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Jeanneau
Hi Guys
I have looked at all three boats. The Catalina 36 is not the one with the tumblehome hull. That is the Catalina 38 designed by Sparkman & Stephens. The 38 is a gorgeous boat built until about 1982 or so. The tumblehome hull give the boat a lot more room below and improves sailing performance. That being said, it is unfotunate though that most sailors will find the dock more with this hull.
I personally find the Catalina 36 to be a terrific boat. In fact I am looking at them now. I inspected one last weekend and found that it was very well constructed, excellent fittings, good through hull seacocks, very good glass work, strong chainplates with very good attachment to bulkheads and structural members.
The Jeanneau I saw was used pretty hard and though it was well cared for, really showed its age. I personally like the design of the C36 cabin much better, it is comfortable, roomy and functional.
I cannot speak to the sailing characteristics of the boats. Mike listed the PHRF. The C38 PHRF for the deep keel is 120 I think.
I guess it depends on what you want to use it for. I raced boats for a long time, now I want to cruise and cruise and cruise :O) I like a comfortable cabin. I also personally like a boat with a solid glass hull (I think JeffH may chime in here, but I think you can argue both ways). I think most racers would have a cored hull because of its added stiffness and lighter weight. I want a boat that does not have a core to rot out and that can be repaired easily far from my marina if need be.
Lastly, I have read that some people consider a Jeanneau a good bluewater boat. Can cross oceans. I cannot really comment one way or another.
SO, if you are on the Chesapeake... PLEASE get a Jeanneau.... *I* would like a shot at the best C36 :O)
Best of luck, hope to see you out there.
John
PS - Jeff and Mike, thanks for the advice on the other board.
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