I'm fairly new to sailing and have always like the interior feel of the Hunters. (My wife perfers them as well - just as important). I've never sailed one as the place I rent from doesn't have any and says they are not built nor sail as well as the Catalinas. Any one have experience with both and can weigh-in on this? I will certainly sail a Hunter before I buy (about 2 years off after we move to FL). But like to get some opinions. Thanks, Bill
- Status
GIGO reigns supreme on the internet....
I have said it before: in more ways than one the internet is like a giant computer. The quality of the output you seek is directly related to the quality of your input. This is called the GIGO (garbage in, garbage out) principle. First of all, which Hunter(s) and which Catalina(s). You don't really expect all Catalinas (or all Hunters) to sail equally well or equally bad, do you? Neither should you expect that 1980, 1990 0r 2000 vessels all have the same quality of construction. Finally, even if you knew what you were talking about, do you really expect to get a useful answer from a board of highly biased Hunter and Catalina owners? The answers should be fairly predictable to anyone who is not hopelessly naive.........or bent on starting a flame war (?). In 1990 I faced the same question. Went to Tidewater Marine in Havre de Grace (Cheseapeake); one of the few (only?) dealers in the USA selling both Catalinas and Hunters. A new Catalina 42 and a Hunter 43 were sitting side by side. My wife and I spent an hour or two running in and out, as well as under and over and easily agreed on the Hunter 43. Would the outcome be the same if we did that again today? Who knows. However, this approach is highly recommended and will give you a much better answer than you can expect from this highly biased board. Leave us in and at PEACE, please. Flying Dutchman
I have said it before: in more ways than one the internet is like a giant computer. The quality of the output you seek is directly related to the quality of your input. This is called the GIGO (garbage in, garbage out) principle. First of all, which Hunter(s) and which Catalina(s). You don't really expect all Catalinas (or all Hunters) to sail equally well or equally bad, do you? Neither should you expect that 1980, 1990 0r 2000 vessels all have the same quality of construction. Finally, even if you knew what you were talking about, do you really expect to get a useful answer from a board of highly biased Hunter and Catalina owners? The answers should be fairly predictable to anyone who is not hopelessly naive.........or bent on starting a flame war (?). In 1990 I faced the same question. Went to Tidewater Marine in Havre de Grace (Cheseapeake); one of the few (only?) dealers in the USA selling both Catalinas and Hunters. A new Catalina 42 and a Hunter 43 were sitting side by side. My wife and I spent an hour or two running in and out, as well as under and over and easily agreed on the Hunter 43. Would the outcome be the same if we did that again today? Who knows. However, this approach is highly recommended and will give you a much better answer than you can expect from this highly biased board. Leave us in and at PEACE, please. Flying Dutchman
We all know that a lot of the information found on this site is opinion. Never the less, that doesn't mean it shouldn't be written. Henk, obviously didn't get enough sleep last night. But he does, as usual, make some good points. My first sail boat was a Catilina 30. It worked fine when used as a weekender and limited coastal cruiser. My second sail boat was a Watkins 36. It was suitable for 30 day trips to the Bahamas, and very limited off shore. My present boat is a Passage 42 which I intend to use for trips to Bermuda and the Caribbean. All three boats have compromises in both sailing ability and build quality. To make any comparison you must first decide what you intend to use the boat for. Then, if you are fortunate enough to have the two competing designs close together, like at a boat show, go through each noting their advantages and disadvantages. Arrange with the competeing manufacturers for a test sail. If you are looking for a used boat, things become more complicated. Boats from the same manufacturer differ significantly in quality depending on which years they were built. A good example would be mid 80's Hunter compared to early 90's Hunter. In any event, I think it would be categorically wrong to make any blanket statement concerning the build quality or sailing ability of Hunter vs. Catalina. I looked at both before making my purchase, same year and same size, and chose the Hunter. Someone else may have chosen the Catalina. Ultimately, your purchase decision should be controlled by the factual information you are able to obtain and not by the subjective opinions of others. Good luck in you search. A.B. P.S. Hope this isn't perceived as GO
Both make good boats
In looking for a used cruiser for Lake Erie last year, I saw a number of older Hunters and Catalinas in the 27 to 30 foot classes. Take Al's advice. Figure out what kind of sailing you want to do, and then begin a systematic search for a boat that fits them. Then buy the one you like, after good "due diligence" (survey, etc.) After hanging out on this site and seeing lots of posts from owners of both makes, it is very clear that there are few is any patterns of problems across the lines or through the years. We ended up looking at a Catalina 30, and a Hunter 27, and bought the latter for her shallow draft. We feel very good about that decision, but are quite sure that the Catalina would have been just as good for us if our harbor could have handled a 5' 6 " draft.
