Newport 28 vs. Catalina 27

asivesind · #1 (**permalink**) 02-01-2008

I have found a newport 28 and a catalina 27 that are both in excellent condition, and both priced around $9,ooo. It is a bit of a hard choice. I single hand most of the time, and would be sailing in the S.F. bay. The newport has an A-4 and the catalina has a diesel. The newport is 79 and I think the catalina is about the same age. Any thought's would be great. Thanks you. T

blt2ski · #2 (**permalink**) 02-01-2008

If you want to give PHRF ratings any credence, the Newport is about 10 sec a mile faster than the Cat. IIRC the newport was a C&C design, and possibly built by for Newport, but do not quote me on the latter!

I believe the newport is a bit bigger overall, with a nicer interior.

Either if properly rigged, should be easy to single hand. Personally with this in mind, if one or the other has a cockpit main traveler, that would be my first choice, or remove the cabin mounted one, and install one in the cockpit. I believe newport may be this way, Cats are more know for cabin top main travelers for the majority of the ones I have seen.

Either would be a good boat.

marty

gonesailin40 · #3 (**permalink**) 02-01-2008

I prefer diesel over gasoline engines. I find them easier to troubleshoot and easier to repair when needed. I also feel they last longer than gasoline engines.

As far as which boat would be better. I am sure you can find many people to make an argument for either boat. If it would be possible to take each one out for a sail you might have a better chance deciding on which one.

I would think that at 9k, both in "excellent condition" it would hard to go wrong either way.

GySgt · #4 (**permalink**) 02-01-2008

I would second gonesailin40 advice and take them out for a sail. The Cat 27 I sailed in the bay recently had a lot of weather helm.

Moonfish · #5 (**permalink**) 02-01-2008

Yes, the Newport 28 has a C&C designed hull. The rest of the boat was Capital Yachts. My first boat was an '84 N28 MkII, and it was quite a nice little performer for a boat that had decent cruising comfort in 28 feet. Loved that boat, and at times still miss her. The only reason I see in your choices not to choose the Newport is the A4. I'd always prefer a diesel, but then again there are a ton of old boats still out there puttering around on rebuilt A4s. And I would guess you'd find a pretty good source of knowledge on A4s in the Gear and Maintenance forum. I haven't looked, but there's probably an Atomic 4 email list as well.

Valiente · #6 (**permalink**) 02-01-2008

I've sailed on a Newport 27 and a C&C 27, and I prefer the Newport. If the Atomic 4 is fresh water cooled, I would opt for that...it is a more appropriate small sailboat engine than a diesel in the sense that it is low compression and doesn't mind getting started cold and then shut off 10 minutes later...a small diesel sees wear and tear from short run times.

The Newport 28 is probably about the same weight over a somewhat larger hull and is a slightly tender but speedy boat. The C&C at 7,500 lbs. can keep sail up longer and can bash into waves that might slow or stop the Newport.

My understanding is that SF Bay can get quite lumpy, but I don't know how race-oriented you are.

asivesind · #7 (**permalink**) 02-01-2008

I am not to interested in racing... at least for now. Thanks for the info on the diesel. I would imagine it would only be used in short spurts, just enough to get me into open water. I think I just need to go sailing, fine time of year to sail the bay!!

Valiente · #8 (**permalink**) 02-02-2008

Then the Atomic 4, converted to fresh water cooling (not difficult) is probably a more durable choice, assuming it's in reasonable shape. They are easy engines on which to work.

Plumper · #9 (**permalink**) 02-02-2008

In our club there is a Newport 28 that wins all the races when the winds are lighter than 12 knots. The kicker is that the owner claims the boat is not very well built. He says that when he hauls on the backstay the door forward won't open. He recognizes the short comings and loves the boat. There are also a couple Catalina 27's. They are a little slower but a little (not much) more robustly built. The big difference is their huge sliding hatch cover. It makes the companionway big enough for two people. Comfy but structurally a bit of a compromise. I would be happy with either boat for weekending and beer cans.

Gaz

BarryL · #10 (**permalink**) 02-02-2008

Hello,

My first boat was a Catlina 22, my second a Newport 28 (and my third and current is an O'day 35). For my second boat I was looking for something in the 28-32' range, preferably a Catalina 30. I looked at the Catalina 27 and it was just a little too small for me. The newport, even though just a little bigger, was big enough.

Anyway, IMHO, the Newport is nicer than the Catalina. The newport should come with self tailing winches, lines led aft, etc. The interior is also nicer. It should have a teak and holly sole compared to bare fiberglass, padded head liner compared to bare fiberglass, hot and cold pressure water, A/C and D/C electrical system, etc.

The Catalina 27 is a nice boat, but, IMHO, the Newport 28 is a nicer boat and is more a 'big boat' than the Catalina.

Good luck to you,
Barry