Hi, I am planning to buy a boat this spring (use, probably 6 - 10 years old) , and have a tough time deciding between these models. I'd be interested in any comments from people who have experience with both brands. In particular, I'm looking at these factors: 1. Ease/Speed of mast stepping (I probably won't have a slip, and will need to dry sail it) 2. Sailing performance 3. Comfort aboard - sailing/camping out with wife and 2 kids Thanks in advance for any insights.
Hunter 240 vs. Catalina 250
- Thread starter BrettHunt
- Start date
- Status
comparison
According to the portsmouth handicap ratings, the catalina 25 is a little faster then the hunter 240. However, the speed is close enough that the other factors you mentioned come into play. Everybody has thier favorite but you need to check for yourself. Go look at the layouts and see which one suits you best. Talk to the owner and find out how he rigs the boat.If you like what you see and hear take a test sail, and then balance out the various factors. I am sure you will find the boat that suits you best. Sure sounds like a fun project. Good luck Ray T
According to the portsmouth handicap ratings, the catalina 25 is a little faster then the hunter 240. However, the speed is close enough that the other factors you mentioned come into play. Everybody has thier favorite but you need to check for yourself. Go look at the layouts and see which one suits you best. Talk to the owner and find out how he rigs the boat.If you like what you see and hear take a test sail, and then balance out the various factors. I am sure you will find the boat that suits you best. Sure sounds like a fun project. Good luck Ray T
picking the boat
regarding what boat to get.....get in as many boats as possible. Walk in ..and spend time in it before you buy. The creature comforts are what you realize once you are sailing. Speed is nebulous...if you are interested in the ultimate speed..well you will deal with that. Im not sure of the speed difference between a swing keel or a fixed...is that something you are dealing with.. I know it makes a HUGE difference when it comes to moving the boat. I have a Catalina 25 (1985) and pretty much like it a lot...I think the Hunter is probably a better boat...but again..you need to get on both..and sail them...my opinion..I looked at both..and for me it was cost. I could get a Catalina 25 for less than a Hunter. The swing keel is HUGE issue for trailoring....loading and offloading..but there is the maintainence factor. What is to bottom paint like etc..you can ask hundreds of questions..but good luck on your search... Randy in KC..aka partharbor
regarding what boat to get.....get in as many boats as possible. Walk in ..and spend time in it before you buy. The creature comforts are what you realize once you are sailing. Speed is nebulous...if you are interested in the ultimate speed..well you will deal with that. Im not sure of the speed difference between a swing keel or a fixed...is that something you are dealing with.. I know it makes a HUGE difference when it comes to moving the boat. I have a Catalina 25 (1985) and pretty much like it a lot...I think the Hunter is probably a better boat...but again..you need to get on both..and sail them...my opinion..I looked at both..and for me it was cost. I could get a Catalina 25 for less than a Hunter. The swing keel is HUGE issue for trailoring....loading and offloading..but there is the maintainence factor. What is to bottom paint like etc..you can ask hundreds of questions..but good luck on your search... Randy in KC..aka partharbor
The great debate
Most likely you will see people posting in favor or the hunter and other people posting in favor of the Catalina. One choice that you didn't mention is the Hunter 260. The Hunter 260 is a waterballest boat and it is slightly bigger than the Catalina 250 but I think it is much bigger than the 240. I looked at all boats extensively and I was thinking about making the same purchase until I came to the realization that I didn't want a trailerable sailboat anymore. How do you intend to sail this boat? Are you going to trailer it every time or are you going to have a wet slip? What is the maximum depth for the area you are going in and out of? Is it big water or is it a lake? What is the maximum amount of time that you want to spend on the boat? What are the creature comforts that you can't live without? What things does your wife need to be happy (this is very important to keep her interested in the boat)? How long to I intend to keep this boat before I move up, if I ever do? Is the re-sale value better or worse for this boat? Those are just some of the questions that you need to answer. Once you do you might have a better picture of what you want to get or need to get, especially after looking at all three boats. After I answered those questions, and more, I ended up getting a 1990 Catalina 30. There was more room in the boat, it had hot and cold water pressure with a shower, it had an enclosed real marine head and not a porta potty, it had a fixed keel so it was much more stiff and stable, and it was right in the price range that I wanted to spend (You can find used Catalina 30s starting at 15,000 and going all the way up to 45,000). Good luck with this search and try the link below. It is a handy resource.
