The Skinny on Hunters and Catalinas

[Daedalus]

Hello all,
I'm looking to buy my first boat in the 30' range (San Francisco Bay Area) and to me it seems there are many fine examples (okay, SOME fine examples) of the above mentioned models in my price range (18-25k). They seem like fine bay cruisers with lots of space and comfort. These are important because I am introducing the lifestyle to my wife. I have, though, seen a few posters deride the Hunter as a less than esteemed boat maker and I was wondering why that is. Is it because it is a "production" boat or are they actually shoddily made?

Also, my wife is gung-ho about doing the Baha Ha-Ha in a year or two and I was wondering if The Catalina 30 or the Hunter 31 would be up to the task. Are deck-stepped masts able to withstand a little bluewater sailing?

I'm aware that the Catalina is a bit bumpy to weather due to it's beam, but is this a deal breaker? I really do like the roomy interior!

Any information on these issues would be GREATLY appreciated!

Thanks

[k1vsk]

Although some people have their biases, informed or otherwise, both are essentially the same quality and compete for the same market. Neither are intended as blue-water capable which isn't to say that people have not used and are now using both to cross oceans. Lots of blue water boats also have deck sterpped masts which should not be a concern. My take on this type choice is look for whichever you find that is better maintained and pleasing to your wallet and aesthetic taste, the latter being particularly important if you want your wife to enjoy spending time on it.

FAR too many people obsess over what a real true blue water designed boat constitutes without recognizing it spends 90% of it's time in harbor.

[Cruisingdad]

I am partial to Catalinas and can list many reasons why, but instead will simply say that I agree for the most part with K1.

- CD

[tommyt]

You can probably do a search on this site and get more information on this subject then you could ever possibly read. The information you have so far is enough. Buy a boat you like and that is sound and go sailing.

[xort]

I've seen arguements both ways regarding deck stepped vs keel stepped.
Deck stepped mast will likely leave the boat easier without doing damage to the boat. Keel stepped can rip open the hole it sits in.
When keel stepped masts break, they usually break part way up leaving some mast to cobble together some sort of gethome sail.

As to hunters & catalinas...
There was a recent discussion round here that seemed to conclude the problem with most boats is owner maintenance. High end boats have owners with the ability to pay for good maintenance but many cheaper boats are bought by people who don't realize what it takes to keep a boat in good condition.
Therefore, be prepared to run into a lot of boats that aren't well kept at the production boat level.
Also do some research on the various models, you might find the bobber 21 was a dog but the bobber 22 was upgraded to address the doggie issues of the 21.

[wiseleyb]

I lived on a Hunter 27 for five + years in Boston Harbor and sailed it in all kinds of conditions up and down the coast. I bought it for $10K and compared to my friends $50K boats it was a joke but, the price was right and I never had any serious issues with it. I also helped deliver a Hunter 45 from the BVI to the Bahamas that and that went off without a hitch ... we didn't hit any real weather though.

I don't think I'd take one across the southern ocean but they seem fine, especially if you're a day or two from harbor (ie the Baja Ha Ha).

The French have pretty much proven that it's more about the sailor than the boat. Or maybe they've proven they're stark raving mad... haven't decided on that one yet

If it matters, I'm on a Westsail 28 now... even smaller than the hunter 27 below decks (yippie!).

-ben

[sailhog]

Daedalus,
I would urge you to look closely at what's available in your area. I have a C30, and it's wonderful, but it was the only one in really good shape within 200 miles of HHI. Look and look some more. Look at Pearsons and everything else. It's fun. One thing I've learned is that the better boats are often, although not always, found listed on owners association sites, such as the International Catalina owners Assoc. That model of Hunter you're looking at sometimes has problems with the steering quadrant. I have to say that I really love my little C30, but if you get one that hasn't been properly loved and cared for, it'll bite you in the ass. But that's true with any boat. For a C30, look to spend between $18-$25,000. You're in for a great time. So is your old lady.

[JohnRPollard]

I wish someone who knows how would conduct a Sailnet survey to determine how many Hunter owners are first time boat owners and/or new to sailing.

The next question would be how many Hunter owners are repeat customers.

This sort of empirical data might be more useful than all our opinions combined.

[AjariBonten]

You might ask thre same question about Chevettes, Hyundais, etc, It really doesn't say much except that they're good starters..........

[Valiente]

The Catalina 30 I would prefer to the Hunter of that size because I think it's a marginally better boat for coastal and because I've raced against them in all conditions. I would have two caveats beyond the obvious "they are coastal, not blue water" boats: a) that very large companionway scares the hell out of me in terms of getting pooped on a downwind run, and b) I've seen them get squirrelly to windward at about the 25 knot mark, where the lightness of the boat and perhaps the rudder shape seem to impart a lot of helming issues and lee around that speed, when the boat is being pressed. I've seen a few get laid down and struggle to recover. Keep in mind this was a race situation, when people keep too much sail up in hopes they won't have to reef down, but it's been a fairly consistant observation. Going to windward, they are better, but can get "slapped" by head seas more than four feet or so.

Having said that, it's about the most popular U.S. production boat ever, and is a decent club racer and cruising boat, but I wouldn't want to be caught out in a blow in one.