been hands down our favorite. It handling and sailing performance combined with the roomiest interior of any 36 size boat I have sailed. Bob 1986 C-36 #586
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Bob Camarena
My Boats
I started in 7th grade with a home-built 8' pram similar to an El Toro. In my adult years I've owned a Santana 21, a great first boat, which was replaced by a MacGregor 25, then a Catalina 27 which lead to my current Catalina 30. In moving from the Santana to the MacGregor we gained room but gave up design and performance. Moving to the Catalina 27 brought back both design and performance along with more living space. The Catalina 30 was the next logical step. Both of the Catalinas have been great boats from a great family of boats. Oh, a friend and I also bought an old Coronado 15 which we're still getting into sailing condition.
I started in 7th grade with a home-built 8' pram similar to an El Toro. In my adult years I've owned a Santana 21, a great first boat, which was replaced by a MacGregor 25, then a Catalina 27 which lead to my current Catalina 30. In moving from the Santana to the MacGregor we gained room but gave up design and performance. Moving to the Catalina 27 brought back both design and performance along with more living space. The Catalina 30 was the next logical step. Both of the Catalinas have been great boats from a great family of boats. Oh, a friend and I also bought an old Coronado 15 which we're still getting into sailing condition.
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Stephen J. Baltes
Variety. . . . .
I started with a Sunfish (like millions of others I guess), actually my parents toy. I have purchased a Chrysler Bucaneer 18' day sailer (great fun), then a Hunter 27 (1990), and currently have a Catalina 28(1991). The Hunter and Catalina are very dfferent, and it's hard to say which I prefer. I like things about both models. Seems they are growing more similar than different, as one manufacturer intros' a feature one year and the other adopts it on other models the following year, etc. As for brand-loyalty, I will likely stay with Hunter or Catalina for my "next" boat as they seem to provide the most features and value for the money, at least for the last several years I've been following things. we'll have to see what's available when I dip back into the market!! Overall, Hunter seems to be more innovative while Catalina's tend to be more classic or traditional, in my opinion.
I started with a Sunfish (like millions of others I guess), actually my parents toy. I have purchased a Chrysler Bucaneer 18' day sailer (great fun), then a Hunter 27 (1990), and currently have a Catalina 28(1991). The Hunter and Catalina are very dfferent, and it's hard to say which I prefer. I like things about both models. Seems they are growing more similar than different, as one manufacturer intros' a feature one year and the other adopts it on other models the following year, etc. As for brand-loyalty, I will likely stay with Hunter or Catalina for my "next" boat as they seem to provide the most features and value for the money, at least for the last several years I've been following things. we'll have to see what's available when I dip back into the market!! Overall, Hunter seems to be more innovative while Catalina's tend to be more classic or traditional, in my opinion.
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John J
How many brands
Growing up on Lake Michigan I sailed on the perfect boat, someone else's. A 62' sloop then a 54' yawl, both one designs. When it came time to put my $$ into it, we bought a 1978 Catalina 25.(#792) It has been sold to someone here on Lake Lanie,looks good and is still being sailed. In 98 we bought a Hunter 260, and this year bought a Catalina 310 (#23). I guess by not saying anything you get my feelings about the Hunter. Is this my last boat, I don't know. I would suspect that most people who don't own boats figure we have more money than brains anyway.
Growing up on Lake Michigan I sailed on the perfect boat, someone else's. A 62' sloop then a 54' yawl, both one designs. When it came time to put my $$ into it, we bought a 1978 Catalina 25.(#792) It has been sold to someone here on Lake Lanie,looks good and is still being sailed. In 98 we bought a Hunter 260, and this year bought a Catalina 310 (#23). I guess by not saying anything you get my feelings about the Hunter. Is this my last boat, I don't know. I would suspect that most people who don't own boats figure we have more money than brains anyway.
