I am considering moving up in size. Yes, it is a case of "3 foot itise". But it is shared by my wife who wants more creature comforts than our 22' allows. My question to the group is simple. Which boat is the better boat for coastal and sound cruising, club racing, and weekend leisure. I want to go to a about 27' in the 5-15 year old range. I would prefer newer than older, but the budget will determine. Catalina, Hunter, C&C, Beneteau owners tell me your stories.... I know you all love you boat and think it is better than sliced bread, that's how I feel about mine, but I need sincere input.
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Jon
Don't know what your budget is, whether you want to trailer, inboard/outboard etc. but I would first set a realistic budget, determine where and what type of sailing you will do. Read owner reviews of the various boats on this site as well as on www.sailnet.com under BOATCHECK. There are a lot of boats out there 30ft. and under that would suit your needs. Don't jump at the first boat you see, another one will come along. Also start trying to sell your current boat now so you will be prepared to buy when you find your next last boat.
Don't know what your budget is, whether you want to trailer, inboard/outboard etc. but I would first set a realistic budget, determine where and what type of sailing you will do. Read owner reviews of the various boats on this site as well as on www.sailnet.com under BOATCHECK. There are a lot of boats out there 30ft. and under that would suit your needs. Don't jump at the first boat you see, another one will come along. Also start trying to sell your current boat now so you will be prepared to buy when you find your next last boat.
Catalina 27
Ok, sounds more like you'd be looking at 270s than the old 27s but they're great boats. Mine's 28 years old and still kicks major butt! Of course I had to do a lot of work on her but she's comparable to a much newer boat as she sits. They're completely liveable, sail like a dream and are fun to boot. Unbiased? Definitely not, but it gets my vote.
LaDonna
Ok, sounds more like you'd be looking at 270s than the old 27s but they're great boats. Mine's 28 years old and still kicks major butt! Of course I had to do a lot of work on her but she's comparable to a much newer boat as she sits. They're completely liveable, sail like a dream and are fun to boot. Unbiased? Definitely not, but it gets my vote.
LaDonnaI have a 27
I have a real nice '78, blue hull. I has been in fresh water until this April. Many many upgrades. I find I have not been using it much. I live on the river and would rather go play with my Hobie than take it out. Drop me a line if you are interested. You will no find one nicer. bjh44@excite.com
I have a real nice '78, blue hull. I has been in fresh water until this April. Many many upgrades. I find I have not been using it much. I live on the river and would rather go play with my Hobie than take it out. Drop me a line if you are interested. You will no find one nicer. bjh44@excite.com
Catalina 27 - Absolutely
Catalina 27 with an outboard! Probably the best designed 27 ever. Check out the "Old Boat" Magazine, most current issue. Several of these (with upgrades) have cruised around the world. Pura Vida, G&G
Catalina 27 with an outboard! Probably the best designed 27 ever. Check out the "Old Boat" Magazine, most current issue. Several of these (with upgrades) have cruised around the world. Pura Vida, G&G
Biased. but why?
I thank you all for your comments so far, and it certainly seems the Catalina folks are out to convince the world....But Why? why a 27 and why the outboard version? I'm just curious.
I thank you all for your comments so far, and it certainly seems the Catalina folks are out to convince the world....But Why? why a 27 and why the outboard version? I'm just curious.
Catalina 27
I agree with LaDonna. I got my 27 a year ago and love it. I have a 1987 with the inboard diesel. I've cleaned her up and she looks great. A few add ons and you have yourself a wonderful fun boat. Good Luck with the search.
I agree with LaDonna. I got my 27 a year ago and love it. I have a 1987 with the inboard diesel. I've cleaned her up and she looks great. A few add ons and you have yourself a wonderful fun boat. Good Luck with the search.
Here's why...
