I am looking to purchase my first boat. i have looked at catalina 30 and Hunter 31. It seems like I can get more boat for the money with the hunter but catalinas seem to have a better reputation. I was wondering if anyone can fill me in on there opinion or info about the two types, I like the Hunters layout but the Cataline seems a little more beefy and sturdy.
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Hunter
Back in the 70's & 80's (on some models up to 1990) I would have told you to go with Catalina. Hunter (late 80's) got their act together and redesign not only the boats but the attitude of the company on how they would build them. The reputaton from the past is still out there, but if you have not seen them lately you missing a lot. They are building for the next century. In my opinion, on Hunters from about 1990 on they are the leader in new ideas and concepts. Great boats with the same gear on them that you will find on boats twice the price. There are better boats out their but not near the price. You get what you pay for ! However, you get a lot more boat from Hunter at a lower price tag.
Back in the 70's & 80's (on some models up to 1990) I would have told you to go with Catalina. Hunter (late 80's) got their act together and redesign not only the boats but the attitude of the company on how they would build them. The reputaton from the past is still out there, but if you have not seen them lately you missing a lot. They are building for the next century. In my opinion, on Hunters from about 1990 on they are the leader in new ideas and concepts. Great boats with the same gear on them that you will find on boats twice the price. There are better boats out their but not near the price. You get what you pay for ! However, you get a lot more boat from Hunter at a lower price tag.
the great debate
Obviously the people on this site might be a little biased, however, I have previously owned a Catalina and now I'm on my second Hunter. I enjoyed my Catalina but when it came to moving up, I found, as you said, that I could get more boat for the buck in a Hunter. I am not convinced that Catalinas are built any "sturdier" or "beefier" as you say. Hunter has modernized their styling and layouts often, while Catalinas are essentially the same. Hunters have incorporated new technology (B&R rigs, for instance) while Catalinas have stayed with their conventional rigs. Don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking Catalinas, there are several models that I like a lot, but when you compare apples to apples, the Hunters come out on top, In my opinion. They are both "production" boats. They are not Hinckleys, Pacific Seacrafts, or Swans. I would love to own one of those "custom" boats, but rather than sit at the dock and save my money, I prefer to go sailing now. I have heard many erroneous facts stated by people about Hunters, but never from Hunter owners, always from people who have never owned one but think they know what they are talking about. Well, I'm rambling now, so my advice is by the boat you really like, and forget about what other people say.
Obviously the people on this site might be a little biased, however, I have previously owned a Catalina and now I'm on my second Hunter. I enjoyed my Catalina but when it came to moving up, I found, as you said, that I could get more boat for the buck in a Hunter. I am not convinced that Catalinas are built any "sturdier" or "beefier" as you say. Hunter has modernized their styling and layouts often, while Catalinas are essentially the same. Hunters have incorporated new technology (B&R rigs, for instance) while Catalinas have stayed with their conventional rigs. Don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking Catalinas, there are several models that I like a lot, but when you compare apples to apples, the Hunters come out on top, In my opinion. They are both "production" boats. They are not Hinckleys, Pacific Seacrafts, or Swans. I would love to own one of those "custom" boats, but rather than sit at the dock and save my money, I prefer to go sailing now. I have heard many erroneous facts stated by people about Hunters, but never from Hunter owners, always from people who have never owned one but think they know what they are talking about. Well, I'm rambling now, so my advice is by the boat you really like, and forget about what other people say.
Shop the boat, not the model
Given that you are looking at boats more than 10 years old, why limit yourself to these two models? Each older boat will have its own history, maintenance or lack thereof, upgrades, and accessories. The older a boat gets, the more its history matters, and the less its builder. You won't be buying the hypothesized average 1988 Namerino 30. You will be buying some specific boat. Its sails will be new, used but good, used and useless, or missing. Its bilge will be dry and spotless, or a toxic dump. Its engine will purr, or require three hours of a mechanic's time to start. It will be tight as a drum, or leak like a sieve. The hull may be solid, or riddled with pox. And so on, for its rigging, its electrical system, its plumbing, its hull and deck, its hardware, its ground tackle, etc. And most importantly, its owner may be eager to sell, or have an inflated notion of the boat's worth. NO ONE can predict these things by virtue of who built the boat. The two models you name are comparable, but that only means similar instances of both models are comparable. You won't find many similar instances. What you will find is a great diversity, even if you were looking solely at Catalina 30s. So it puzzles me why you would restrict your attention to just these two boats. If you look at an overpriced, undermaintained Catalina 30, why not then take a look at the C&C, S2, Cal, or Pearson lying next to it, which MIGHT be in pristine condition, full of new equipment, with an owner eager to sell before his six month trip to Japan? I am NOT steering you to more expensive, semi-custom boats. C&C, S2, Pearson, and Cal are all production boats. In this age range, price variation will more than make up for any difference in average price. I am NOT recommending any of these boats over the other. I just find it curious that someone shopping for an older boat would start by constraining themselves to one or two models. Shop the boat, not the model.