In looking for a used cruiser for Lake Erie last year, I saw a number of older Hunters and Catalinas in the 27 to 30 foot classes. Take Al's advice. Figure out what kind of sailing you want to do, and then begin a systematic search for a boat that fits them. Then buy the one you like, after good "due diligence" (survey, etc.) After hanging out on this site and seeing lots of posts from owners of both makes, it is very clear that there are few is any patterns of problems across the lines or through the years. We ended up looking at a Catalina 30, and a Hunter 27, and bought the latter for her shallow draft. We feel very good about that decision, but are quite sure that the Catalina would have been just as good for us if our harbor could have handled a 5' 6 " draft.
I've Owned Both
There are more Catalina's out west possibly because they are made there. When I was in the market several years ago in New England Catalina's seemed to demand a higher price in my area than Hunters of similiar size and age. To me this meant the Catalina had better resale value but used Hunters were a better overall value. I sailed several of each and they don't sail much different than each other. Other observations: Several Catalina 30's I saw pre 1987 seem to be prone to fiberglass blisters. I dislike the wing keel they made in the late 80's. Hunter 31-34's from the same period had cast iron keels which are prone to rust. (rust never sleeps) I think many Hunters outperform Catalinas and this is supported by their lower PHRF rating although they are close. Hunter's designs are generally more innovative. Innovation involves some level of risk. They're not afraid to try new ideas but not all of them work well. Personally I would avoid going too far off shore in either of these vessels but you can't beat them for live aboard or coastal cruising. Find a used one you can afford and get a good survey. I'm not a fan of the newer designs (or the big price tags) Barry s/v "PER DIEM too"
There are more Catalina's out west possibly because they are made there. When I was in the market several years ago in New England Catalina's seemed to demand a higher price in my area than Hunters of similiar size and age. To me this meant the Catalina had better resale value but used Hunters were a better overall value. I sailed several of each and they don't sail much different than each other. Other observations: Several Catalina 30's I saw pre 1987 seem to be prone to fiberglass blisters. I dislike the wing keel they made in the late 80's. Hunter 31-34's from the same period had cast iron keels which are prone to rust. (rust never sleeps) I think many Hunters outperform Catalinas and this is supported by their lower PHRF rating although they are close. Hunter's designs are generally more innovative. Innovation involves some level of risk. They're not afraid to try new ideas but not all of them work well. Personally I would avoid going too far off shore in either of these vessels but you can't beat them for live aboard or coastal cruising. Find a used one you can afford and get a good survey. I'm not a fan of the newer designs (or the big price tags) Barry s/v "PER DIEM too"
GIGO revisited
Al is right; I did not get enough sleep and was embarrassed to reread my harsh response a few hours later. My apologies to Bill Potter. Just to make clear what often prompts me to exasperated (rather than intentionally angry) responses on the internet, allow me to add a few observations. When I see wide-open questions such as: "what kind of boat do I need for blue water sailing?" or "is a Hunter better than a Catalina?" I instantly feel sorry for 2 persons: the one who asks the question (and apparently could not vome up with a better one) and the one who is a big enough sucker to try and answer it (probably me....). So, usually I manage to resist the temptation. In this case, however, the "Hunter vs. Catalina" title must have gotten my adrenalin flowing. Having spent a couple of years on alt.sailing.asa (at times a pretty decent newsgroup again now that some of the trollers and flamers have almost run out of steam), rec.boats.cruising (just a shadow of what it used to be in the days of Paul, Terry and Anders) and the infamous CWB BB, I have come to appreciate the damage that controversial discussions about the merits of one brand of vessel vs. the next can do and to treasure the civility and peace of HOW and it's associated boards. Of course, harsh comments do not serve the peace very well either. I should have known better. Flying Dutchman