Hi Jon, I looked at a C25 and a C27, and settled on the 27 mainly due to price. If you are looking in the older range (15 years) you will find that C27s are only a few thousand more than 25s. The big payoff comes in interior space. For every foot in length, you gain a disproportionate amount of volume which equates to very comfortable living space, even for a 6 foot 4 inch guy like me. Also, I find the additional weight of a 27 gives a somewhat more solid feel than you get in a 25. As far as engines go, some people prefer outboards due to the fact that they are easily removed. If you need maintenance on them, you can simply pull them and take them into a mechanic (just make sure you don't drop it!) rather than having to pay one to come to you. I orginally wanted an outboard, but ended up with an Atomic 4 inboard. Knowing what I know about them now, I wouldn't trade it for two outboards. The reason I mention this is that many older C27s were built with A-4's, so you will come across them frequently. Many people will bad mouth them out of ignorance or fear, but if properly maintained they are fantastic power plants. But don't take my word for it - talk to an accredited surveyor. That is who convinced me. Best of luck in your decision. I would strongly urge you to survey a boat of this size, as a buying mistake can be quite costly. 300 or 400 bucks is money well spent on a pre purchase inspection and sea trial. Let us know how you make out! Rob
Hi Jon, I looked at a C25 and a C27, and settled on the 27 mainly due to price. If you are looking in the older range (15 years) you will find that C27s are only a few thousand more than 25s. The big payoff comes in interior space. For every foot in length, you gain a disproportionate amount of volume which equates to very comfortable living space, even for a 6 foot 4 inch guy like me. Also, I find the additional weight of a 27 gives a somewhat more solid feel than you get in a 25. As far as engines go, some people prefer outboards due to the fact that they are easily removed. If you need maintenance on them, you can simply pull them and take them into a mechanic (just make sure you don't drop it!) rather than having to pay one to come to you. I orginally wanted an outboard, but ended up with an Atomic 4 inboard. Knowing what I know about them now, I wouldn't trade it for two outboards. The reason I mention this is that many older C27s were built with A-4's, so you will come across them frequently. Many people will bad mouth them out of ignorance or fear, but if properly maintained they are fantastic power plants. But don't take my word for it - talk to an accredited surveyor. That is who convinced me. Best of luck in your decision. I would strongly urge you to survey a boat of this size, as a buying mistake can be quite costly. 300 or 400 bucks is money well spent on a pre purchase inspection and sea trial. Let us know how you make out! Rob
Other options
I agree a Cat 27 is a nice boat but since Jon hasn't responded to the questions asked in the first response, let me throw out some other options. First look to condition of the boat. Other boats to consider , Tartan 28, Sabre 28, Hunter 27, Hunter 28.5, Tartan 30, Alberg 30, O'Day 28, O'Day 270, Pearson 28, Pearson 30, Pearson Triton 28, just to name a few. There are a lot of good solid boats from the late 60's through mid 80s. Just remember cash is king.
I agree a Cat 27 is a nice boat but since Jon hasn't responded to the questions asked in the first response, let me throw out some other options. First look to condition of the boat. Other boats to consider , Tartan 28, Sabre 28, Hunter 27, Hunter 28.5, Tartan 30, Alberg 30, O'Day 28, O'Day 270, Pearson 28, Pearson 30, Pearson Triton 28, just to name a few. There are a lot of good solid boats from the late 60's through mid 80s. Just remember cash is king.
Why not 30
My first boat was an Irwin 23. When we up graded went to the sailboat trader and did some research . Found a 1978 Catalina 30 . What a difference the room is unbelievable . She needed some work but thats half the fun . My wife even goes down to this boat by her self, some times to work, some times to relax.
My first boat was an Irwin 23. When we up graded went to the sailboat trader and did some research . Found a 1978 Catalina 30 . What a difference the room is unbelievable . She needed some work but thats half the fun . My wife even goes down to this boat by her self, some times to work, some times to relax.
On the other hand
There's no doubt that the Catalina 27 is a very fine and popular sailboat (there's a good article in the current issue of "Good Old Boat"). But I have to put in my vote for the Cherubini-designed Hunter 27s (yes, I'm one of those Cherubini fanatics) as being one of the finest small cruisers of its size for the price. I bought "Dulcinea" a year ago and I love her. I've compared her to the Cat 27s on Yacht World's website and personally the Hunter suits me better (chacun a son gout). I've sailed her across Lake Michigan twice and she's comfortable to live on and fun to sail. The Yacht World website, BTW, is a good place to look over many different kinds of boat, inside and out, to get a feel for looks, layout, relative proce, etc. I've added the link below. John
There's no doubt that the Catalina 27 is a very fine and popular sailboat (there's a good article in the current issue of "Good Old Boat"). But I have to put in my vote for the Cherubini-designed Hunter 27s (yes, I'm one of those Cherubini fanatics) as being one of the finest small cruisers of its size for the price. I bought "Dulcinea" a year ago and I love her. I've compared her to the Cat 27s on Yacht World's website and personally the Hunter suits me better (chacun a son gout). I've sailed her across Lake Michigan twice and she's comfortable to live on and fun to sail. The Yacht World website, BTW, is a good place to look over many different kinds of boat, inside and out, to get a feel for looks, layout, relative proce, etc. I've added the link below. John
I LOVE my Cherubini 1982 Hunter 27...
It's a great boat that you could easily get for around $10,000...Catalina's are great too. When I bought my boat, I looked at Catalina's, Oday's, Beneteau's, Pearson's, BUT, the Hunter 27 is a great bargain for the price...good luck...
It's a great boat that you could easily get for around $10,000...Catalina's are great too. When I bought my boat, I looked at Catalina's, Oday's, Beneteau's, Pearson's, BUT, the Hunter 27 is a great bargain for the price...good luck...