Given that you are looking at boats more than 10 years old, why limit yourself to these two models? Each older boat will have its own history, maintenance or lack thereof, upgrades, and accessories. The older a boat gets, the more its history matters, and the less its builder. You won't be buying the hypothesized average 1988 Namerino 30. You will be buying some specific boat. Its sails will be new, used but good, used and useless, or missing. Its bilge will be dry and spotless, or a toxic dump. Its engine will purr, or require three hours of a mechanic's time to start. It will be tight as a drum, or leak like a sieve. The hull may be solid, or riddled with pox. And so on, for its rigging, its electrical system, its plumbing, its hull and deck, its hardware, its ground tackle, etc. And most importantly, its owner may be eager to sell, or have an inflated notion of the boat's worth. NO ONE can predict these things by virtue of who built the boat. The two models you name are comparable, but that only means similar instances of both models are comparable. You won't find many similar instances. What you will find is a great diversity, even if you were looking solely at Catalina 30s. So it puzzles me why you would restrict your attention to just these two boats. If you look at an overpriced, undermaintained Catalina 30, why not then take a look at the C&C, S2, Cal, or Pearson lying next to it, which MIGHT be in pristine condition, full of new equipment, with an owner eager to sell before his six month trip to Japan? I am NOT steering you to more expensive, semi-custom boats. C&C, S2, Pearson, and Cal are all production boats. In this age range, price variation will more than make up for any difference in average price. I am NOT recommending any of these boats over the other. I just find it curious that someone shopping for an older boat would start by constraining themselves to one or two models. Shop the boat, not the model.
Did That Comparison a Few Years Ago
I looked at a bunch of boats and eventually narrowed my choise to a Catalina(30-36) or Hunter(34). My impression was that Catalina 30's made before 1987 were prone to blister problems. In '87 they added a factory barrier coat that seems to help. I also desired more tha 6' headroom. I bought the h34(similiar to h31) but there are a few negative points to that vessel. The cast iron keel want to rust no matter how you treat it. There is concern about problems with the compression post on these vessels. I like the room and layout better than the C30. Get a survey! Barry s/v "PER DIEM too"
I looked at a bunch of boats and eventually narrowed my choise to a Catalina(30-36) or Hunter(34). My impression was that Catalina 30's made before 1987 were prone to blister problems. In '87 they added a factory barrier coat that seems to help. I also desired more tha 6' headroom. I bought the h34(similiar to h31) but there are a few negative points to that vessel. The cast iron keel want to rust no matter how you treat it. There is concern about problems with the compression post on these vessels. I like the room and layout better than the C30. Get a survey! Barry s/v "PER DIEM too"
Cruise or Race?
Echo Ben T'hair's comments, and add "what type of sailing?" If you're racing in the club fleet, the H31 numbers are very hard to beat, literally. Both boats are good cruisers (condition being equal) but a well-sailed C30 will still drop behind even a nominally-sailed H31. I'm selling my H25 and moving up to a 30'-32' racer/cruiser. My requirements are headroom over 6', and numbers in the 130's - 150's range. Probably a Beneteau or an S2..... Even though my brother thinks I should buy his H31!! So - if you've gotten down to the "final" two boats (ala Ben), comparable in condition and price, and they just happen to be a H31 and a C30 - get the H31! Michael O'
Echo Ben T'hair's comments, and add "what type of sailing?" If you're racing in the club fleet, the H31 numbers are very hard to beat, literally. Both boats are good cruisers (condition being equal) but a well-sailed C30 will still drop behind even a nominally-sailed H31. I'm selling my H25 and moving up to a 30'-32' racer/cruiser. My requirements are headroom over 6', and numbers in the 130's - 150's range. Probably a Beneteau or an S2..... Even though my brother thinks I should buy his H31!! So - if you've gotten down to the "final" two boats (ala Ben), comparable in condition and price, and they just happen to be a H31 and a C30 - get the H31! Michael O'
All good advice...