Al is right; I did not get enough sleep and was embarrassed to reread my harsh response a few hours later. My apologies to Bill Potter. Just to make clear what often prompts me to exasperated (rather than intentionally angry) responses on the internet, allow me to add a few observations. When I see wide-open questions such as: "what kind of boat do I need for blue water sailing?" or "is a Hunter better than a Catalina?" I instantly feel sorry for 2 persons: the one who asks the question (and apparently could not vome up with a better one) and the one who is a big enough sucker to try and answer it (probably me....). So, usually I manage to resist the temptation. In this case, however, the "Hunter vs. Catalina" title must have gotten my adrenalin flowing. Having spent a couple of years on alt.sailing.asa (at times a pretty decent newsgroup again now that some of the trollers and flamers have almost run out of steam), rec.boats.cruising (just a shadow of what it used to be in the days of Paul, Terry and Anders) and the infamous CWB BB, I have come to appreciate the damage that controversial discussions about the merits of one brand of vessel vs. the next can do and to treasure the civility and peace of HOW and it's associated boards. Of course, harsh comments do not serve the peace very well either. I should have known better. Flying Dutchman
Cat -vs-Hunt
Given similar circumstances both boats will endure the same weather and founder in the same conditions. Personal likes in layout, interior and exterior, should be be the deciding factor given equal condition. Interesting that for both makes, we talk about 70s vintage and beyond. Should give you a clue about durability of both brands. Owner maintenance is what determines the quality of the older boat as much , if not more, than the actual manufaturer. Goood luck in finding the perfect boat for you and your family.
Given similar circumstances both boats will endure the same weather and founder in the same conditions. Personal likes in layout, interior and exterior, should be be the deciding factor given equal condition. Interesting that for both makes, we talk about 70s vintage and beyond. Should give you a clue about durability of both brands. Owner maintenance is what determines the quality of the older boat as much , if not more, than the actual manufaturer. Goood luck in finding the perfect boat for you and your family.
No contest!
No Contest! The Hunter is better constructed, more stable, much roomier, and is an all around better craft!
No Contest! The Hunter is better constructed, more stable, much roomier, and is an all around better craft!
you go, henk!
henk's right; it does get to be a tiresome argument. they're both production boats built to the same basic level of quality to compete against each other in the lower-cost end of the market. they both cut corners in ways that make knowledgable owners grind their teeth at night. catalina design tends toward the more traditional, hunter tends toward the more innovative. great to have choices. last time we bought a boat, i wanted to buy the 40' catalina with the twin wheels, but wonderblond fell in love with the hunter 410, which of course meant we bought the hunter. my only regret is that i didn't have enough cash on hand for us to argue between a saber and an oyster....... my advice is to sail both boats, read all the reviews, and then buy the one your wife wants to spend time on.
henk's right; it does get to be a tiresome argument. they're both production boats built to the same basic level of quality to compete against each other in the lower-cost end of the market. they both cut corners in ways that make knowledgable owners grind their teeth at night. catalina design tends toward the more traditional, hunter tends toward the more innovative. great to have choices. last time we bought a boat, i wanted to buy the 40' catalina with the twin wheels, but wonderblond fell in love with the hunter 410, which of course meant we bought the hunter. my only regret is that i didn't have enough cash on hand for us to argue between a saber and an oyster....... my advice is to sail both boats, read all the reviews, and then buy the one your wife wants to spend time on.