Most likely you will see people posting in favor or the hunter and other people posting in favor of the Catalina. One choice that you didn't mention is the Hunter 260. The Hunter 260 is a waterballest boat and it is slightly bigger than the Catalina 250 but I think it is much bigger than the 240. I looked at all boats extensively and I was thinking about making the same purchase until I came to the realization that I didn't want a trailerable sailboat anymore. How do you intend to sail this boat? Are you going to trailer it every time or are you going to have a wet slip? What is the maximum depth for the area you are going in and out of? Is it big water or is it a lake? What is the maximum amount of time that you want to spend on the boat? What are the creature comforts that you can't live without? What things does your wife need to be happy (this is very important to keep her interested in the boat)? How long to I intend to keep this boat before I move up, if I ever do? Is the re-sale value better or worse for this boat? Those are just some of the questions that you need to answer. Once you do you might have a better picture of what you want to get or need to get, especially after looking at all three boats. After I answered those questions, and more, I ended up getting a 1990 Catalina 30. There was more room in the boat, it had hot and cold water pressure with a shower, it had an enclosed real marine head and not a porta potty, it had a fixed keel so it was much more stiff and stable, and it was right in the price range that I wanted to spend (You can find used Catalina 30s starting at 15,000 and going all the way up to 45,000). Good luck with this search and try the link below. It is a handy resource.
Catalina vs Hunter
This debate happens regularly on our pier as I have a Catalina 250 and my best friend has a Hunter 240...both water ballasted. Here is what I believe to be true. The Catalina is considerably larger, more stable in bigger seas, and has more sophisticated hardware. (self tailing winches for one thing) It "feels" like a boat that is larger than a 25 footer with a centerboard. The interior is wide open really eliminating the claustrophobic feeling often present in smaller boats. It has an enclosed head. It is faster than the Hunter in bigger wind. It has a lot of power that requires reefing at 14 to 16 knots of wind. Its downsides are the engineering of the centerboard system, which requires periodic changing of the vectran line used to bring the board up, and substantial weather helm with the rudder that comes stock with the boat. Many owners upgrade the rudder first thing with an IDA Kick-up rudder that solves the weather helm issue and allows you to motor the boat in 2' of water. The Hunter is a great boat for protected waters...small bays, lakes etc. and has a pricing advantage. It has better cup holders,(my friend is always quick to remind me), and sails a bit faster when the wind is 4 knots or less. Its interior plan is well thought out with being mostly open with a curtain for privacy on the porta-potty. The downsides of the Hunter are its lighter hardware, sailcloth, and actual boat weight. If you step on it...she really rocks. She is challenging to sail with less than a 20 degree heel in 7 or more knots of wind. Both boats trailer really well, with the Catalina having a bit of advantage because of the dual wheel trailer, and both boats have decent mast raising systems that are easy to use. My advice is if you can swing the extra cash, and you plan on going into larger bodies of water...like the ocean or the Chesapeake Bay, go with the Catalina. If you want a boat for a small lake or inland bay, and are primarily daysailing, go with the Hunter!
This debate happens regularly on our pier as I have a Catalina 250 and my best friend has a Hunter 240...both water ballasted. Here is what I believe to be true. The Catalina is considerably larger, more stable in bigger seas, and has more sophisticated hardware. (self tailing winches for one thing) It "feels" like a boat that is larger than a 25 footer with a centerboard. The interior is wide open really eliminating the claustrophobic feeling often present in smaller boats. It has an enclosed head. It is faster than the Hunter in bigger wind. It has a lot of power that requires reefing at 14 to 16 knots of wind. Its downsides are the engineering of the centerboard system, which requires periodic changing of the vectran line used to bring the board up, and substantial weather helm with the rudder that comes stock with the boat. Many owners upgrade the rudder first thing with an IDA Kick-up rudder that solves the weather helm issue and allows you to motor the boat in 2' of water. The Hunter is a great boat for protected waters...small bays, lakes etc. and has a pricing advantage. It has better cup holders,(my friend is always quick to remind me), and sails a bit faster when the wind is 4 knots or less. Its interior plan is well thought out with being mostly open with a curtain for privacy on the porta-potty. The downsides of the Hunter are its lighter hardware, sailcloth, and actual boat weight. If you step on it...she really rocks. She is challenging to sail with less than a 20 degree heel in 7 or more knots of wind. Both boats trailer really well, with the Catalina having a bit of advantage because of the dual wheel trailer, and both boats have decent mast raising systems that are easy to use. My advice is if you can swing the extra cash, and you plan on going into larger bodies of water...like the ocean or the Chesapeake Bay, go with the Catalina. If you want a boat for a small lake or inland bay, and are primarily daysailing, go with the Hunter!
