Sailors: Which would be the better sailboat?

Question

I'm looking to buy a 32-34' used sailboat from 2001-2007 in excellent condition. I pretty much have it nailed down to either a Catalina, a Hunter or a Benetau. It has to have a draft of 3'10"-4'5" due to the shallow SWFL canals. Which would make the best sailboat?

Answer 1

All else being equal - Benetau is the better quality boat - no doubt about it!  They use top of the line quality in all their Banetau Models - better materials, better workmanship, last longer = better resale.

Happy & Safe Boating!  

Answer 2

you should see the post right before yours on the site and the response from Lil Laurenzo for useful info...especially on the Hunter.

Answer 3

You have selected 3 boats pretty well in the same class.  I have sailed, worked on, or owned all 3, I have cruised along with all 3 of these.

Not to wish to knock any of these fine crafts, I believe that we go with what we are most familiar.

I have taken several Hunters, from the 26.5 to 41' off shore, raced them on lakes and rivers.  There are really nice boats, but I do not like them when off shore when the seas turn nasty.  They tend tto feel rather weak and thin in their hulls.  Sailing inland, and on protected waters and entertaining dockside they are great.  I have never had to deal with their customer service, but have been through their plant.  Overall, I do not care for Hunter.

The Beneteau reminds me a lot of the Hunter, in that they are rather nimble, light weight, and somewhat flexible to the point that I put them with the Hunter.  Again, I have not dealt with their customer services.

The Catalina also has the dockside qualities beside the Hunter and Beneteau.  They do not have quite the agility as the other 2, but I do feel better on the Catalina when off shore.  I have not dealt personally with the customer service of Catalina, but those that I know that have Catalinas, will swear by the company.  They back their product, and bend over backwards to keep their owners a happy lot.

If I were shopping for one of the 3 mentioned boats, I would go with Catalina.  They have a strong reputation here in the U. S.  I believe that they will continue to back up their boats.

Advise that you check out boat yards that have many boats in for repairs, check with owners that are not trying to sell you their boat.  Ask particular questions that concern you in the way you intend to use the boat.  What will be the right boat for you just may not work for the next person.

Answer 4

I have sailed various models of all three of the boats that you mention. I happen to own a 1982 Catalina 38.

My opinions are :

For the years and sizes that you mention, I have found that Beneteaus are well made but are tender sailors. Hunters are less well made and sail ok. Catalinas are well made and sail well. The builder has an excellent reputation for service and response.  As a Catalina owner, I would consider a Beneteau in sizes 34' and up.  Below 34' I would stay with Catalina.

You must choose a boat that chooses you ... your shoal-draft requirement will certainly limit your choices.

Fair Winds ~!~