new boats

[jacksone]

I am seeking information on the relative merits of three boats; the Catalina 470, the Beneteau 473 and the Jenneau 45.2. If anyone has comparitive information on these boats or has information on which of these boats is best I would appreciate a response. I am particularly interested in whether these boats should be considered for long passages as opposed to coastal cruising.

[dpinorm]

First, let me say I''m not a surveyor or naval architect. I did look at these three boats and ended up with a Sabre 452. If you''re interested in fast offshore production cruising boats, look at the Sabre or maybe the J46. I don''t think any of the three you mentioned will necessarily be unsafe. But IMHO, the effort necessary to properly rig and prepare them for long distance cruising will be much more than the Sabre or J. And you will end up with more money in these boats than you "should" have, given their target market. (If by "long passages" you mean up and down the East Coast where inlets are readily available, then I think they''re all worth a close look.)