...and I happen to own a Catalina and three Hunters. But still, you should follow the advice and shop the boat, not the model. I *am* partial to the H31 over the C30 "in general" but only because I've spent hundreds of hours on both. On the other hand, a friend of mine ran across a pretty good deal. He and his wife were looking for a cruiser/race-for-fun-only type boat. Their most important factors were good mechanical and operational condition and very clean as they tend to entertain clients on the boat and are not boat mechanics (nor desire to be). They found a boat that a "little ol' couple" had used when they retired. The "little ol' couple" bought it new, kept it on an inland lake, and had a professional maintain it. The "little ol' couple" decided to move to Florida and put the boat up for sale for "oh...about $20,000 sounds right" The boat is a Helms 32 in what I would view as "as new" condition. The engine had 109 hours on it. I think the year model is early 80's like '82. Now, Helms no longer exists, but everything on the boat is perfect and it is a Yanmar diesel so parts are easy to get if they ever reach 10,000 hours and have to replace something. Sails are in tip-top shape, roller furling works great, all the galley components work great, mechanically great boat. (I've tried to buy it from my friend.) OTOH, we go out together on occassion and he can keep up on a run with his 155% genoa versus my stock 100% working jib. The rest of the time, I have to steer a very awkward courseline so he can keep up. The point being, if you've already done your search and found a C30 and an H31 in the EXACT same condition, by the H31. If the two boats are not in the EXACT same condition, buy the one that's the best value. (Can it be repaired/upgraded/cleaned for less money than buying the other boat?) If you have not searched and searched and found these two competing boats, I agree that you should keep looking; especially for your first boat. Make sure you ask yourself some of the same questions presented in the thread: Race or Cruise? Want a project or bristol boat? How many people? Roller furling already installed or does it matter? Sails in good shape? last bit of advice: If you're not in a hurry (and you shouldn't be) call Practical Sailor and buy the first volume of Practical Boat Buying. It's a great book about boats up to 32 feet. (Volume Two goes 33 and up) It's roughly $30 and well worth the money to help you learn what to look for in a boat. I keep the books in my office and have helped many people buy the right boat for them by reviewing information in the books. HOW do I get so gabby? I swear everytime I'm gonna just say a word or two...
...and I happen to own a Catalina and three Hunters. But still, you should follow the advice and shop the boat, not the model. I *am* partial to the H31 over the C30 "in general" but only because I've spent hundreds of hours on both. On the other hand, a friend of mine ran across a pretty good deal. He and his wife were looking for a cruiser/race-for-fun-only type boat. Their most important factors were good mechanical and operational condition and very clean as they tend to entertain clients on the boat and are not boat mechanics (nor desire to be). They found a boat that a "little ol' couple" had used when they retired. The "little ol' couple" bought it new, kept it on an inland lake, and had a professional maintain it. The "little ol' couple" decided to move to Florida and put the boat up for sale for "oh...about $20,000 sounds right" The boat is a Helms 32 in what I would view as "as new" condition. The engine had 109 hours on it. I think the year model is early 80's like '82. Now, Helms no longer exists, but everything on the boat is perfect and it is a Yanmar diesel so parts are easy to get if they ever reach 10,000 hours and have to replace something. Sails are in tip-top shape, roller furling works great, all the galley components work great, mechanically great boat. (I've tried to buy it from my friend.) OTOH, we go out together on occassion and he can keep up on a run with his 155% genoa versus my stock 100% working jib. The rest of the time, I have to steer a very awkward courseline so he can keep up. The point being, if you've already done your search and found a C30 and an H31 in the EXACT same condition, by the H31. If the two boats are not in the EXACT same condition, buy the one that's the best value. (Can it be repaired/upgraded/cleaned for less money than buying the other boat?) If you have not searched and searched and found these two competing boats, I agree that you should keep looking; especially for your first boat. Make sure you ask yourself some of the same questions presented in the thread: Race or Cruise? Want a project or bristol boat? How many people? Roller furling already installed or does it matter? Sails in good shape? last bit of advice: If you're not in a hurry (and you shouldn't be) call Practical Sailor and buy the first volume of Practical Boat Buying. It's a great book about boats up to 32 feet. (Volume Two goes 33 and up) It's roughly $30 and well worth the money to help you learn what to look for in a boat. I keep the books in my office and have helped many people buy the right boat for them by reviewing information in the books. HOW do I get so gabby? I swear everytime I'm gonna just say a word or two...