B&R Rig and Arch
Recently went through same evaluation. If we're talking about a new boat, the primary difference is the rig and overall "look" of the boat. The Hunter has the B&R rig and arch that makes the boat very easy to sail and provides a very safe feel. New Hunters have big mains and small headsails and noticeable lack of lines in the cockpit. The B&R rig inhibits sailing directly downwind. This is normally OK since it is usually faster to "tack" downwind. The Catalina has a smaller main and larger jib which means more winching when tacking. Catalinas have a conservative traditional design. Hunters have a modern design based on ergonomics and simplicity of handling. We picked the Hunter beacause we want a boat that will be very easy to handle as we get older but would have picked a Catalina 10 years ago based on its traditional design.
Recently went through same evaluation. If we're talking about a new boat, the primary difference is the rig and overall "look" of the boat. The Hunter has the B&R rig and arch that makes the boat very easy to sail and provides a very safe feel. New Hunters have big mains and small headsails and noticeable lack of lines in the cockpit. The B&R rig inhibits sailing directly downwind. This is normally OK since it is usually faster to "tack" downwind. The Catalina has a smaller main and larger jib which means more winching when tacking. Catalinas have a conservative traditional design. Hunters have a modern design based on ergonomics and simplicity of handling. We picked the Hunter beacause we want a boat that will be very easy to handle as we get older but would have picked a Catalina 10 years ago based on its traditional design.
Surveyed Both
In the last few years I have surveyed both Hunters and Catalinas. IMHO they both are built with the same quality. The difference to me is more in the execution. For every design flaw I see in one, I can find one on the other. This is really true on the boats made up to about 1990. Newer than that I have to say that IMHO the Hunter looks to be a little better. I sail a Hunter 34. When I looked at Cats and Hunters when we bought, the Hunter was hands down based on price and interior layout. I do like the Cat deck and cockpit better, its much more roomy. Oh well, another voice for the debate. Good luck, Dave
In the last few years I have surveyed both Hunters and Catalinas. IMHO they both are built with the same quality. The difference to me is more in the execution. For every design flaw I see in one, I can find one on the other. This is really true on the boats made up to about 1990. Newer than that I have to say that IMHO the Hunter looks to be a little better. I sail a Hunter 34. When I looked at Cats and Hunters when we bought, the Hunter was hands down based on price and interior layout. I do like the Cat deck and cockpit better, its much more roomy. Oh well, another voice for the debate. Good luck, Dave
Hunter is best for me
Dah -- Hunter is the best boat for me. I bought an '84 H31 last May -- my first big boat. Never compared it against Catalina --although a friend of mine has an old Cat 27 that looks cramped. So, not comparing to any Catalinas, my Hunter won hands-down. Consequently, there hasnt bee a free minute not spent on the boat. Just goes to show that whatever you get, I think youll love it. Duane
Dah -- Hunter is the best boat for me. I bought an '84 H31 last May -- my first big boat. Never compared it against Catalina --although a friend of mine has an old Cat 27 that looks cramped. So, not comparing to any Catalinas, my Hunter won hands-down. Consequently, there hasnt bee a free minute not spent on the boat. Just goes to show that whatever you get, I think youll love it. Duane
We own a "95" 336 and have enjoyed it very much... This is our 8th boat and I must say very well constructed. I even visited the factory and was very much impressed... When Hunter came out with the B&R Rig and proved via an Around the World sail it was a good rig I was sold. However I had to wait until the 336 was offered in a Two separate cabin arrangement... We normally cruise in the RI/MA waters but have sailed to Maine three times.. No problems!!!! Now I'll add fuel.. Have you thought of Benneteau? For a few $$$'s more I feel there is more to offer.. No B&R Rig but the layouts are good and I feel the construction is slightly better especially in the 38+ size... The cabins are no longer dark... Wilkie Marvel
No mistakes
