Should I buy a new boat?

[David Smith]

I have owned my 1978 Catalina C 25 for 8 years. I have spent a lot of time and energy in making this boat comfortable and reliable. Unfortunately, I have a bad case of 2 foot envy.  I have sailed on a C 27 and found that it handled very well even in high winds. I have also looked at a Beneteau 28.5 . My fear with the Beneteau, is because of its racing design (light weight to large sail area) the boat will heal over uncomfortably. What other boats should I be looking at. I want to have a well built boat that will provide years of safe and fun sailing. Thank you for your help in advance!

 

[Chris Hyland]

2footitis

David, It would seem to me that just jumping 2 feet may not be worth the extra investment. Have you looked at a Catalina 30? That to me seems the next logical step. The 30 may head you off going to 27 and then eventually jumping to the 30.Best of luck,Chris

 

[Joe Barrett]

Amenities

A key thing is amenities. Your boat now has few, a 27 ft. will also have few. A jump to a 30ft will give you and those sailing with you a lot more amenities for your comfort. Hot running water for showers, a real fridge, propane stove and oven, shore power for charging batteries and on and on. I recently went from an O'Day 27 to a new Catalina 320 and the difference in weight (stability) and amenities makes a huge difference

 

[Dick of Sylvan]

Dockage

Besides how the boat handles while you are in it on the water, you might also want to consider the times you are off the water. The 25 is much easier to store and trailer than larger boats. And dockage and other continuing costs seem to increase with boat length. But if you use the boat a lot and especially on big waters, and if you have deep pockets, go for it!