I've had 3 Catalina's...
and now the proud new owner of a Hunter 460. Both the Catalina and the Hunter will give you alot of "bang for the buck". Hunter did not enjoy the best of reputaion back in the 80's, but they have come a long way since then. I think the interior design of the Hunters is superior to Catalina, I think the "fit and finish" of the Hunter is superior to Catalina. I also think that in terms of structural integrity the later model Hunters are every bit as sound as the Catalinas. If I didn't believe everything I just said, I'd be sailing my 4th Catalina. Good luck in your search! Mark Johnson S/V Anthem H460
and now the proud new owner of a Hunter 460. Both the Catalina and the Hunter will give you alot of "bang for the buck". Hunter did not enjoy the best of reputaion back in the 80's, but they have come a long way since then. I think the interior design of the Hunters is superior to Catalina, I think the "fit and finish" of the Hunter is superior to Catalina. I also think that in terms of structural integrity the later model Hunters are every bit as sound as the Catalinas. If I didn't believe everything I just said, I'd be sailing my 4th Catalina. Good luck in your search! Mark Johnson S/V Anthem H460
Hunter 31
They are both very good boats for the money. I owned a H31 for three years and sailed it every weekend in So. Cal. It was a 1987 model and was a great boat. I have also sailed extensively on a friends 1989 C30. Both are very comfortable boats. From a performance standpoint either under power or sail, the H31 wins hands down. The C30 is slooow!
They are both very good boats for the money. I owned a H31 for three years and sailed it every weekend in So. Cal. It was a 1987 model and was a great boat. I have also sailed extensively on a friends 1989 C30. Both are very comfortable boats. From a performance standpoint either under power or sail, the H31 wins hands down. The C30 is slooow!
catlina or hunter
I also was in the same cituation looking at both boats hunter or catalina. We decided we liked the layout of the hunter 31 and the room inside. We also could get a newer boat for less money, I have owned th 84 Hunter 31 for two years now.We love it, it is fast, roomy and very sturdy boat,since I have had it the hunter haters were surprised how well it handles and quick it was. Hunter did not seem to put some of the little things on their boat that Catalina did, but if you are buying a used boat the previous owners might have added things to it, that is something that makes a difference, what has been added to the boat. I had a hunter 25 before this one, they snickered at us when we were enjoying this boat, they cursed when we took the first in fleet trophy with the hunter 31.
I also was in the same cituation looking at both boats hunter or catalina. We decided we liked the layout of the hunter 31 and the room inside. We also could get a newer boat for less money, I have owned th 84 Hunter 31 for two years now.We love it, it is fast, roomy and very sturdy boat,since I have had it the hunter haters were surprised how well it handles and quick it was. Hunter did not seem to put some of the little things on their boat that Catalina did, but if you are buying a used boat the previous owners might have added things to it, that is something that makes a difference, what has been added to the boat. I had a hunter 25 before this one, they snickered at us when we were enjoying this boat, they cursed when we took the first in fleet trophy with the hunter 31.
Ask The Catalins owners
Why don't you ask the Catalina owners the same question? See what They have to say. Their web site is : http://www.c-2.com/forums/menu.tpl?fno=22 I am on my second Hunter (1999 H310) I looked at alot of boats and liked what the Hunter had to offer. Steve... s/v Odyssey
Why don't you ask the Catalina owners the same question? See what They have to say. Their web site is : http://www.c-2.com/forums/menu.tpl?fno=22 I am on my second Hunter (1999 H310) I looked at alot of boats and liked what the Hunter had to offer. Steve... s/v Odyssey
Cutting Edge versus Proven Tradition
Your choice depends on your personality. Do you want to live on the edge knowing that you are tapping the edge of advancement, with some mild risk, or would you rather know that what you have has been proven over the last 20 years. I chose the former and love beating the latter regularly. <grin> But it really depends on your personality.
Your choice depends on your personality. Do you want to live on the edge knowing that you are tapping the edge of advancement, with some mild risk, or would you rather know that what you have has been proven over the last 20 years. I chose the former and love beating the latter regularly. <grin> But it really depends on your personality.