Fortunately, you will probably not make a mistake with a Catalina, or a Beneteau, although you might, with a Hunter. But, there is a reason that they are the three largest sailboat builders in the world, which is that they all build a good product at a fair price. I can remember a time when I worked as a sailboat instructor for the local Beneteau dealer, lived on and cruised my Hunter, and raced a Catalina. I liked all three. But there ARE differences. Beneteaus are consistently fast hulls and excellent sailers. Even their in-mast-furler Oceanis series, which look like real clunkers, move beautifully. They are a little more money, and a little more finished. I don't think their build is any better, although THEY do! The Catalinas are the most conservative, with fewer models over the years, which is one reason they hold their value. They also seem to sail better than they look, at least to me. The Hunters are easily the most innovative. As others have mentioned, some of the innovations work out superbly, and others are disasters. So, pick carefully when it comes to "bright ideas". There are winners and loosers among them. The frequent model changes hurt resale prices but can lead to a better value in a used boat. I think that Hunters have always had the best standard of the three when it comes to equipment, and the sizing of the same. They do not seem to skimp on this. My personal Hunter is a 1980, which is generally thought of as a more erratic period in Hunter's history. I would agree. Some of the ancient Hunters were built very well, and some were built poorly. Mine (which I have owned for nineteen, mostly happy, years) was a middle-of-the-road build. But, with some modifications and corrections, she has served very well to live aboard, cruise extensively, and even use for serious offshore work. And, I have known people who have circumnavigated in Catalinas, Hunters and Beneteaus. I remember one guy who did it in a Catalina 27. So you "pays your money and takes your choice". One VERY IMPORTANT caveat is that commisioning is crucial. If you are buying new, talk to as many customers of the dealer as you can. See how they put everything together and how they back their work. There are very professional and very un-professional examples, I am afraid. In an older boat, your survey should be able to answer these questions. And, in the end, when you have narrowed the choices, I guess it really DOES come down to the boat that will get you and the mate on the water most frequently. Good luck, and have fun.
Fortunately, you will probably not make a mistake with a Catalina, or a Beneteau, although you might, with a Hunter. But, there is a reason that they are the three largest sailboat builders in the world, which is that they all build a good product at a fair price. I can remember a time when I worked as a sailboat instructor for the local Beneteau dealer, lived on and cruised my Hunter, and raced a Catalina. I liked all three. But there ARE differences. Beneteaus are consistently fast hulls and excellent sailers. Even their in-mast-furler Oceanis series, which look like real clunkers, move beautifully. They are a little more money, and a little more finished. I don't think their build is any better, although THEY do! The Catalinas are the most conservative, with fewer models over the years, which is one reason they hold their value. They also seem to sail better than they look, at least to me. The Hunters are easily the most innovative. As others have mentioned, some of the innovations work out superbly, and others are disasters. So, pick carefully when it comes to "bright ideas". There are winners and loosers among them. The frequent model changes hurt resale prices but can lead to a better value in a used boat. I think that Hunters have always had the best standard of the three when it comes to equipment, and the sizing of the same. They do not seem to skimp on this. My personal Hunter is a 1980, which is generally thought of as a more erratic period in Hunter's history. I would agree. Some of the ancient Hunters were built very well, and some were built poorly. Mine (which I have owned for nineteen, mostly happy, years) was a middle-of-the-road build. But, with some modifications and corrections, she has served very well to live aboard, cruise extensively, and even use for serious offshore work. And, I have known people who have circumnavigated in Catalinas, Hunters and Beneteaus. I remember one guy who did it in a Catalina 27. So you "pays your money and takes your choice". One VERY IMPORTANT caveat is that commisioning is crucial. If you are buying new, talk to as many customers of the dealer as you can. See how they put everything together and how they back their work. There are very professional and very un-professional examples, I am afraid. In an older boat, your survey should be able to answer these questions. And, in the end, when you have narrowed the choices, I guess it really DOES come down to the boat that will get you and the mate on the water most frequently. Good luck, and have fun.