Jon, just for the heck of it give us a $ figure.
Jon: Just for the heck of it why don't you give us a budget number to work with. $10k, 20k, 30k, 40k more?
Jon: Just for the heck of it why don't you give us a budget number to work with. $10k, 20k, 30k, 40k more?
Better Boat
Jon; Like LaDonna said befor, the one that gives you the most pleasue when you look back at when you are leaving to go home. Also why some prefer the outboard C27, to the inboard model, is it is faster around the race cource due to lack of prop drag. Michael
Jon; Like LaDonna said befor, the one that gives you the most pleasue when you look back at when you are leaving to go home. Also why some prefer the outboard C27, to the inboard model, is it is faster around the race cource due to lack of prop drag. Michael
OK I Give
I have a dollar figure in my head only through looking at Catalina. Remember, My wife wants more creature comfort, and less elbow grease. So I have looked at the late 80's to mid 90's year model Catalinas, they range from 15K to 60K. The reason I posed the original question was to find out WHY Catalina carried such a premium price over other like size boats. Is a Hunter of the same size and year less of a boat or is a C
I have a dollar figure in my head only through looking at Catalina. Remember, My wife wants more creature comfort, and less elbow grease. So I have looked at the late 80's to mid 90's year model Catalinas, they range from 15K to 60K. The reason I posed the original question was to find out WHY Catalina carried such a premium price over other like size boats. Is a Hunter of the same size and year less of a boat or is a C
Jon, There are so many boats that would fit in
your Budget and Needs. The range you are looking for ($10k -$25K) is LOADED with all sorts of good used boats. I think the market is overrun with great boats in the range and style you are looking for!! Don't be too concerned with the year, but rather the shape the boats in. (Really, a beat up '91 with no extras is NOT better than a well cared for, well equiped '81,.... do you get my point?) You mention that your wife likes creature comforts. Well than, narrow your search down to boats that have had these things ALREADY put on. Beleive me alot of people have already done it. Take for instance --refrigeration.... get a boat with it already put in. (beleive me you AND your wife will be much happier). Next look for a boat with an autopilot already.....(Its as good as sliced bread). Then look for one with a good head
your Budget and Needs. The range you are looking for ($10k -$25K) is LOADED with all sorts of good used boats. I think the market is overrun with great boats in the range and style you are looking for!! Don't be too concerned with the year, but rather the shape the boats in. (Really, a beat up '91 with no extras is NOT better than a well cared for, well equiped '81,.... do you get my point?) You mention that your wife likes creature comforts. Well than, narrow your search down to boats that have had these things ALREADY put on. Beleive me alot of people have already done it. Take for instance --refrigeration.... get a boat with it already put in. (beleive me you AND your wife will be much happier). Next look for a boat with an autopilot already.....(Its as good as sliced bread). Then look for one with a good head
OK, that's better.
Jon: You are leaning towards a Catalina. Go look at a Catalina 34' and then look at the Hunter 34' (mid 80's and see what the difference is for your money). If you want to stay with the lower end of the budget look at the Hunter 31' (83-87). Then you can look at the Hunter 33'
Jon: You are leaning towards a Catalina. Go look at a Catalina 34' and then look at the Hunter 34' (mid 80's and see what the difference is for your money). If you want to stay with the lower end of the budget look at the Hunter 31' (83-87). Then you can look at the Hunter 33'
Hunter 28.5
for your budget amount of 18-22K I would look at a Hunter 28.5. A very big boat for the 28' range, and they sail really well. (I used to own one.)I was looking for a C-27 when I stumbled across the H-28.5 and it was a no-brainer.
for your budget amount of 18-22K I would look at a Hunter 28.5. A very big boat for the 28' range, and they sail really well. (I used to own one.)I was looking for a C-27 when I stumbled across the H-28.5 and it was a no-brainer.
Which boat?
Jon; Here's my ten cents. Go with a Catalina 30, it's the most boat for the buck, hands down! We went from a C22 to a C30 and loved it; the room below, the ameneties, the ease of handling, performance, the C30 has it all, even the older ones, the hull and rig remain pretty much the same through the years, plus their resale value holds up, which is why they go for a little more when you buy it. Even though I have a Beneteau 40 now, I still have a soft spot for my old C30; they're great boats!
Jon; Here's my ten cents. Go with a Catalina 30, it's the most boat for the buck, hands down! We went from a C22 to a C30 and loved it; the room below, the ameneties, the ease of handling, performance, the C30 has it all, even the older ones, the hull and rig remain pretty much the same through the years, plus their resale value holds up, which is why they go for a little more when you buy it. Even though I have a Beneteau 40 now, I still have a soft spot for my old C30; they're great boats!
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