An answer from a convert
James, If your boat age estimate is firm, I'd probably go for a Catalina. The best buys on the left coast when I looked were in the 36 models, though I was able to find a few 34s to look at, mostly overpriced. But take a look at older Hunters. I say that because I ended up with a 1979 37 foot Hunter (Cherubini/cutter) which I am very happy with. The Hunters of recent years seem to me to have lots of interior space, high windage, and decreasing workmanship where it counts. (Visit a boat show and compare new ones.) Some folks love them. The older models, if well cared for, seem better. I was looking for a 30-34 foot Catalina, 1989-1993, but the few I found were older than that to get the price I wanted. As a result, I ended up with the Cherubini Hunter designed for cruising couples. Check the owners postings for enthusiasm. For the same price as a 34 Catalina (early 1980s vintage) I got a solid 37 foot cutter (easier sail handling) with a wonderful interior, full electronics, heavy ground tackle, two extra sets of sails, an engine with less than 1000 hours and a dinghy. The boat was recently sailed/motored from San Diego to San Francisco through heavy seas and wind and came through with one broken stereo speaker (I failed to attach it properly) and salt spray everywhere. It requires upkeep, as a 23-year-old boat should, but no more than we can handle. So far it has lived up to its name. Sanders LaMont SV Good News
