THere are many things to consider.
First, I own a production boat (Catalina 400) and just helped my dad pick out his Tayana 42. I agree that I would certainly take a hard look at the Catalina 400 and 42 before signing on the Beneteau. Not that one is better than the other, but you may find some things about each boat that appeals to you. What I like aboput my 400 is that she is a nice performing boat and fun to sail. Most important for us, especially with kids, is that she is very sure footed. We have two heads and a nice spac in the aft berth for mom and dad to escape the kids. She is a very comfortable "live aboard". Most of the systems are pretty accesible. The cockpit is awesome and one of the biggest sailing points.
Negatives: Storage - of both goods, fuel and water. THe Beneteau is no better (and maybe worse). When you go to live aboard, you will need a LOT of space. Finding a spot for a washer dryer is a challenge that we will probably give up on (though you can do it on the 42). Some of our systems are hard to access also, like some of the water and septic runs. Another negative is the rudder is not very well protected. Any boat with a spade rudder is exposed, but most production boats are especially susceptible.
The Tayana 42...
WHat I like: Lots, and lots, and lots of storage. You cannot imagine all the storage on these boats. Stuff will get lost. Want a Washer/dryer?? Not a problem. Also, if you get the aft cockpit version, you will be able to walk through from the galley to the lazarette. ALL of your systems are VERY easily accesible, without any exception that we could find. The rudder and keel are exceptionally strong and the rudder very well protected. At 37,500 lbs dry, she will take a beating. She is a beatuful boat down below with lots of teak, and very comfortable in a rolling sea. In essense, this boat is built like a tank (and drives like one).
The Negatives...
Many of the things which make her "positives" come at a cost. For example, the cockpit is very small, as are the cockpits on most boats of this purpose. This is by design in case you take a breaker in the cockpit. Also, all the weight that makes her very steady and sure also makes her pretty slow. I have to blame some large portion of that on her displacement. Where my Catalina likes to run in the low 7's comfortably, you will push it to get her over 5.5 kts except in a blow. All of the storage takes away from living room down below. However, given the very easy access to systems and large tankage, it is a worthy trade-off for a cruiser.
I do not regret my purchase of the Catalina, however, give what I know now of the Tayana 42, I would have to sit down and think long and hard which one I would purcahse. The underlying issue for us is the kids and that fact that they need more space (and their own head, per their mother). Many/most cruisers do not have those concerns.
In the end, I would urge you to at least look at a Tayana 42 (or similar) before signing on with any production boat. You will like (and not like) many things that you will see. Whether the trade offs are worth it is up to you.
- CD
