Buy used Catalina or Island Packet?

saltypat · #1 12-15-2006

It may sound crazy, but I have narrowed my boat choices down to a Catalina 30 or and IP31.

Does anyone have any idea of how much slower I might sailing in the IP, or how much less I could sail to windward?

The IP is cutter rigged with a furling genoa *probably 135) and may have the centerboard. (Would there be any difference is sailing characteristics between the IP fixed keel and centerboard version?)

Also the Catalina is an early 1990s model with the wing keel, and the IP would be a 1984 or 85 vintage.

I sail on the Chesapeake Bay.

Thanks for any advice, much appreciated.

Kernix · #2 12-15-2006

I'll be hopefully buying a cat30 in the next yrear or two - cat 30's are rather slow - avg speed around 5-6 knots with a max of high 7 or 8 knots - hope the IP31 isn't slower than that.

Cruisingdad · #3 12-15-2006

Let's see, I have owned a Catalina 250, 320, 380, now a 400. Hmm, let me think a moment about how I would direct you...

Ahh, well, I made my decision: Catalina!!

HAHA

In all honesty, it is a sold boat. You are not going to win any races with either one of them unless you have one serious handicap (or just cheat and use your engine when no one is looking like I do). IP is a great boat. I have heard people knock them and for the life of me I do not understand why. I am sure Jeff will chime in with a lot more detail than I can (and would probably point you to the IP) but either boat is a good boat. They both have great owners groups, but I will say this: Think of the pride and friends you will have when you say:

"Hey, I got the same make ole' Cruising Dad has!!" Well, on second thought, if friendships mean anything to you, maybe you ought to consider the IP instead.

sailortjk1 · #4 12-15-2006

Look out I can see it coming, IP's get bashed quite a bit around these parts. (So does my boat, But I won't let that bother me)

camaraderie · #5 12-15-2006

Pat...I take it you are not a racer...just don't want a pig...correct?
If so, I would say that youll see a speed difference of 1/4-1/2 knot on a reach and point a bit lower but there is a SIGNIFICANT difference in the way both boats are built and HOLD their value in favor of the IP. I've owned 2 Cats and loved them and think highly of the 30 as well...but the IP is the better built boat assuming they are both in good condition.

TrueBlue · #6 12-15-2006

On our dock, we are flanked by a Catalina 36 and an IP38 and I have sailed on both. I have also driven in a Chevy Celebrity station wagon and a Mercedes station wagon of similar vintage. Although a cliche' analogy, my experiences from both, formed interesting parallels.

Cruisingdad · #7 12-15-2006

TB,

Quit calling the IP a chevy, that is not nice!

Cam,

You traitor! Next thing you will be saying is that Tayana makes a better boat than Catalina. Hmph.

(SMILE EVERYBODY)

Don't you worry. Jeff H will see this soon and he will take my side. Just you watch. Jeff?? Jeff! Tell them Catalina makes the fastest, most steady, safe boat in the world? Jeff? (He seems to have left the building or is nicely trying to decide what to say back to me)

cardiacpaul · #8 12-15-2006

ok, for more "blue" water look at the IP, for more "creature comfort and room" look at the Catalina.... 'Dad, my personal choice would be the Catalina 30.

So, fork over the schekles for either one, and go sailing willya?

SailorMitch · #9 12-15-2006

One yardstick is to compare PHRF ratings for the boats. On the Chesapeake, the Cat 30 rates 177-189 depending on the rig and the keel, etc. Unfortunately, no one has filed for a PHRF rating for an IP-31 -- the closest is an IP-320, which ought to be faster than the 31. The 320 rates 231 on the bay. In short, the Catalina is much faster.

I once ran down an IP-38 in my old Pearson 27, going down wind in about 10 kts apparent. I was going from Solomons to Oxford. They looked quite surprised as I went by them because they were barely moving.

I'd buy the Catalina just because it has a winged keel!!! Love those wings!

You've picked two very different boats to compare. You need to decide what's important to you for the kind of sailing you want to do.

kavakava · #10 12-15-2006

The Chessy Bay has many active Catalina groups, and dealers too. The 30 is a solid, stable boat for the Bay. Check out how each boat is equiped too. Will you need to spend boat bucs upgrading? Just go sailing!!