Hunter 260
I almost forgot...If you are considering the Hunter 260...it may have a beam that makes it illegal to trailer in your state without a permit, and it has higher bridge clearance needs!
I almost forgot...If you are considering the Hunter 260...it may have a beam that makes it illegal to trailer in your state without a permit, and it has higher bridge clearance needs!
Owners Forums
One more thing I forgot...two kids and 2 adults would work out fine for a weekend in the Catalina. It has "doubles" fore and aft, and again the enlosed head is a blessing in this situaion. The pop-top adds great ventilation and headroom! You probably should visit the owners forum for both boats for a while to get an idea of the owners issues and delights before purchasing! The nice thing about the Catalina Forum, is that every problem you could imagine ever having has already been solved...ever notice how many engineers are sailors? I am certain the Hunter Forum is just as informative.
One more thing I forgot...two kids and 2 adults would work out fine for a weekend in the Catalina. It has "doubles" fore and aft, and again the enlosed head is a blessing in this situaion. The pop-top adds great ventilation and headroom! You probably should visit the owners forum for both boats for a while to get an idea of the owners issues and delights before purchasing! The nice thing about the Catalina Forum, is that every problem you could imagine ever having has already been solved...ever notice how many engineers are sailors? I am certain the Hunter Forum is just as informative.
C250
Willy gives good points. We have a C250 Wing Keel. The wing gives 9" more headroom but trade-off is more difficult launch and retrieval. Not too hard but takes longer. We love the 250 and have gone on two-week cruises in the San Juans. Enclosed head, large aft berth, roomy interior make for comfortable sailing. We have trailered thousands of miles. The trailer's mast rasing system is excellent. As Willy said the hardware is good and the wing's hardware is even beefier than the water ballast. We moved up from a C22 and the difference is huge.
Willy gives good points. We have a C250 Wing Keel. The wing gives 9" more headroom but trade-off is more difficult launch and retrieval. Not too hard but takes longer. We love the 250 and have gone on two-week cruises in the San Juans. Enclosed head, large aft berth, roomy interior make for comfortable sailing. We have trailered thousands of miles. The trailer's mast rasing system is excellent. As Willy said the hardware is good and the wing's hardware is even beefier than the water ballast. We moved up from a C22 and the difference is huge.
Echo
I'll echo what Willy and Randy have said. I might add that you visit the Catalina 25/250 website and read a series of threads written by a couple that trailered/sailed their boat from Vancouver to Vancouver by way of San Diego, Ft. Lauderdale and The Trent-Severn Canal. They "Circumnavigated" the United States. Sure does speak to the trailerability and livability of the C250. The curtain for the porta-potti would keep my admiral off a Hunter. One more thing, don't confuse the swing keel of the C25 with the centerboard of the C250-Water Ballast. More than a 1000# difference. I have a C250 Wing Keel.
I'll echo what Willy and Randy have said. I might add that you visit the Catalina 25/250 website and read a series of threads written by a couple that trailered/sailed their boat from Vancouver to Vancouver by way of San Diego, Ft. Lauderdale and The Trent-Severn Canal. They "Circumnavigated" the United States. Sure does speak to the trailerability and livability of the C250. The curtain for the porta-potti would keep my admiral off a Hunter. One more thing, don't confuse the swing keel of the C25 with the centerboard of the C250-Water Ballast. More than a 1000# difference. I have a C250 Wing Keel.