Don't like B&R rig
Bill, you didn't indicate whether you are considering a new or used boat. My advice would be to get a smaller used one 10-15 years old, particularly as a first boat. You won't feel so bad about denting the pulpit when you run into the dock. After you get familiar with sailing and boat ownership you can trade up with less fear of damaging your baby. Less important as to whether you buy an H C or B (tho' smaller Cat's have been very popular) is how well the boat was maintained. Make sure to have her surveyed before you buy. I have and love an '88 H35. But if I was buying a new production boat it would probably be a Cat or Bene. The post '94-95 B&R rigs on H's are very swept back, limiting the amount you can ease the main downwind. They do allow a big full roach, but those sails can be a pain to handle on bigger boats. I do like a fractional rig with a smaller easy to handle foresail, but I noticed the newer Hunters are going back to the mast head rig. There should have a cutter stay rigged for serious offshore work (tho' Cats and Benes don't come with a cutter rigged either, I don't think). Personally, I don't see a huge difference in quality between the three manufacturers. I wll say this about Hunter, tho', I have been consistently impressed over the last 2-3 years I've followed this board as to the commitment Hunter gives to its customers. Time and again I've read about Hunter coming thru to make things right, even when they didn't have to. With few exceptions. I'm not as familiar with the record of Catalina or Beneteau. For their demonstrated customer support, and because Hunters are reasonably priced boats that are easy to sail, I'd recommend Hunter generally to someone who is budget conscious and buying a new boat for the first time.
Bill, you didn't indicate whether you are considering a new or used boat. My advice would be to get a smaller used one 10-15 years old, particularly as a first boat. You won't feel so bad about denting the pulpit when you run into the dock. After you get familiar with sailing and boat ownership you can trade up with less fear of damaging your baby. Less important as to whether you buy an H C or B (tho' smaller Cat's have been very popular) is how well the boat was maintained. Make sure to have her surveyed before you buy. I have and love an '88 H35. But if I was buying a new production boat it would probably be a Cat or Bene. The post '94-95 B&R rigs on H's are very swept back, limiting the amount you can ease the main downwind. They do allow a big full roach, but those sails can be a pain to handle on bigger boats. I do like a fractional rig with a smaller easy to handle foresail, but I noticed the newer Hunters are going back to the mast head rig. There should have a cutter stay rigged for serious offshore work (tho' Cats and Benes don't come with a cutter rigged either, I don't think). Personally, I don't see a huge difference in quality between the three manufacturers. I wll say this about Hunter, tho', I have been consistently impressed over the last 2-3 years I've followed this board as to the commitment Hunter gives to its customers. Time and again I've read about Hunter coming thru to make things right, even when they didn't have to. With few exceptions. I'm not as familiar with the record of Catalina or Beneteau. For their demonstrated customer support, and because Hunters are reasonably priced boats that are easy to sail, I'd recommend Hunter generally to someone who is budget conscious and buying a new boat for the first time.
Not to turn this into a B and R thread...
...but the large roach main is a snap to handle, even on the 450. In fact, it was a _lot_ easier than handling the genoa on my 42. I never experienced much inconvenience with the swept back spreaders, so personally, I'd give preference to a boat with a B and R. Not trying to start a fight - just thought I'd add a counterpoint.
...but the large roach main is a snap to handle, even on the 450. In fact, it was a _lot_ easier than handling the genoa on my 42. I never experienced much inconvenience with the swept back spreaders, so personally, I'd give preference to a boat with a B and R. Not trying to start a fight - just thought I'd add a counterpoint.
my 2 cents on B&R
Time and again I hear people criticize the B&R rig because it inhibits the mainsail when going downwind. Actually, ANY mainsail is inefficient when sheeted out and laying flat on the spreaders. This is true for Catalina, Beneteau, IP, Hinckley, etc etc. The solution is to get a spinnaker, cruising or otherwise, and the problem is solved. The spinnaker is so much more efficient when going downwind, and a cruiser can be used for reaching in light air. BTW, I've owned Catalina and Hunter, and I've never noticed any appreciable difference in quality. They are just different boats, with different layouts and rigs, and the buyer should opt for the boat that feels right for him (or her).
