I am just starting to shop for a late model sailboat roughly 26-27 feet in length. I plan to sail it on a lake near St. Louis. I own my own 16 foot catamaran. I have day chartered Catalina and Hunter sailboats roughly 8 times. As a prospective owner, (1) what are the advantages/disadvantages of Catalinas compared to other manufacturers, and (2) what general suggestions do you have for someone looking to buy his first cabin sailboat?
- Status
- Not open for further replies.
L
LaDonna Bubak - Catalina Owners
D
Don
Catalina
I agree with LaDonna about going with what you like, but temper that with what your needs are. 1) Do you plan on overnight cruising or mainly daysailing? 2) Are you sailing in open ocean, coastal, inland lake, or backyard pond? 3) How much do you want to spend? 4) Do you want something that's trailerable or something more substantial? 5) How many people are in your family that you need to accommodate or do you mainly singlehand? 6) How much time do you want to put into maintenance? 7) Is the older boat that you are considering still supported for parts? 8) Inboard or outboard? 9) Do you plan on racing? 10) Are you handy or will you farm out most of the work? The list goes on and on, but you first need to decide what kind of sailing you plan on doing and then go out and find a boat that will best fit your needs. I know a guy who started with a Catalina 22 and then went to a 30 because he wanted to do more extended cruising, but after owning the 30 for a couple of years, he is still primarily just daysailing and singlehanding. He now wants to move down to a 25 because he doesn't need a 30 for his needs. I own a Catalina and one of the selling points for me was the fact that parts for Catalinas are readily available no matter how old it is.
I agree with LaDonna about going with what you like, but temper that with what your needs are. 1) Do you plan on overnight cruising or mainly daysailing? 2) Are you sailing in open ocean, coastal, inland lake, or backyard pond? 3) How much do you want to spend? 4) Do you want something that's trailerable or something more substantial? 5) How many people are in your family that you need to accommodate or do you mainly singlehand? 6) How much time do you want to put into maintenance? 7) Is the older boat that you are considering still supported for parts? 8) Inboard or outboard? 9) Do you plan on racing? 10) Are you handy or will you farm out most of the work? The list goes on and on, but you first need to decide what kind of sailing you plan on doing and then go out and find a boat that will best fit your needs. I know a guy who started with a Catalina 22 and then went to a 30 because he wanted to do more extended cruising, but after owning the 30 for a couple of years, he is still primarily just daysailing and singlehanding. He now wants to move down to a 25 because he doesn't need a 30 for his needs. I own a Catalina and one of the selling points for me was the fact that parts for Catalinas are readily available no matter how old it is.
S
Steve Franklin
But wait, there's more!
What kind of support will you get from the manufacturer. I'm the 4th owner of a 1979 C30. Every time I've called the factory to get info about the boat, they treat me like I'm Frank Butler's closest friend. Took a tour of the Woodland Hills factory and got the opportunity to visit the parts dept. Everyone was very friendly and the parts folks were incredibly helpful. I'm hooked on anything Catalina. Good luck with your search!
What kind of support will you get from the manufacturer. I'm the 4th owner of a 1979 C30. Every time I've called the factory to get info about the boat, they treat me like I'm Frank Butler's closest friend. Took a tour of the Woodland Hills factory and got the opportunity to visit the parts dept. Everyone was very friendly and the parts folks were incredibly helpful. I'm hooked on anything Catalina. Good luck with your search!
R
Roger Fleming
Network of owners
I own a Catalina for a several of reasons. First, I looked at many boats and am confident that all Catalinas give you the most bang for the buck. I also believe that a good used 27 gives you the most boat for the money size- wise (a comfortable weekend boat for under $20,000). The second reason is because Catalina has been building boats for a very long time and each version has improvements over previous models. There are also so many owners out there, that there is a tremendous knowledge base in Catalina issues. Lastly, used Catalinas really hold their value. I know many people who have sold a Catalina for more than they paid for it.
I own a Catalina for a several of reasons. First, I looked at many boats and am confident that all Catalinas give you the most bang for the buck. I also believe that a good used 27 gives you the most boat for the money size- wise (a comfortable weekend boat for under $20,000). The second reason is because Catalina has been building boats for a very long time and each version has improvements over previous models. There are also so many owners out there, that there is a tremendous knowledge base in Catalina issues. Lastly, used Catalinas really hold their value. I know many people who have sold a Catalina for more than they paid for it.
B
Bob Camarena
Check out older boats as well
Late models have their pluses, but older boats can be a great value if they've been well maintained and are well equipped. I have an '81 Catalina 30 that's in great shape. Sure, I'd like some of the upgrades (I'd love to have a walk-thru transom) but not at 1.5 to 2 times the price. I've seen some great deals on well maintained older Catalina 27s for $10k and under. The key to all this is to look a lot and talk a lot to owners. As you can tell, we all love to talk about our boats.
Late models have their pluses, but older boats can be a great value if they've been well maintained and are well equipped. I have an '81 Catalina 30 that's in great shape. Sure, I'd like some of the upgrades (I'd love to have a walk-thru transom) but not at 1.5 to 2 times the price. I've seen some great deals on well maintained older Catalina 27s for $10k and under. The key to all this is to look a lot and talk a lot to owners. As you can tell, we all love to talk about our boats.
J
John Buckham
Get the boat you like the best!
Get the boat you like the best. If you like the C-27, check out an Ericson or Hunter also. I’m hooked on Catalina because of great factory support. I have an old ’78 C-30 each time I’ve called the factory with a question or requirement I’ve received fantastic treatment, and they know all about the boat – and can suggest upgrades if required.
Get the boat you like the best. If you like the C-27, check out an Ericson or Hunter also. I’m hooked on Catalina because of great factory support. I have an old ’78 C-30 each time I’ve called the factory with a question or requirement I’ve received fantastic treatment, and they know all about the boat – and can suggest upgrades if required.
- Status
- Not open for further replies.