[beyerwi]

Hi Pop, I am doing somewhat the same research for my second sailboat-1st. was an Alberg Odessey 30.

Concerning your question, it likely depends on how you plan to use it. The Catalina is a very popular day sailor in California where I lived earlier and some people used them for coastal cruising. However, we other cruisers thought they were pushing their luck doing ocean cruising.

Although I don''t have first hand experience with either boat, what I have gleaned from reading/research is the the Cal might be the better choice for coastal or offshore cruising, perhaps stronger construction.

I am interested in offshore cruising and the larger Cal''s (family of 6) are on my list of possible choices.

Bill