I want to get back into sailing after several years absence. I had a CS 22 for about 4 years and loved it. I may do a little racing but I'll mostly cruise the Great Lakes single handed and perhaps venture along the east coast. Comfort then performance. My budget is around $25,000 and I was looking at 1986- 1989 O'day 322 and a Catalina 30T. I will get a survey. I would be interested in opinions and options. Also, what electronics (manufacturers) and other toys would be best to get.
O'Day 322 or Catalina 30T
- Thread starter WellDrinker
- Start date
I don't disagree about the AP. But it sure was nice to have the anchor windlass.
As my dermatologist keeps burning this or that off my face and ears I think a bimini is real valuable. Radar just scared the crap out of me - ignorance is bliss! Better yet, stay in port when it's foggy. The fancy wind instruments were next to useless - especially when you realize you can calibrate them to read pretty much whatever you like. I like a depth instrument, GPS with a map and a good compass. If you're on the boat in rain, a dodger keeps most of the rain out of the cabin. Hot water is over rated.
I loved the Air Conditioning on my H356. Refrig was good but I can get along with ice. And that could mean less batteries and charging. The charger was good but I never really mastered it. Battery charge was always a worry. I didn't have AIS but it would have been either useful or not - I haven't decided if the noise obscures the useful information.
Music: Wow, things change by the minute. We used my iPod with great success. Then came Satellite Radio which expanded programing. Now Pandora and some stuff you'd need a 13 year old to explain (To me). I have never achieved reliable internet access while at anchor in my favorite places. And, I've quit buying gadgets to achieve access. When I go out I leave that behind. It's a good thing.
Electric winches are good for single handers.
A good swim platform is so necessary.
As my dermatologist keeps burning this or that off my face and ears I think a bimini is real valuable. Radar just scared the crap out of me - ignorance is bliss! Better yet, stay in port when it's foggy. The fancy wind instruments were next to useless - especially when you realize you can calibrate them to read pretty much whatever you like. I like a depth instrument, GPS with a map and a good compass. If you're on the boat in rain, a dodger keeps most of the rain out of the cabin. Hot water is over rated.
I loved the Air Conditioning on my H356. Refrig was good but I can get along with ice. And that could mean less batteries and charging. The charger was good but I never really mastered it. Battery charge was always a worry. I didn't have AIS but it would have been either useful or not - I haven't decided if the noise obscures the useful information.
Music: Wow, things change by the minute. We used my iPod with great success. Then came Satellite Radio which expanded programing. Now Pandora and some stuff you'd need a 13 year old to explain (To me). I have never achieved reliable internet access while at anchor in my favorite places. And, I've quit buying gadgets to achieve access. When I go out I leave that behind. It's a good thing.
Electric winches are good for single handers.
A good swim platform is so necessary.
Great analysis, Andrew.
Other things: engine type (both diesel?), make and model, engine hours
Boat condition(s)
Associated SAILING gear - it is a sailboat, right?
Does the C30 have the improved Garhauer strasight traveler track or is it curved?
Self tailing winches?
The list goes on, but is pretty self evident.
which one do YOU like better? ...always helps...
Good luck.
Other things: engine type (both diesel?), make and model, engine hours
Boat condition(s)
Associated SAILING gear - it is a sailboat, right?
Does the C30 have the improved Garhauer strasight traveler track or is it curved?Self tailing winches?
The list goes on, but is pretty self evident.
which one do YOU like better?
...always helps...Good luck.
Don't need A/ C anywhere on the Great Lakes. Don't need windlass unless you anchor out A LOT.
Catalina
I would favor the Catalina over the O'Day of that vintage. O'Day had gone through various ownerships and the quality of the grey hulled boats is, in my opinion, very poor. This does not apply to O'Days of a different vintage. I have included a link about the keel falling off on my lake. I have seen the hull after the loss of the keel and it was extremly poor construction. I think the pictures speak for themselves. Hope this helps you in your decision.
http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=109869&page=3
I would favor the Catalina over the O'Day of that vintage. O'Day had gone through various ownerships and the quality of the grey hulled boats is, in my opinion, very poor. This does not apply to O'Days of a different vintage. I have included a link about the keel falling off on my lake. I have seen the hull after the loss of the keel and it was extremly poor construction. I think the pictures speak for themselves. Hope this helps you in your decision.
http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=109869&page=3
Not a fan off the bolt on keels of that era of ODays or any bolt on keel for that matter.
I have owned a O'Day 25 and own a Catalina 22. It is much easier to get Catalina parts made specifically for that boat. I loved both boats, but owning a Catalina was much easier when you need something for the boat.
Love Catalina Direct.
I have owned a O'Day 25 and own a Catalina 22. It is much easier to get Catalina parts made specifically for that boat. I loved both boats, but owning a Catalina was much easier when you need something for the boat.
Love Catalina Direct.
It never surprises me how much you can learn!
There are some great deals on some older Hunter 34's?
There are some great deals on some older Hunter 34's?
Somebody has to say O'Day 302 so I will.....sailed one many times on our lake in some very heavy winds and she handled beautifully...plus better looking, all else being equal..
There are plenty of Catalinas out there with issues too....I had one. My opinion only.
There are plenty of Catalinas out there with issues too....I had one. My opinion only.