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Randy
Different boats
I started with a 12 foot O'Day Widgeon--a great boat, which I quickly outgrew (literally). I moved up to a Newport 17--another great boat which I sailed for thirteen years. (It's still for sale if anyone's interested!) The current boat is a Catalina 27, which I love. It has great room, comfort, performance, etc., making it the perfect all-around boat for us. (Those 36 footers are starting to look good, though!) Randy
I started with a 12 foot O'Day Widgeon--a great boat, which I quickly outgrew (literally). I moved up to a Newport 17--another great boat which I sailed for thirteen years. (It's still for sale if anyone's interested!) The current boat is a Catalina 27, which I love. It has great room, comfort, performance, etc., making it the perfect all-around boat for us. (Those 36 footers are starting to look good, though!) Randy
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Jim Vick
All I wanted was a Canoe
I was looking for a canoe that I could use on the many lakes and rivers here in Georgia. In my search I saw an ad for a 22ft Helson for about the same price as a good canoe ($800). It was a great boat, sailed well but was too small. Next was a 25ft MacGregor, a fair sailing boat but built too light. Next was Catalina 27 Tall rig, inboard engine and wheel steering. This is a truly wonderful boat, it sails extremly well, easy to handle and is very stiff and comfortable. I still have this boat ( my daughter claims it as hers now). I now have a Catalina 36 which I think is one of the finest production boats ever built. I still don't have a canoe!!!
I was looking for a canoe that I could use on the many lakes and rivers here in Georgia. In my search I saw an ad for a 22ft Helson for about the same price as a good canoe ($800). It was a great boat, sailed well but was too small. Next was a 25ft MacGregor, a fair sailing boat but built too light. Next was Catalina 27 Tall rig, inboard engine and wheel steering. This is a truly wonderful boat, it sails extremly well, easy to handle and is very stiff and comfortable. I still have this boat ( my daughter claims it as hers now). I now have a Catalina 36 which I think is one of the finest production boats ever built. I still don't have a canoe!!!
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Jeff Walker
4 so far
I've had a Columbia 24 Challenger, a Herreshoff H28 ketch, a Catalina 30 and an Ocean Kayak. The kayak has been the most trouble free vessel I've ever owned.
I've had a Columbia 24 Challenger, a Herreshoff H28 ketch, a Catalina 30 and an Ocean Kayak. The kayak has been the most trouble free vessel I've ever owned.
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gary
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Bob Imes
3 so far
Our first sailboat was an International 420 (3 years). Loved the responsiveness of a racing dinghy but the coming of a child ended the usefulness of a light racing sailboat. The second was/is an O'Day 22 (hull #19) that we bought in 1972 at the Cleveland Boat Show. the week before it was formally introduced at the New York Boat Show. It has served us well for 28 years, both on Lake Erie and more recently on Lake Hopatcong, NJ. This spring we purchased a 1980 Catalina 25 to have a somewhat larger boat than the O'Day 22. I guess that we tend to stay with a boat for a long time and don't change unless there is some reason. Bob Imes, Catalina 25 #1544
Our first sailboat was an International 420 (3 years). Loved the responsiveness of a racing dinghy but the coming of a child ended the usefulness of a light racing sailboat. The second was/is an O'Day 22 (hull #19) that we bought in 1972 at the Cleveland Boat Show. the week before it was formally introduced at the New York Boat Show. It has served us well for 28 years, both on Lake Erie and more recently on Lake Hopatcong, NJ. This spring we purchased a 1980 Catalina 25 to have a somewhat larger boat than the O'Day 22. I guess that we tend to stay with a boat for a long time and don't change unless there is some reason. Bob Imes, Catalina 25 #1544
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Michael C. Froelich
Catalina, you've gotta love them.
My first boat was a Catalina 30 and it was a great starter boat for me. My current vessel is a Catalina 36 Mk II. So far, I have no complaints.
My first boat was a Catalina 30 and it was a great starter boat for me. My current vessel is a Catalina 36 Mk II. So far, I have no complaints.
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Mike Parker
3 different
I had an O'day 11 for 2 years (sindle-just starting sailing), a Clipper Marine 21 for 10 years (married-weeks at Catalina and Guymas), and a Mac 26WB for 1 year (three kids-lake camper).
I had an O'day 11 for 2 years (sindle-just starting sailing), a Clipper Marine 21 for 10 years (married-weeks at Catalina and Guymas), and a Mac 26WB for 1 year (three kids-lake camper).
