S2 8b or Catalina 27? Purchase advise

[yuros]

Hello,
I am looking for a weekend cruiser undeer 30ft and narrowed it down to two boars in my area; a Catalina 27 and an S2 8.0B. I have found a lot of info about these boats but nothing comparing the two directly. it is a very tough choice as both of the boats im considering are in great shape and come at the same price.

S2
1977
Inboard Universal Diesel
A + shape throughout. The boat looks practically new.
comes with only two sails but many extras (covers, bimini, etc)
My only reservation is lack of head-room below. (Im 6'1")

Catalina 27
1978
Outboard 15
"B" shape throughout (solid, but not as clean as S2)
Comes with a set of 5 newer sails, but not much else.

I am finding it really hard to decide. The S2 is very clean and I think has a more valuable engine option. The Catalina on the other hand seems like youre getting more boat.

I would much appreciate any advise regarding cross-shopping these two boats.
Which one is better built? Which is a better sailor? What other factors should i consider between these models?

Thank You

[Faster]

S2 - better performer, more reliable propulsion (inboard)

Catalina - "chevy malibu of the sea" - lots of them around - is the headroom really that much better? Easier eventual resale perhaps

Where are you sailing? If waves are likely the outboard may be problematic from time to time.

[JimsCAL]

I suspect your evaluation of "condition" is based on cosmetics. May or may not be an indication of real problems. The diesel in the S2 is probably the original from 1977. Chances are its a 5411 and is raw water cooled. If it has been used in salt water, chances are it is at the end of its life. Faster is right about the limitations of an outboard in waves, but its a lot easier to repair or replace an outboard. Where are you going to sail?

[olson34]

Originally Posted by Faster

S2 - better performer, more reliable propulsion (inboard)

Catalina - "chevy malibu of the sea" - lots of them around - is the headroom really that much better? Easier eventual resale perhaps

Where are you sailing? If waves are likely the outboard may be problematic from time to time.

"Plus One!"

[timangiel]

what is the beam of the catalina?

[yuros]

Thanks for your feedback everyone.
I would be sailing on Lake Ontario.
I made a conditional offer on the S2, it just seemed like more complete package and a better cared for boat.
However upon second inspection I have discovered soft spots on both sides of the deck. The laminate is in great shape cosmetically, but the areas around chainplates are suspect soft.
As such, I am waiting for a boat surveyor to do a proper inspection.
From what I've read soft spots on deck could be a project all in itself, so I might have to walk away from this one. Would be a shame though as I think I really like the S2.

[Gary M]

If you have access around the chain plates from below it can be a fairly simple job to cut out he lower skin and re-core it. I have done it many times in fact am about to head to the club right now and cut out a similar spot.

If you have leaking chain plates take a good look at the bulkheads around the plates, they tend to get wet and rot over time. Again they can be replaced but at a cost. Expect issues with most 30 year old boats, they really were not meant to last this long.

Good Luck
Gary