Like Catalina but just made a deal on a Beneteau

[Jeff_H]

I can't speak to the other criticisms of the newer Beneteau 'number' series, but I did want to touch on the comment about the smaller winches (or 'wenches' as they were referred to above). You often see the comment that Catalina uses bigger winches than Beneteau or Hunter. To some extent this is a bit of a bogus critique. For the most part the newer Beneteaus and Hunters are either fractionally rigged or else have a more modern sail plan proportion in which the mainsails are larger and the headsails smaller. (Generally thought to be a more efficient and easy to handle sailplan proportion)

By the same token, many, if not most, of the Catalina models have an antiquated sail plan proportion of small mainsail with very large headsails. For the same amount of drive, this rig proportion places greater strain on the hull and rig attachement points, requires heavier standing rigging and requires bigger winches and headsail sheets to handle the larger loads.

Respectfully,
Jeff

[Mimsy]

I'm sorry you are having to continue the boat search, but happy that you did not buy a boat you do not love.

We looked at many, many different brands of boats. The Beneteaus just didn't have adequate tankage for us. I second the opinion that the older Beneteau First's are quite a bit nicer than the newer line in finish and mechanicals. I don't like Beneteaus as a rule, but I would have considered a Beneteau First as a possibility- the First's are really nice boats.

We came awfully close to buying a Catalina 42, but ultimately decided that a more blue water design suited our needs. For island hopping and limited offshore work, we felt that the Catalinas would do just fine. The Catalina 400 is an absolutely gorgeous boat and there are several on the US market that are priced pretty aggressively. My husband love the 400 and I hope to get the chance for him to drool on CD's settes at some point, he really, really wanted a 400. The interior is really well laid out. The 390 was my favorite of the Catalina's- well laid out, comfortable, more space efficient and from the owners we have spoken with really easy to sail and maintain. The cabin felt larger than our 42 foot boat!

Good luck with the search. Don't get discouraged, there are many boats out there that will serve you well you just need to find each other.

[imagine2frolic]

1983 Lord Nelson 41' sailboat for sale in Florida

Maybe something like this will tickle your fancy? I personally know this boat, and it is exceptionally clean with all the goodies......i2f

[imagine2frolic]

P.S.,

The boat has been reduced to $125k the last I heard......i2f

[saildork]

The OP might not be listening. His last post was 2 years ago.

[Mimsy]

:lol See, that's the real reason why we want you to check the date before you post. Some of us get lazy, see the new post and go off like it was a question posted within hours.

Please check the date before repsonding so those of us who are too lazy to check the date on the post you are responding to don't feel foolish.

[imagine2frolic]

LOLOLOL,

Well it happens all the time, and who knows maybe someone will see the Lord Nelson for sale. Some good does come out of responses to old threads all the time.......i2f

[blt2ski]

As the thread is two years old, not sure if catalinafan has bought a boat, then again a search of his posts might reveal something!

In the mean time, carry on!