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David Rolston
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george
One brand, three boats
My first boat was a new '87 Catalina 22. learned to sail on it. Sold it after five years when I relocated. Two years later I bought my second C-22. This boat was 15 boats older than my first one. Owned this one about two years. Sold it and bought my current '89 C-30 and have owned it for 2.5 years. Big difference in systems, handling, livability. Will have to do until the Hinckley B-40 comes along....... George Stormy Monday
My first boat was a new '87 Catalina 22. learned to sail on it. Sold it after five years when I relocated. Two years later I bought my second C-22. This boat was 15 boats older than my first one. Owned this one about two years. Sold it and bought my current '89 C-30 and have owned it for 2.5 years. Big difference in systems, handling, livability. Will have to do until the Hinckley B-40 comes along....... George Stormy Monday
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Shawn
Need More!
I Learned how to sail in the Boy Scouts. The father of one of our scouts had a 23 foot hunter and helped us earn the small boat sailing merit badge. I was so hooked that I took the merit badge again that summer at camp just so I could sail the Dolphin S.R. boats that they used. My first boat was a 10 footer that I designed and built when I was 17. It resembled a sunfish and was built from waferboard but it actually worked pretty good. I then moved up to an 11' Super Snark that someone gave to me, it was missing the sail so I had to make one. I later bought a 15' Demon which was made locally by Advance Sailboat corp. The Demon is not a very well known design but it was the predecessor to the Sweet 16. My next boat was a Clipper Marine 21 (flush deck model) which transformed me from a daysailer/racer into a cruiser. I later picked up a Cyclone 13 (made by Catalina), then two Dolphin S.R. 's that I got at auction for $25 for both, my latest is a Laser that I traded my old Snark for. Although I still mess around with dinghies, I'm primarily a cruiser these days and about 80% of my sailing is at night. I have owned my Clipper Marine for 7 years now and I'm ready for something a little more accomadating (getting old and lazy) . If my Clipper ever sells, I'm going to get a Catalina 22, or maybe a C25 if the right deal happens along.
I Learned how to sail in the Boy Scouts. The father of one of our scouts had a 23 foot hunter and helped us earn the small boat sailing merit badge. I was so hooked that I took the merit badge again that summer at camp just so I could sail the Dolphin S.R. boats that they used. My first boat was a 10 footer that I designed and built when I was 17. It resembled a sunfish and was built from waferboard but it actually worked pretty good. I then moved up to an 11' Super Snark that someone gave to me, it was missing the sail so I had to make one. I later bought a 15' Demon which was made locally by Advance Sailboat corp. The Demon is not a very well known design but it was the predecessor to the Sweet 16. My next boat was a Clipper Marine 21 (flush deck model) which transformed me from a daysailer/racer into a cruiser. I later picked up a Cyclone 13 (made by Catalina), then two Dolphin S.R. 's that I got at auction for $25 for both, my latest is a Laser that I traded my old Snark for. Although I still mess around with dinghies, I'm primarily a cruiser these days and about 80% of my sailing is at night. I have owned my Clipper Marine for 7 years now and I'm ready for something a little more accomadating (getting old and lazy) . If my Clipper ever sells, I'm going to get a Catalina 22, or maybe a C25 if the right deal happens along.
