Hunter 30 vs Catalina 30

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Rick A

Currently looking at purchasing a boat and would like to hear what you feel are the advantages/disadvantages of each of the 2 models. I am looking at boats in the 1978 to 1983 range....
 
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Laura Bertran

Check out the Hunter 31

I think the H31, built in the 80's, is a great boat in that size range. Very fast and fun to sail, though a bit tender. The cabin beats anything in that size range and even bigger. Have fun looking.
 
Jun 3, 2004
275
- - USA
Hunterlina Marketplace

As expected, there are advantages and disadvantages to both of these vessels. I sailed both and know a bit about them. Performance is similiar. The market priced depends on your location and to some extent where they are made. Catalinas are everywhere but more plentiful and less expensive on the west coast. Hunters are more common on the east coast and it is my observation that they sell for less than Catalina boats do. I consider resale value when buying a boat like these. You asked about problems and in that era fiberglass blister were common especially on boats that stayed in warm water all year long. They both have been know to have them. Catalina started factory barrier coats in 1987 that reduced but didn't eliminate blisters. They also added a wing keel option which I am not fond of. It reduced draft and performance and it difficult to float after it runs aground. Laura recommended looking at the h31 which has a nice layout and performance rating. Take a look but note it has a cast iron keel that will rust forever. note: I've owned both Catalina and Hunter vessels and would but another because they are good value for coastal cruisers
 
May 21, 2004
172
Hunter 31_83-87 Milwaukee South Shore Yacht Club
have sailed both but ended with Hunter 31

I raced for a number of years on a friends Catalina 30. It was a nice boat to race on but under-powered and not enough space for cruising. We ended up buying a Hunter 31 mainly because we found one that fit our budget. We like the extra room inside but the Catalina had more cockpit space. We prefer the 2GM20F in the Hunter over the one cylinder engine in the Catalina. I'm biased toward Hunters because I have one and are very familiar with it. However, I like Catalinas and would have bought one if I could have afforded a 320. No Hunter or Catalina is going to maintain a good resale value. You have to go to much more expensive boats to get that. You can get your money's worth in sailing pleasure though. Something that will never happen in a more expensive boat. IMHO
 
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Steve O.

cast iron keel

I have a cast iron keel on my 1988 33.5 and no rust. If it is prepared and painted properly there should be no problem. I wouldn't consider that an issue unless the keel was visibly rusted upon inspection.
 
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Rick A

What do you like/dis-like about each...

Thanks but, I need a little more guys/gals...good points, things that bug you, etc. The Catalina 30 reportedly has the largest cabin but the layout for the cockpit seems great on the Hunter 30... What conditions do they perform best in? Weather helm? Maintenance issues? Vibration? Best upgrades?
 
Dec 2, 1999
15,184
Hunter Vision-36 Rio Vista, CA.
Just to opposite.

Rick: I do not know what Hunter you are referring to, but Catalina's almost always have a better cockpit that the Hunters (pre-90's). I have had several Catalina 30 owners aboard our H'31 and all of them thought our interior was superior to the Catalina. You have left a lot of open questions. What years are we comparing? Do you care about a diesel vs a gas engine? Our '85 H'31 has been trouble free. We have had a compress post leak (comissioing problem). We have never had a single blister and this boat is in warm fresh water (worst case senario). No leaks from the rail, windows etc. If you are looking at the Cherubini models, you are not going to find a better sailing boat in this price range. They have a very neutral helm and are moderately stiff. The later boats are more tender, but not bad. If you post some more details about exactly what you want to compare you WILL get the answers that you are looking for.
 
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