Torn between two boats

[justified]

Good morning Sailneters

Well we are torn between two boats that we are looking at. So I ‘m looking for some general thoughts and comments. Unleash the dogs I can take it you guys can be ruthless!!! We are doing coastal cruising , LIS and new England area. Future axpand to east coast and ?.
Boat #1: ’81 Catalina 30 standard rig, rebuilt in ’97 atomic 4 ( I’m familiar with engine.since I have one in present boat) work done at Old Lyme marina, Ct. , min. electronics vhf, depth, knot, stereo , wheel w/ auto helm, emerg. tiller , cabin top traveler, h/c preasure water, 2 – 20gal water tanks ( one leaks – easy access) 20 gal. fuel, lp stove/ oven, sails excellent condtion – main part.bat. one reef, 150 roller, the unit is and older Furlex or harkin continuous loop furler, a-sem w/ sock, new interior cushions. One big draw back for the wife and I is the MINNAMUL storage. Asking price low teens. Would be an easy move up from our 28 newport and could start sailing right away. What can I say it’s a 30’ Catalina. It’s newer and bigger.
Boat #2: ’73 Ericson 35 MKII, bran new Mitsubishi 25hp diesel 3hrs runnig time, hull completely stripped 5 coats barrier coat, and new awal grip to top of gunwales, min. electronics- vhf, gps, depth, knot, wheel, emerg. Tiller, aft traveler, sails (from written report fair condition), 2- mains part. Bat., 150 hanked (not suited for roller furler), 110 hanked ( could be cut for furler) storm, has a scheefer furller never used., mast- all wire halyards appear in good cond. , standing rig ss wire, appear in good cond. , mast rewired 03, interior all new cushions and bright work, alchol stove / oven, new tankage 40 water, 14 waste, H/C preasure water, lot of storage, wife happy with that,top side needs some work on deck and coach top, has typ. Glecoat hairline cracks for that age, didn’t find any soft spots on deck but owner seys there are a couple small areas on the coach top that are soft. Asking price high 20’s. This has classic lines, very sexy. When all cleaned up it will say WOW! A little more than we wanted to spend but.
I know I need to have a survey/ sea trial done.

Alright have at it, I’m at the mast for my whipping.

Peter

[sailingdog]

If you can afford the Ericson 35... get it... This is likely to prevent you from having three-foot-itis again anytime soon and Ericson built a pretty nice boat in their day. Don't forget to read my Boat Inspection Trip Tips thread I started, as it will help you determine whether the boat is worth looking into further.

Good luck...

[Mimsy]

I would pick the Ericson for all of the reasons Sailingdog and your wife stated. Ample storage is not to be underrated and those 5 extra feet will be welcome. Plus, the Ericson is just plain pretty.

[nolatom]

Ericson. A little better-built, and a little more ocean-capable.

I hate to use GM analogies these days, but a Buick rather than a Chevy.

[justified]

Thanks Mimsy and Dog

Dog - Yes I have read your list very helpfull going back one day this wk to pour thur with fine tooth comb. makin a list and checkin it twice.

Mimsy - Yes she is!!!!

Peter

[kwaltersmi]

For anything close to even money, the Ericson wins hands down. However, we could be talking about a price difference of around $15k. The roller furling, rebuilt A4, excellent sails and general popularity of the C30 are all pluses.

The Ericson is bigger, and maybe built a bit better. However, she's also probably twice the price and 8 years older with known soft deck spots. The Mitsu diesel is nice, but how easy is it to locate parts and a capable mechanic for a relatively rare marine diesel? Sounds like you'd better budget for new sails, deck work and possible a new furler too. That sounds like a decent chunk of change.

I much prefer Ericsons to Catalinas of similar vintage and price, but you've got to carefully weigh the costs of the older, bigger boat that sounds like it needs more to get her the way you want her.

[johnshasteen]

In general, the Ericson started out life as a better-built boat and a diesel that might be hard to get parts for is better than any gasoline engine.
With that said, go back and sit in the cockpit on on each of them, then go below and flop down on the main salon couches - try to get comfortable, get up and go crawl into the Vee-berth. Then decide which boat you want.

[justified]

johnshasteen - did most of that and I won't be sleeping on the settees on the c30 maybe on the ericson. Ericson also has a usable nav station. You can see the way I'm healing.

[sailingdog]

Looks like an Ericson 35 is in your future...

[johnshasteen]

Originally Posted by justified

johnshasteen - did most of that and I won't be sleeping on the settees on the c30 maybe on the ericson. Ericson also has a usable nav station. You can see the way I'm healing.

Well then, it's the Ericson - good choice! The reason I said see what you thought of the main salon couches is because on a long trip and heeled 15 degrees, you need one salon couch and one side of the Vee berth for sea berths. Never count on the quarter berths - they're always filled with your junk.