Indoor storage
All of the aforementioned topics have been excellent points. We have a 240 that we are thrilled with. I used the boat 32 times in the 06 season and 38 times in 07. My longest strech on the boat was 4 nights at time. Both of these models are readily trailerable (with a possible advantage going to the 250's dual axel trailer). I purchased the 240 primarily for two reasons: the boat and the gentleman I got it from were each of unsurpassable integrity, and the 250 will not fit thru my 9' x 9' barn door. This might not seem like a big point, but it is very nice to be able to work on it in the warm and dry during the winter. Good luck with your choice, and if you are in southern In. between April and November, look me up for a boat ride. Don
All of the aforementioned topics have been excellent points. We have a 240 that we are thrilled with. I used the boat 32 times in the 06 season and 38 times in 07. My longest strech on the boat was 4 nights at time. Both of these models are readily trailerable (with a possible advantage going to the 250's dual axel trailer). I purchased the 240 primarily for two reasons: the boat and the gentleman I got it from were each of unsurpassable integrity, and the 250 will not fit thru my 9' x 9' barn door. This might not seem like a big point, but it is very nice to be able to work on it in the warm and dry during the winter. Good luck with your choice, and if you are in southern In. between April and November, look me up for a boat ride. Don
Thanks - great comments - leaning to C250
All - thanks for the great comments, this was my first post and the insightful comments certainly exceeded my expectations. I was not aware the 240 didn't have an enclosed head. For that and other reasons like hardware quality and overall slightly larger size, I think I'm leaning toward the Catalina 250. I had kind of ruled out the Hunter 260 due to cost, but I do think it would be a great choice too. Now, I just need to decide abou the WB vs. wing keel. I've seen this one hotly debated already on the boards, so no need to reopen it here. Actaully, since the waiting list for a slip is a couple years long here, I would much prefer the WB, but the Wing Keel seems to be more available. So, I would be interested in comments from people with the wing keel on how easy it is to get in and out of the water (I would have to do this every time I sailed it). Brett
All - thanks for the great comments, this was my first post and the insightful comments certainly exceeded my expectations. I was not aware the 240 didn't have an enclosed head. For that and other reasons like hardware quality and overall slightly larger size, I think I'm leaning toward the Catalina 250. I had kind of ruled out the Hunter 260 due to cost, but I do think it would be a great choice too. Now, I just need to decide abou the WB vs. wing keel. I've seen this one hotly debated already on the boards, so no need to reopen it here. Actaully, since the waiting list for a slip is a couple years long here, I would much prefer the WB, but the Wing Keel seems to be more available. So, I would be interested in comments from people with the wing keel on how easy it is to get in and out of the water (I would have to do this every time I sailed it). Brett
We have a C-25
Ours is a fin keel/standard rig with a traditional interior. This is two settees facing each other mid cabin. The head is forward on port side with just a sliding curtain for privacy. The boat only has a quarter berth at the back of the cabin and it can not hold 2 people comfortably not to mention the small V berth. More on that later. We bought the C25 as our learning platform since we just began sailing 2 years ago. However, in that tme we have developed a list of must haves and it is why I am looking at a larger boat and since the Admiral wants a bigger one, the sooner the better. Here are my wants/wishes of a bigger boat: 1. Headroom. In the older C25's, I have to stoop to walk about the cabin. By the end of the season, I either stoop over when I walk, or have bruises on the top of my head from hitting the cross members in the cabin bulkhead. 2. Better Galley. Our boat has only a 1 burner portable butane stove like you see at buffets and such. It is ok, but is not that practical for cooking more than 1 thing at a time. 3. Enclosed Head without a porta potty. What the Admiral wants she usually gets. And in this case, I am fully supporting her desires. 4. Rear berth under cockpit that sleeps 2 adults comfortably. In ours, the V berth is great for getting kicked in the head when someone wants in or out and you are both in. We want a berth that we can keep made up and fall into when we reach the end of the day. 5. This is optional for me, but again the Admiral is pushing. Wheel steering. Now I know that you have a better feel with a tiller and I really don't mind steering with it. But, the Admiral accidentally ran into another sailboat when she pulled the tiller in the wrong direction. No major damage except to her self esteem. I will say that we are very glad that we didn't go out and spend a lot for our first boat until we got a feel for what we wanted long term. It has many extras, new running rigging, depth/knot meter, stereo, and an electric pump on the water system. So it is well equipped. But... I am glad we didn't put much into the first boat because we can now look for what suits our needs, and can still use the older one for our learning curve. BTW: We are not trailer sailors...and I am really glad we aren't. There is enough to do each time we go out and return without stepping the mast and loading and unloading each time. I hope you do find a slip, it is my preference for a sailboat.
