a decent 34-35 cruiser ???

[devilfishlane]

I have been looking at a 90-91 Catalina 34 for some time. Ill be cruising in the Bahamas and Caribbean.(Island hopping) I like the large space inside but am thinking about a little tougher boat. My price range is 50K

Is it possible to find an early 90's boat with the large interior space inside, like the Cat. for 50K ?

or

Should I just stick with the Cat. and toughen up her weak spots ( hatches, hull bolts ,... ?

Thanks

[bestfriend]

This one here:

1990 CS Canadian Sailcraft Boat For Sale

[bestfriend]

Thats my boat by the way.

Don't worry about the deep keel. you will eventually go hard aground and then it will be shorter.

[Sailormann]

That CS is faster, nicer, better-built, stronger, better-looking, more capable, twice as comfortable, three times more prestigious and just an all-around more intelligent choice than any Catalina ever could be

[padean]

The CS 34 is a nice boat for $61K US. I paid significantly more for mine a year ago, but the photos look like this boat is in good shape.

I would agree that the CS 34 is a sturdier boat than the Cat 34, after looking at a number of boats before purchasing mine last year. It also seems more spacious inside, but that is a matter of opinion, and I'm sure many Catalina owners will have a different opinion.

Another advantage is that many of the CS boats have spent much or all of their lives in fresh water (obviously not BestFriends). One potential issue may be the fin keel/flat bottom designed more for speed than blue-water cruising. Other boats with a longer keel and deeper hull may ride easier in the higher seas, but I don't have much experience with that.

[bestfriend]

Originally Posted by Sailormann

That CS is faster, nicer, better-built, stronger, better-looking, more capable, twice as comfortable, three times more prestigious and just an all-around more intelligent choice than any Catalina ever could be

I thought you were talking about the skipper until you got to the "intelligent" part.

Pdean, you are right about the matter of opinion. I was looking at the C34 too, but its drawbacks seemed worse than the CS drawbacks. Don't tell the broker, but I am secretly hoping that she doesn't sell. Maybe I'll just refuse all offers. I have had her out in the swell and it can be rough if you are beating to weather, but on a run, she surfs nicely and is easy to handle.

Those are crappy broker photos. Go here for the good ones: fogcitysailor[dot]com

[bestfriend]

Back to your original post. You are going to spend way too much money toughening up a C34, and I am not sure why you would want to for Island hoping. That boat is fine for your intended purpose.

[winddancer88]

The Catalina 34 is one of the better designed Catalina's IMO. I think it'll be a great choice for your intended use. It's too bad Catalina's moving away from this design (replacing the 36 with the 375 for example).

[kwaltersmi]

Take a look at Island Packet 31's. The price is right and they're built to a bit tougher than the Catalina. However, you might find that the interior volume/space is not enough if you're considering 34-35 footers.

[JimsCAL]

I would put the Sabre 34-2 on your list. A mid-to-late 80s boat should be in your price range.