Lots of good used boats out there
There are lots of good used boats available. Don't limit yourself to Hunter or Catalina. Also I wouldn't be overly concerned with age. Original construction quality and on-going maintenance are probably more important. You could easily find a fifteen year old boat that is superior to a similar ten year old boat. There are numerous on-line classified ads to shop. You might try Soundings first, lots of listings and can be sorted by state or region. Goodoldboat.com has links to many such sites. PS, I have an old H25 and believe its a better sailing boat than the new model Catalina 25 that I had before divorce.
There are lots of good used boats available. Don't limit yourself to Hunter or Catalina. Also I wouldn't be overly concerned with age. Original construction quality and on-going maintenance are probably more important. You could easily find a fifteen year old boat that is superior to a similar ten year old boat. There are numerous on-line classified ads to shop. You might try Soundings first, lots of listings and can be sorted by state or region. Goodoldboat.com has links to many such sites. PS, I have an old H25 and believe its a better sailing boat than the new model Catalina 25 that I had before divorce.
Boat speed, cutting edge, etc.
(1) Someone who is looking at boats such as the Hunter 31 or Catalina 30 is NOT looking at new boats. They have a price range, and that price range does not cover ANYTHING thirty-feet long and cutting edge. (2) Boat speed is a funny thing, and sailors say all sorts of stupid things about it. Do you want the fastest boat for its length? That, undoubtedly, is a sailboard. Do you want the fastest CRUISING boat for the money? Most likely, that will be an older boat. You can buy a well-equipped, well-found 40 foot cruising boat for what you will spend on a NEW Hunter 260. The logic of boat prices dictates that speed for money, older boats win, even though they are foot-for-foot slower. Or do you want a fun boat for racing around the buoys that will outsail most boats her length? Then I have news for you: the J-24 will outsail BOTH the Hunter 31 and the Catalina 30. BTW, if you want to know the comparable speed potential of two boats, the WORST way to determine this is to ask owners of the boats in question. One of the better ways to determine this is to look up the boats' PHRF handicaps in a fleet that races under similar conditions to your area. Two rules to keep in mind. (a) It seems every sailboat does far better than her PHRF would indicate, when its not in a formal race. (b) In formal races, every owner bitches to high heavens when the committee suggests that their PHRF should be lowered a few seconds. (3) Cutting edge technologies in sailing today are carbon, kevlar, and other exotic fibers in light, composite hulls, SCRIMP for layup, canting keels, the aerorig, etc. Except perhaps for the use of moving water ballast in the Hunter 54, there is little in the Hunter line that seems cutting edge to me. Which is GOOD. Cutting edge is expensive, or risky, or both.
(1) Someone who is looking at boats such as the Hunter 31 or Catalina 30 is NOT looking at new boats. They have a price range, and that price range does not cover ANYTHING thirty-feet long and cutting edge. (2) Boat speed is a funny thing, and sailors say all sorts of stupid things about it. Do you want the fastest boat for its length? That, undoubtedly, is a sailboard. Do you want the fastest CRUISING boat for the money? Most likely, that will be an older boat. You can buy a well-equipped, well-found 40 foot cruising boat for what you will spend on a NEW Hunter 260. The logic of boat prices dictates that speed for money, older boats win, even though they are foot-for-foot slower. Or do you want a fun boat for racing around the buoys that will outsail most boats her length? Then I have news for you: the J-24 will outsail BOTH the Hunter 31 and the Catalina 30. BTW, if you want to know the comparable speed potential of two boats, the WORST way to determine this is to ask owners of the boats in question. One of the better ways to determine this is to look up the boats' PHRF handicaps in a fleet that races under similar conditions to your area. Two rules to keep in mind. (a) It seems every sailboat does far better than her PHRF would indicate, when its not in a formal race. (b) In formal races, every owner bitches to high heavens when the committee suggests that their PHRF should be lowered a few seconds. (3) Cutting edge technologies in sailing today are carbon, kevlar, and other exotic fibers in light, composite hulls, SCRIMP for layup, canting keels, the aerorig, etc. Except perhaps for the use of moving water ballast in the Hunter 54, there is little in the Hunter line that seems cutting edge to me. Which is GOOD. Cutting edge is expensive, or risky, or both.
Check the market..
