There are several Catalinas MacGregors and Hunters for sale here. Is there any outstanding benefit to going with a Catalina? I am specifically interested in the 21-25' lengths since they are trailerable. Please give me the benefit of your experiences as I would like to be able to sail a couple of years before having to do any MAJOR work. Most of the boats here go for 3-5K.
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Resale value
I'll assume you aren't planning any major blue water cruises. Probably a lake? That's the type of cruising the MacGregor was made for. Unfortunately, Mac's don't seem to hold their value very well. But if you want a boat that is comfortable and newer, a Mac is a reasonable choice. Problem is, they don't sail as well as the other two. So it depends on if you want to sail or plane. Catalinas & Hunters in your price range will be slightly older than the Macs you find. From that point and for your described purposes, the choice is a matter of taste. There are pros & cons to each boat but what I normally recommend is buy the one that calls to you. Have fun with the choice! LaDonna
I'll assume you aren't planning any major blue water cruises. Probably a lake? That's the type of cruising the MacGregor was made for. Unfortunately, Mac's don't seem to hold their value very well. But if you want a boat that is comfortable and newer, a Mac is a reasonable choice. Problem is, they don't sail as well as the other two. So it depends on if you want to sail or plane. Catalinas & Hunters in your price range will be slightly older than the Macs you find. From that point and for your described purposes, the choice is a matter of taste. There are pros & cons to each boat but what I normally recommend is buy the one that calls to you. Have fun with the choice! LaDonna
Lots o' boats
There are thousands and thousands of Catalinas aroun din that size range, which means you'll always find parts, advice, support, and the next buyer. Great choice for a first boat.
There are thousands and thousands of Catalinas aroun din that size range, which means you'll always find parts, advice, support, and the next buyer. Great choice for a first boat.
Get What You Pay For
You're much better off with a Catalina boat. You have a large base of support for Catalinas, such as this site, and parts are very easy to obtain. On the other hand McGregor takes pains to save money at every turn in the production of their boats. Their boats aren't even sized for sailing but to fit on their trucks for distribution. A lot of the deck fittings don't even have backing plates! If you chose a McGrgor, make sure you check it out and maybe even have a survey done on it.
You're much better off with a Catalina boat. You have a large base of support for Catalinas, such as this site, and parts are very easy to obtain. On the other hand McGregor takes pains to save money at every turn in the production of their boats. Their boats aren't even sized for sailing but to fit on their trucks for distribution. A lot of the deck fittings don't even have backing plates! If you chose a McGrgor, make sure you check it out and maybe even have a survey done on it.
Catalina v. Macgr v. Hunter
Dave; I've had two Catalinas, a 22 and a 30, and for the money, you can't beat them. Stay away from MacGregors. They are cheaply built and the small price you pay will come back to haunt you the first time the wind starts to really blow. I don't like Hunters, I've heard a lot of negative things about them. By the way, I hope you already know how to sail before you buy a 25 foot boat. A summer spent with a Lido 14 or something similar will make you a better sailor than five years on a 25 footer. Think about it.
Dave; I've had two Catalinas, a 22 and a 30, and for the money, you can't beat them. Stay away from MacGregors. They are cheaply built and the small price you pay will come back to haunt you the first time the wind starts to really blow. I don't like Hunters, I've heard a lot of negative things about them. By the way, I hope you already know how to sail before you buy a 25 foot boat. A summer spent with a Lido 14 or something similar will make you a better sailor than five years on a 25 footer. Think about it.
Catalina '22 For Sale
Hi, I think a Catalina has good resale value, and good value in general because it is a one design boat, very sturdy in build, and very stable in the water. They're not necessarily real fast, but if you wanted to race with others of the size doing the math should be fairly easy. The swing keel is very good for the mid-Atlantic shallow areas.My '76 is going up for sale as of right now. It is in good condition, needs a few little things, but will sell for $3000-3500. It has a trailer, 7.5hp motor, 4 sails, and Mast Up for easy rigging. It's about the largest boat I'd want to routinely haul around on a trailer behind my Suburban 1500. Call me at 703-691-3029 if your interested.
Hi, I think a Catalina has good resale value, and good value in general because it is a one design boat, very sturdy in build, and very stable in the water. They're not necessarily real fast, but if you wanted to race with others of the size doing the math should be fairly easy. The swing keel is very good for the mid-Atlantic shallow areas.My '76 is going up for sale as of right now. It is in good condition, needs a few little things, but will sell for $3000-3500. It has a trailer, 7.5hp motor, 4 sails, and Mast Up for easy rigging. It's about the largest boat I'd want to routinely haul around on a trailer behind my Suburban 1500. Call me at 703-691-3029 if your interested.
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