Which Boat To Buy, Part II

bffatcat · Jul 22, 2009

What to buy

There are many good choices out there in the size range and age your looking at.
Make sure you get a a competent marine surveyor before you finalize any purchase.
Im partial to Pearsons I own one. One more thing In the late 80`s shortly before Pearson went out of business Grumann industries sold the Co to a group of investors. In lieu of developing new designs they purchased several designs and molds from US yachts the builder of the ubiquitos Buccaneer. These boats are not true Pearsons Im not sure if the 27 is one of these. Be careful You can check with Dan Pfieffer find him on line He is a very knowledgeable about Pearsons

Stu Jackson · Jul 22, 2009

Try this link

http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=102541

Thanks again to DAWG for that great post.

All older boats have pretty much the same issues.

You can do some of your own homework here by doing a search on "used boats" or "older boats" or "boat inspection" and then trying the websites of the owner's associations for the boats you're looking at, and others, too.

Bad Obsession · Jul 22, 2009

If you are hunting in that ballpark, why not look at an older Catalina 30. They have a large amount of space in the cabin, standing room inside, and parts are easily accessible. There are a lot of them on the market since so many where made.

I single hand one all of the time and it is very easy to do. It is definitely worth a look.

You didn't mention a budget, I bet if you posted about what you want to spend then you might be able to find something.

Joe · Jul 22, 2009

Morgan0505 said:
While I haven't stopped looking, I am currently considering a '88 Cal 28 Sloop, a '89 Pearson 27 Sloop Wing Keel, and a '88 Catalina C-27.

Any opinions out there? Any recommendations on what to look out for?

As a new sailor.... I'd go with the boat that still offers customer support from the factory. So, if all the boats are in similar condition, and similarly equipped........ I'd go with the Catalina 27.

Joseph Shirley · Jul 22, 2009

I wouldn't expect much factory support on any boat over 2 years old, though you may get some depending on the question.

My experience would rate their construction order as Pearson, Catalina, and Cal, but they are all satisfactory for any use you will ever put them to. I would also list them in the reverse order in speed. in an older boat condition and equipment are so much more important so just go and look close and get a survey.

Good Luck

Joe S

Steph · Jul 22, 2009

1987 Cal 28

Of course I'm a bit partial, but I think that the Cal is better built than the Catalina. But all these boats are in the same quality range. I'm not that familiar with the performance of Pearson. I've had my Cal 28 for 6 years and it is very solidly built and fast. It's very beamy so it points well and great interior space (10'3"). Keep in mind that only the hull is brand specific and the rigging etc is not unique to any one boat so any repairs are easily done on any boat... manufacturer support is meaningless. I agree with previous posts regarding a good survey and look over the equipment and electronics. You'll spend a fortune if you have to upgrade them. I was lucky as the previous owner sailed it to Bahamas so it was very well set up. Feel free to email me if you have any questions. (delivery7@comcast.net).

Hugh4753 · Jul 23, 2009

Just an FYI. Check out towndock.net, the Oriental NC website. There are a couple of nice looking Pearsons in the classified section that look pretty good.

Joseph Shirley · Jul 23, 2009

Steph I wasn't trying to insult your boat. I listed them that way because of old experience. When the Cal 40 first came out They cleaned up in Pacific racing mostly downhill (Transpac), but I remember the complaints of taller sailors than me, about getting hammered in the head because of the deck flex; and I remember when they (I think 5) entered the SORC for the first time in the saltier and nastier Atlantic, they got dismasted. I think they rolled and dipped the spinnaker poles (In all honesty I should add that they went on to win the SORC twice, & the Bermuda).

Pearson on the other hand always built stout boats. The Triton was the first production fiberglass sailboat and since they didn't know how strong glass was, they used more of it.

Cals may be better today, and Pearson builds no more, and since the brand is less important than condition and equipment, I tried to imply that. I wasn't trying to denigrate any of them. Sorry if I came across that way, but some of my opinions go back a long way.
Have fun

Joe S

bob12312 · Jul 23, 2009

Buy a Hunter 40! Great price for a lot of boat.

Its Big, fast, stable and roomy. We love ours. inline queen master cabin.

tomgrigsby · Jul 23, 2009

I just went from a 73 Catalina 22 to a 79 Hunter 30. The price was right, and what a fabulous upgrade! It has a Yanmar 3GMD inboard diesel, wheel steering, and hank on sails. Roller furlling might be nice, but I've never had it, so don't really miss it.
The bottom line is that just check out things and consider repair/upgrade costs in addition to the sale price. For instance, my headsails have some age, but the main is only 1 year old. The cushions were original and in good condition, but the Admiral didn't like late 70's orange and brown stripes, so now I have new Navy Blue cushions. Expensive, but they look great! (and probably better for sleeping). You can't really go wrong with any of the more common boats. It is more a matter of condition and do you like her lines! Try to at least get a second opinion if you can't get a surveyor. Fair winds!

Maine Sail · Jul 23, 2009

Joseph Shirley said:
I wouldn't expect much factory support on any boat over 2 years old, though you may get some depending on the question.

Actually Catalina is really quite good. When I needed a new prop shaft for my 1986 C-36, that was in the water, I called them to ask if by any slight chance they might know the length.

Fifteen minutes later the phone range and they had my boats build sheet in hand and told me the exact length of the shaft on my own boat. I ordered a new shaft and did a short haul, still in the slings, shaft replacement. This saved me about $600.00 in stands/dry storage and about a two weeks of out of the water lead time while waiting on a new shaft. All in all very, very good support for their older models..

Steph · Jul 23, 2009

No offense taken!

Joseph, no problem. I moved up to my Cal 28 from a Capri 16 and honestly it's the only boat I know, personally and by reputation. But everyone thinks their boat is the best... and it should be that way. I know Catalina, Hunter and Pearsons have been around for a long time and probably for good reason. Again, I think condition and equipment are the most important once one finds a boat that fits their personal needs. Happy sailing... whatever you're sailing on, enjoy just being out on the water!

Which Boat To Buy, Part II

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