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Melody Miller
Only One Boat, But I'm Looking
Hello Everyone: My Catalina 27 is a 1976 model and also my first boat. I can see myself buying a larger boat in 3 or 4 years. (I'm getting the idea that I want to take small groups out for daysails and the 27 is a little small. (People are alway stepping on, tripping over, or bumping into some piece of equipment or control.) It appears to me that all the boats are looking the same; much like our automobiles. I mean the Fords, Chevy, Camry's etc, etc, all have the same basic shape. I wish Catalina would do more to differentiate itself from other boat designs. From a distance, the Hunter, Catalinas, Pearsons, and O-Days (to name a few) all look alike. However, I can tell a Cape Dory, Pacific Seacraft, and Valiant pretty easily because they have distinctive profiles. I'm keeping list of features that I want in a second boat and if the newer Catalina models can satisy, I have no problem staying with Catalina. However, for the time and money involved in owning a boat, I want something that is not so generic in appearance. Melody
Hello Everyone: My Catalina 27 is a 1976 model and also my first boat. I can see myself buying a larger boat in 3 or 4 years. (I'm getting the idea that I want to take small groups out for daysails and the 27 is a little small. (People are alway stepping on, tripping over, or bumping into some piece of equipment or control.) It appears to me that all the boats are looking the same; much like our automobiles. I mean the Fords, Chevy, Camry's etc, etc, all have the same basic shape. I wish Catalina would do more to differentiate itself from other boat designs. From a distance, the Hunter, Catalinas, Pearsons, and O-Days (to name a few) all look alike. However, I can tell a Cape Dory, Pacific Seacraft, and Valiant pretty easily because they have distinctive profiles. I'm keeping list of features that I want in a second boat and if the newer Catalina models can satisy, I have no problem staying with Catalina. However, for the time and money involved in owning a boat, I want something that is not so generic in appearance. Melody
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PC Editorial
Final results
Final results for the Quick Quiz ending 9/4/2000: How many different brands of sailboats have you owned? 32% Two (48) 26% Just one (39) 22% Four or more (34) 15% Three (23)
Final results for the Quick Quiz ending 9/4/2000: How many different brands of sailboats have you owned? 32% Two (48) 26% Just one (39) 22% Four or more (34) 15% Three (23)
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Stuart Gordon
Still Searching
When I got bit by the sailing bug I got bit hard. In the last 2 years I have owned 3 boats and have sailed for a total of 150 days. I am still searching for the perfect boat. My first boat was a 14.2 Capri. Next a Precsion 18 and currently a a Precision 23. I want to move to a 28 to 32 foot boat. I have sailed all the Catalinas Hunters, and Beneteaus in these size ranges and just can't replace the pure fun and responsiveness of my Precision 23. I know its not fair to compare a Precision 23 to a 28 to 32 foot boat. However, I would have to say that Beneteaus are the most responsive and fastest of the big three. Next would be Hunter. Catalina's generally seem slower inlight winds,less responsive butstiffer They are heavier ballasted. Catalina's use the most ballast as a percentage of total displacement. You also get more sail area as a function of displacement in Beneteaus and Hunters. Selecting a boat is a matter of selecting a compromise. I wish I could have it all. I would love some good advice in this area to help with my next decision.
When I got bit by the sailing bug I got bit hard. In the last 2 years I have owned 3 boats and have sailed for a total of 150 days. I am still searching for the perfect boat. My first boat was a 14.2 Capri. Next a Precsion 18 and currently a a Precision 23. I want to move to a 28 to 32 foot boat. I have sailed all the Catalinas Hunters, and Beneteaus in these size ranges and just can't replace the pure fun and responsiveness of my Precision 23. I know its not fair to compare a Precision 23 to a 28 to 32 foot boat. However, I would have to say that Beneteaus are the most responsive and fastest of the big three. Next would be Hunter. Catalina's generally seem slower inlight winds,less responsive butstiffer They are heavier ballasted. Catalina's use the most ballast as a percentage of total displacement. You also get more sail area as a function of displacement in Beneteaus and Hunters. Selecting a boat is a matter of selecting a compromise. I wish I could have it all. I would love some good advice in this area to help with my next decision.
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Stan Rogacevicz
Go Catalina
Stewart, Get out in some big wind and waves and you will appreciate the difference that the extra B/D ratio and overall weight makes when trying to punch through waves. If flat water and light wind is where you sail and will continue to sail go with the lightweights. If you want to be able to punch back even steep chop and have a smoother, steadier, and safer ride go with a Catalina. Stan "Christy Leigh" c320 #656
Stewart, Get out in some big wind and waves and you will appreciate the difference that the extra B/D ratio and overall weight makes when trying to punch through waves. If flat water and light wind is where you sail and will continue to sail go with the lightweights. If you want to be able to punch back even steep chop and have a smoother, steadier, and safer ride go with a Catalina. Stan "Christy Leigh" c320 #656
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