Time and again I hear people criticize the B&R rig because it inhibits the mainsail when going downwind. Actually, ANY mainsail is inefficient when sheeted out and laying flat on the spreaders. This is true for Catalina, Beneteau, IP, Hinckley, etc etc. The solution is to get a spinnaker, cruising or otherwise, and the problem is solved. The spinnaker is so much more efficient when going downwind, and a cruiser can be used for reaching in light air. BTW, I've owned Catalina and Hunter, and I've never noticed any appreciable difference in quality. They are just different boats, with different layouts and rigs, and the buyer should opt for the boat that feels right for him (or her).
First boat for Bill?
As many have allready mentioned, Bill has not given us much to go on. If he really is a beginner, let us consider the "VW Bug" of all sail boats, the Catalina 22 swing keel. I can't think of a boat with more support from owners out there because there are so darn many of them. If he is allready beyond a 22, and want's something larger, and like most of us, will be looking at boats that are several years old, The older Catalinas are nice and there plenty out there, but for a vintage production boat, The Cherubini Hunters stand head and shoulders above the Catalinas'. Don Bodemann
As many have allready mentioned, Bill has not given us much to go on. If he really is a beginner, let us consider the "VW Bug" of all sail boats, the Catalina 22 swing keel. I can't think of a boat with more support from owners out there because there are so darn many of them. If he is allready beyond a 22, and want's something larger, and like most of us, will be looking at boats that are several years old, The older Catalinas are nice and there plenty out there, but for a vintage production boat, The Cherubini Hunters stand head and shoulders above the Catalinas'. Don Bodemann
Why wait 2 years? Peninsula Marina is closing!
I'm assuming you are in Santa Cruz. If you really want to get a boat, Peninsula Marina in Redwood City has evicted 400 tenants and there are many boats for sale that would be good choices for a first boat. I'm one of the evictees, but there's no way I'm selling my Hunter. Take a run over the hill and look. You can always move it to Santa Cruz and enjoy a boat in this category for a fire sale price. If you don't like it, you can always sell it and get your money back! Then again, you may love it and never want to let it go! There are a few Hunters, Catalinas, Coronados and Columbias for sale right now in the 25' to 40' range for incredibly decent prices -- and the prices are getting much more reasonable by the week! The marina owners are offering assistance to move boats wherever they relocate at little or no cost. Get the best boat with the best equipment and motor for your money! Take someone "in the know" along with you to help out. Sail it and enjoy it and decide what you love and hate about it now. You won't regret it. But you will have to find a place to put it before March 31. I'm gonna become a 2 boat family as a result, I've just not decided which 2nd fire sale boat I'm going to purchase just yet. There are some very sweet deals being made. Don't miss out if you are really serious. 101 South to Whipple, go east and into the marina. Walk the docks. You will be surprised at some of the very nice boats available. Ms. Toad's Wild Ride
I'm assuming you are in Santa Cruz. If you really want to get a boat, Peninsula Marina in Redwood City has evicted 400 tenants and there are many boats for sale that would be good choices for a first boat. I'm one of the evictees, but there's no way I'm selling my Hunter. Take a run over the hill and look. You can always move it to Santa Cruz and enjoy a boat in this category for a fire sale price. If you don't like it, you can always sell it and get your money back! Then again, you may love it and never want to let it go! There are a few Hunters, Catalinas, Coronados and Columbias for sale right now in the 25' to 40' range for incredibly decent prices -- and the prices are getting much more reasonable by the week! The marina owners are offering assistance to move boats wherever they relocate at little or no cost. Get the best boat with the best equipment and motor for your money! Take someone "in the know" along with you to help out. Sail it and enjoy it and decide what you love and hate about it now. You won't regret it. But you will have to find a place to put it before March 31. I'm gonna become a 2 boat family as a result, I've just not decided which 2nd fire sale boat I'm going to purchase just yet. There are some very sweet deals being made. Don't miss out if you are really serious. 101 South to Whipple, go east and into the marina. Walk the docks. You will be surprised at some of the very nice boats available. Ms. Toad's Wild Ride
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