I've just started looking for a bigger used boat. I was originally thinking of a Catalina 30 by virtue of currently having a Catalina 25, but the first boat I went to visit was an '89 Hunter 30T. I really like the cockpit arrangement - it seems more open with the space by the wheel. Can anybody give me some pros and cons on either of these boats? Any troulbe spots? I know they both are fairly popular boats. I sail on the Chesapeake, mostly just myself and my wife, but we'd like more cabin space as it's kind of our weekend house so to speak. We'd also like the option of having guests once in a while. Thanks for any help/advice.
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Go with whatever Floats Your Boat!
Hi Kirk - I think you helped answer your question when you pointed out that both of these boats are fairly popular. People generally are happy with both of them (I think most owners will justify their choice), so it really comes down to personal opinion, which will include tastes in aethetics, sailing characteristics, company support, sailing friends, etc. I wish I could offer more advice, but you'll have to go with your instinct. Or the first good deal you come across! Best, Trevor
Hi Kirk - I think you helped answer your question when you pointed out that both of these boats are fairly popular. People generally are happy with both of them (I think most owners will justify their choice), so it really comes down to personal opinion, which will include tastes in aethetics, sailing characteristics, company support, sailing friends, etc. I wish I could offer more advice, but you'll have to go with your instinct. Or the first good deal you come across! Best, Trevor
Lots of good 30' boats
Hello, There are lots of good 30' boats out there. Catalina, Hunter, Oday, S2, Newport, Irwin, Ericson, et al. People may disagree, but, IMHO, they are all pretty much the same. If someone ownes a particular boat they will tell you that their boat is clearly better than the others, and that their boat has the most room below, the best interior layout, the best rig, etc. The nice thing about Catalina and Hunter is the manufacturers are still in business and support the older boats. Good luck, Barry
Hello, There are lots of good 30' boats out there. Catalina, Hunter, Oday, S2, Newport, Irwin, Ericson, et al. People may disagree, but, IMHO, they are all pretty much the same. If someone ownes a particular boat they will tell you that their boat is clearly better than the others, and that their boat has the most room below, the best interior layout, the best rig, etc. The nice thing about Catalina and Hunter is the manufacturers are still in business and support the older boats. Good luck, Barry
try an o'day 31
take a look at an 86 or 87 o'day 31. much nicer lines than the catalinas or hunters and the "euro" swim platform is a great feature. there are many on the ches. i just sold one which i owned for 8 trouble free years. got $4000 less than i paid for it in 1996.
take a look at an 86 or 87 o'day 31. much nicer lines than the catalinas or hunters and the "euro" swim platform is a great feature. there are many on the ches. i just sold one which i owned for 8 trouble free years. got $4000 less than i paid for it in 1996.
kirk
kirk, I had a 94 30T and really loved the boat, very heavy duty was made real nice, and also loved her sailing. both catalinas and hunters are very good boats ( the choice you have would be what you and your wife feel most like your next home you want.
John Dorsett S/V Alcyone Hunter 356
kirk, I had a 94 30T and really loved the boat, very heavy duty was made real nice, and also loved her sailing. both catalinas and hunters are very good boats ( the choice you have would be what you and your wife feel most like your next home you want.
John Dorsett S/V Alcyone Hunter 356Made the same change myself
I made the same move myself 6 years ago ( Cat 25 - a Cat 30) - No regrets ! Given where you are sailing, go for the wing keel, the shallow draft is a real advantage and I really don't see a major difference in performance. If I could change anything I would go for more power, the small diesel is on the slow side. Good luck JS
I made the same move myself 6 years ago ( Cat 25 - a Cat 30) - No regrets ! Given where you are sailing, go for the wing keel, the shallow draft is a real advantage and I really don't see a major difference in performance. If I could change anything I would go for more power, the small diesel is on the slow side. Good luck JS
power
I've read much about the older Catalina 30's being underpowered with the 11hp. Almost all of the newer ones that were listed for sale in this (MD/VA) area have a contract pending now. There still seem to be 2 or 3 Hunters out there. Will there be more boats listed for sale or will the market be stale until late in the season?
I've read much about the older Catalina 30's being underpowered with the 11hp. Almost all of the newer ones that were listed for sale in this (MD/VA) area have a contract pending now. There still seem to be 2 or 3 Hunters out there. Will there be more boats listed for sale or will the market be stale until late in the season?
I also went from the C25 to C30
tall rig, wing keel, bow sprit, U25, to each his own but, I love my Catalina!
tall rig, wing keel, bow sprit, U25, to each his own but, I love my Catalina!
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