Ours is a fin keel/standard rig with a traditional interior. This is two settees facing each other mid cabin. The head is forward on port side with just a sliding curtain for privacy. The boat only has a quarter berth at the back of the cabin and it can not hold 2 people comfortably not to mention the small V berth. More on that later. We bought the C25 as our learning platform since we just began sailing 2 years ago. However, in that tme we have developed a list of must haves and it is why I am looking at a larger boat and since the Admiral wants a bigger one, the sooner the better. Here are my wants/wishes of a bigger boat: 1. Headroom. In the older C25's, I have to stoop to walk about the cabin. By the end of the season, I either stoop over when I walk, or have bruises on the top of my head from hitting the cross members in the cabin bulkhead. 2. Better Galley. Our boat has only a 1 burner portable butane stove like you see at buffets and such. It is ok, but is not that practical for cooking more than 1 thing at a time. 3. Enclosed Head without a porta potty. What the Admiral wants she usually gets. And in this case, I am fully supporting her desires. 4. Rear berth under cockpit that sleeps 2 adults comfortably. In ours, the V berth is great for getting kicked in the head when someone wants in or out and you are both in. We want a berth that we can keep made up and fall into when we reach the end of the day. 5. This is optional for me, but again the Admiral is pushing. Wheel steering. Now I know that you have a better feel with a tiller and I really don't mind steering with it. But, the Admiral accidentally ran into another sailboat when she pulled the tiller in the wrong direction. No major damage except to her self esteem. I will say that we are very glad that we didn't go out and spend a lot for our first boat until we got a feel for what we wanted long term. It has many extras, new running rigging, depth/knot meter, stereo, and an electric pump on the water system. So it is well equipped. But... I am glad we didn't put much into the first boat because we can now look for what suits our needs, and can still use the older one for our learning curve. BTW: We are not trailer sailors...and I am really glad we aren't. There is enough to do each time we go out and return without stepping the mast and loading and unloading each time. I hope you do find a slip, it is my preference for a sailboat.
Strap Launch
Brett, we use a long 4" nylon tow strap to launch the trailer. Using the trailer itself will not get the boat out far enough. The procedure is not hard but I would guess it will add 15 minutes to each launch and retrieve. MOst people use about 20 feet of strap. On our yacht club very low incline ramp I have used 60' of strap to retrieve. Process goes like this: Back trailer to water's edge. Chock trailer wheels. Uncouple and pull vehicle forward. Attach strap to hitch (I use a special hitch) and trailer A frame. Pull vehicle forward to tighten strap. Remove chocks from trailer wheels. Back up until boat floats off trailer. Pull up until trailer wheels are out of water. Chock trailer wheels. Remove strap. Back up vehicle and re-hitch. Pull away. We have a slip but I do this a few times a year when we travel. If you lauch a lot then the WB is easier. The WK has more headroom and we wanted that. If you get a C250 do join the Association and use the web site and forums. They are great.
Brett, we use a long 4" nylon tow strap to launch the trailer. Using the trailer itself will not get the boat out far enough. The procedure is not hard but I would guess it will add 15 minutes to each launch and retrieve. MOst people use about 20 feet of strap. On our yacht club very low incline ramp I have used 60' of strap to retrieve. Process goes like this: Back trailer to water's edge. Chock trailer wheels. Uncouple and pull vehicle forward. Attach strap to hitch (I use a special hitch) and trailer A frame. Pull vehicle forward to tighten strap. Remove chocks from trailer wheels. Back up until boat floats off trailer. Pull up until trailer wheels are out of water. Chock trailer wheels. Remove strap. Back up vehicle and re-hitch. Pull away. We have a slip but I do this a few times a year when we travel. If you lauch a lot then the WB is easier. The WK has more headroom and we wanted that. If you get a C250 do join the Association and use the web site and forums. They are great.
- Status