Narrowed Search DownTo 2/3 Boats, I Think

[sigbear]

I narrowed my boat search down to 2/3 boats, Catalina 310/309 and Beneteau 311, however, I am leaning toward one of the Catalina's because of two factors:

The Catalina has a 27 hp 3 cyl. diesel and the Beneteau has a 18 hp. 2 cyl. diesel

The Catalina has a lead keel and the Beneteau has a cast iron keel

I believe the Beneteau would be the faster and the Catalina bigger and more comfortable for extended periods, Am I missing anything?, I am a novice when it comes to picking a boat, so, all comments wecome.

I have never owned a sailboat before, however, I have chartered 30-33' sailboats for 1-2 weeks at a time from 1993 until 2001 so I am no salty dog like some of you folk's.

I am trying to educate mysel as much as possible since I intend to buy a boat in the middle of next year.

Donny

 

[Richard19104]

Donny,

I think both are good boats for what you are looking for and very similar in available space and even sailing characteristics. However, what will make a big difference is how well the boat you are going to buy was cared for previously and how much it was used.

I bought an almost new 311 (2003) in 2005 with only 121 hours on the engine and very little use and all original plastic covers still on. As of now I had to invest very little except some electronics I added and basic maintenance. With the extensive, almost weekly use, year round, I am still very happy with Andariego.

Richard

 

[Stu Jackson]

The 310 and 309

are completely different boats. The 309 is a replacement for the venerable C30 and has pretty much the same layout with system upgrades and a high price. The 309 is new and you'll pay top $. The 310 was designed as a two person cruising boat and from what I've read here, people who have them for that purpose love them. You might want to do a comparison on the equipment on each boat. Catalina advertises that their equipment is bigger. I'm sure the traveler on the Cs are wider than the Bs.

There's a 310 Forum right here on this board, and a 309, too, IIRC.

 

[Hermit Scott]

You just mentioning one having a lead keel and a 27hp would make me want to go with that one over the other. Are you ever going to leave the lake? those two factors aren't as critical if you aren't going to put it in salt water. what year are these boats? Whatever you do get them surveyed and skip all that major work.
Mainesail another member on this forum posted some instructions on how to use a moisture meter to rule out some boats with out paying for a survey.