catalina vs hunte

[mccary]

We don't know where you intend to use this new boat and how you plan to lean to sail. If you plan to sail in sheltered waters and plan to take some sailing courses I suggest you take a sailing course first and then perhaps charter a boat or 2 and then make an educated purchase instead of blindly buying a boat.

[k1vsk]

Originally Posted by deniseO30

Anyway.. H vs C very different imho

in what respect(s)? or should I not ask??

[scottyt]

dont discount an 81 hunter they are a Cherubini design. which are very solid boats, go to Mid-Size Boats - SailboatOwners.com and poke around they have lots of info, including a cherubini forum. of course i have a cherubini hunter 27 foot so i am biased.

[midlifesailor]

Bottom line upfront...either of those would be great starter boats to learn on and enjoy weekends and the occasional week or so vacation in protected waters. If that is your intended purpose, the best choice between those models is to pick the one in the best condition.

Now on to the subjectives. If you compare a H31 and a C30 you spouse will likely prefer the H31. If you look at the PHRF numbers(an arguably imprecise indicator of sailing performance)they will probably favor the H31. The boats dimensions are very similar:

H31 C30
LOA 31' 4" 29'11"
Beam 10'11" 10'10"
Dis 9900 10200

The lighter displacement probably explains the better PHRF numbers but other 30's are more in line with the Catalina's displacement so perhaps one could conclude the Hunter is somewhat lighter than it should be for its size. The Catalina will probably have more appropriately sized winches and hardware. The Catalina will likely get the nod for ease of owner maintenence as well, but I never owner either so I can't say for sure. The boats overall come to be a near match just if you look long and hard enough you'll begin to see where decsions were made to hit the price point for the boat.

When I was in your shoes about 5 years ago, I had my sights on an H31, but as my search continued, trying to find that boat in really good shape, I came across a really nice O'day 322, which became my first boat, so I competely agree with Mainesail that condition is the most important factor. For comparisons sake, the numbers on my Oday were LOA 32'2", B 10'8" and Displacement listed as 10250. That boat had a wing keel and was considered a decent sailer for its size/draft.

So long story short, I wouldn't try to talk you out of a H30/H31 that was in good shape, unless there was a C30 close by that was in better condition. Between these two boats for the purpose as outlined above, buying the one in the most pristine condition will set you miles ahead of just selecting one model over the other and limiting your search.

HTH, Good Luck and keep us informed of your progress.

[WouldaShoulda]

Even though I generally prefer C to H, If the H had newer rigging or a more powerful diesel, those kind of things could sway me.

But I started looking for a C 25 and wound up with an O'day 27!!

Just goes to show!!

[blt2ski]

Looking HERE the PHRF numbers using the ave number, not the highest or lowest ratings in the US, the C30 and H30 are similar with 177-192 numbers depending upon the rig, the H31 is about 10-15secs faster! Other 30ft boats to compare
C&C 160's
Cal 30 180's
Cape dory 220-280 slower than a dead slug going backwards! old shoe!
Coronado 192-207
Dehler 31 156
Dufour 30 165
Erickson 30 170
Farr 30 138
Frers 132
J30 140
Jeaneau Arcadia 165

So as far as 30-32' boats go, the Catalina and Hunters are on the slower end of things, if that is an issue with you!

Otherwise, for most folks needs, the Hunter and Catalina brands will do fine, choose the one that has been taken care of the best, even if a bit more money!

Marty

[RichardElliott]

I would avoid the Hunter B7R rig like the plaque. Mainly because it prevents the main from going full out and I sail downwind without a spinnaker.

[midlifesailor]

Originally Posted by RichardElliott

I would avoid the Hunter B7R rig like the plaque. Mainly because it prevents the main from going full out and I sail downwind without a spinnaker.

I agree and it also makes moving about the decks a problem on the smaller boats at least.

That said, its not a consideration here, as the Hunter models being discussed predate the use of the B&R rig.