Owning and sailing Hunters of past 6 years,and having sailed just few Catalinas , without going into much details , they definitely don't look -and bon't behave -alike , from many points of view, except -maybe- the roominess of cockpit ,galeys,fridges, etc. , which mark many USA boats compared to European ones. Like cars or other things, they all behave well while anew ,not put to heavy load , and don't get into repair and mentenance things. If you KNOW what you want from the boat, what kind of sailing you WIIL DO , both of these issues from EXPERIENCE not from dealers brochures , your choice will be eassier to make. But-on my opinion- you can pool the market and have some conclusions from that, even before looking into specific details: 1.what precentage of privately owned used boats on market are sold after just a few years , and which one are kept for more years.Probably those who change them often , are not quit happy with their first choice (regardless what they publicly say..) , along of course with other reasons(mostly financial ones). But those 'other reasons' are alike for all brand of 'middle of the road' production boats.. 2. How the second hand boat asking price compare to same one NEW ? obviously better ones keep higher price , altough changing too often the models, (to my opinion , itself being a downpricing factor to used boats..) can mess up this reasoning. 3.Excluding specific circumstances , how lower -on averages- this brand or the other actual selling price compare to asking prices ? I suppose you can get such data from honest big brokers , who sell both brands as well as others, but they might not eassily reveal that information to general public..
Owning and sailing Hunters of past 6 years,and having sailed just few Catalinas , without going into much details , they definitely don't look -and bon't behave -alike , from many points of view, except -maybe- the roominess of cockpit ,galeys,fridges, etc. , which mark many USA boats compared to European ones. Like cars or other things, they all behave well while anew ,not put to heavy load , and don't get into repair and mentenance things. If you KNOW what you want from the boat, what kind of sailing you WIIL DO , both of these issues from EXPERIENCE not from dealers brochures , your choice will be eassier to make. But-on my opinion- you can pool the market and have some conclusions from that, even before looking into specific details: 1.what precentage of privately owned used boats on market are sold after just a few years , and which one are kept for more years.Probably those who change them often , are not quit happy with their first choice (regardless what they publicly say..) , along of course with other reasons(mostly financial ones). But those 'other reasons' are alike for all brand of 'middle of the road' production boats.. 2. How the second hand boat asking price compare to same one NEW ? obviously better ones keep higher price , altough changing too often the models, (to my opinion , itself being a downpricing factor to used boats..) can mess up this reasoning. 3.Excluding specific circumstances , how lower -on averages- this brand or the other actual selling price compare to asking prices ? I suppose you can get such data from honest big brokers , who sell both brands as well as others, but they might not eassily reveal that information to general public..
10 years experience on my Catalina 30
Hi John, Catalina 30's are great boats. They have plenty of room down below and are simple and reliable. There are a couple of things to be aware of however. 1. The early 80's models have had blister problems below the waterline. I had mine hauled, gelcoat stripped, dried, then re-gel coated. Takes 2 months and $4,500. 2. Get one with a 25 hp Universal fresh water cooled engine. You'll need the power. 3. Recommend getting a 3 blade prop. $250 4. Check all of the through hulls carefully. Catalina uses bonded plastic vs the bronze through-hulls supplied by Hunter. 5. Watch for galvanic corrosion on the rudder post. You can lose a rudder and that's not fun at all. 6. You may find the keel has separated from the hull near the leading edge (the famous Catalina smile). Can be fixed by fiberglassing the keel to the hull. 7. We now have a Hunter 410 and there is a big difference with the great support we have gotten from Hunter and the complete lack of support I have gotten from Catalina over the last 10 years. I love the way both boats sail but make sure the Catalina is well surveyed and all of the above items addressed. Good luck and fair winds. Jeff Walker
Hi John, Catalina 30's are great boats. They have plenty of room down below and are simple and reliable. There are a couple of things to be aware of however. 1. The early 80's models have had blister problems below the waterline. I had mine hauled, gelcoat stripped, dried, then re-gel coated. Takes 2 months and $4,500. 2. Get one with a 25 hp Universal fresh water cooled engine. You'll need the power. 3. Recommend getting a 3 blade prop. $250 4. Check all of the through hulls carefully. Catalina uses bonded plastic vs the bronze through-hulls supplied by Hunter. 5. Watch for galvanic corrosion on the rudder post. You can lose a rudder and that's not fun at all. 6. You may find the keel has separated from the hull near the leading edge (the famous Catalina smile). Can be fixed by fiberglassing the keel to the hull. 7. We now have a Hunter 410 and there is a big difference with the great support we have gotten from Hunter and the complete lack of support I have gotten from Catalina over the last 10 years. I love the way both boats sail but make sure the Catalina is well surveyed and all of the above items addressed. Good luck and fair winds. Jeff Walker
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