"Best" sailboat in the 27-32 foot range?

[Vipergrün]

Hello all, I am thinking about a family sailboat. I've sailed smaller Catalina's, Lasers, etc. and use to race a sabot-type class as a kid.

I am looking at used Hunters and Catalina's. Boy, there are some decent deals out there right now!

I'll be doing open water sailing and will probably go to the Channel Islands.

What can folks tell me good/bad about these two brands? What others should I consider? I do not have the cash for a Jeanneau or Benetaeu

Thanks for your input!

[notfarnow]

I'd been kicking around the idea of selling my 22 footer and going in on a ~30 footer with a friend, and we pretty much landed on a C&C 30. They're tough as hell and wonderfully made, but I don't think they're as common in the US.

Anytime I look at sailboat prices in the US, I'm flabergasted. What you guys can get for 10-15k is just astounding. It's almost double for an equivalent boat up here. At the club I'm a member at, there have been 16 boughts purchased in teh pat 2 years... all but two came up from the US.

What about a Cal 29? They're a nice boat... solid, pretty quick and a fair bit of room. I sailed on one from Newport RI to Nova Scotia with 3 other guys and found it comfortable and easy enough to handle.

Heck, a nicely equiped Cal25 is <6k on the west coast. A bit smaller than what you're looking for but they are nicely, and I bet they're common over there.

[VincentVega]

Depends what you want to do and how much you want to spend. Nothing against them, but Hunters and Catalina's are mass production boats. Equipment and construction while not poor is nothing fancy. That's not to say they are cheap or 'bad', they are the Hyundai or Escorts.

With that said, many have every bell and whistle you could ask for, if you like condo's on water. Figure out where you are going to keep it before you buy it, cost/foot and depth at the slip/mooring ball can limit your choice off the top.

If I was looking for a cruiser I could take out in the ocean I would pick an Alberg 30. I'm actually looking for one btw.



btw Here are a few good review sites

http://www.practical-sailor.com/issues/boatreview/xref.html?inputLetter=A
http://www.spinsheet.com/usedboatreviews.asp

[Vipergrün]

Thanks!

So, rather than asking about 'best' boats, what are names you'd stay away from?

My budget is < 50K and preferably 40K. I'll be keeping it in a local marina.

[Eric Coffey]

Just a thought, but I'd at least look into rental rates or even fractional ownership before dropping $40-$50k on anything that floats or flies.

[JeremyD]

I'd look at the Freedom 30, the Island Packet 27, Hunter 31, Beneteau 28.

You are in Catalina Country too - but for the money - and if you are looking to get into some blue water - I'd shoot for the first three.

[VincentVega]

Lots of choices. 50k is a lot to spend on a boat, you can get a very nice yacht for that $$. You can also get a little older boat for half that $$ that's very nice.

I think of it like I do my 911. I spent new Honda Civic money for a 911 SC. Sure, it's not the newest on the block, but it performs and looks like I want. Nothing wrong with a new (or recent) Honda, but you will never confuse the two on the road. Get out on a few boats to figure out what you like. You can get anything from a big Laser, J-Boat, to a fat, comfy cruiser.

Take a walk on a few docks and see what you like. Astetics

[Kraftwerk]

I would look at a J 27 , might be a good in expensive starter boat.
If I wasn't totally thrilled with my 30' Borensen Dragon
and I had real money I would look for a Swan 50 (or was it a 48'?)
Anyway I am attracted to good lines...
Sail on other people s boats as much as possible first.

[Vipergrün]

Thanks for the replies!

Before I purchase I'm going to take advanced sailing lessons. The Santa Barbara Channel is not a place to mess with.

I'll also be renting a couple of boats prior to purchasing.

I always look for the best value and I'll probably end up with something older and costing less.

[fingpilot]

Make sure a slip comes with the boat!

[PatrickB]

I was in a similar position 3 years ago. After looking around at many different sailboats, old and not so old, maintenance costs, insurance, and of course slip fees, i decided to join a sailing club instead. For the amount of sailing I do - 3-4 days a month in the warmer months, and maybe 1-2 days a month during the winter. The fleet in my club is no older than 4 years old, with half less than a year old. Not having to worry about maintenance issues are worth it alone! I would highly recommend joining a club for the next couple of months! Try as many different boats as you can rent before settling in on one to buy.
The blue water boats suggested above are excellent boats. However, don't be fooled that some others are not going to be adequate for sailing to the Channel Islands. We have Catalina's, Hunter's and Benetaeu's in our club. All very nice boats. I like all of them, but for different reasons... Hunter's are nicely rigged, and exceptionally easy to sail, especially single handed. Benetaeu is a very nicely built boat, with one of the nicer interiors you will find on a sail boat. Catalina is known for the most efficient use of interior space. With all that said, you really need to get out there and look around for yourself and decide what is important to you on the boat.

Here's a picture of me in Long Beach leaving for a winter sail on an '08 Hunter 31'

[Garyo4]

A Nonsuch 30 Classic (the Ultra is about $20G more) is made for single handed sailing, is very tough, has a 11.5' beam and is as roomy as most 40 footers.
Do some research, check out the International Nonsuch Association's website
Regards
Gary

[David]

I'll second the C&C recommendation. A friend has one, I think it's a '76 model, and it's tough as nails.

The same friend has a 27' Hunter that's not nearly the same class as the C&C. Luckily for my friend, IKE killed it so he doesn't have to mess with it anymore.

BTW, there are plenty of slightly damaged boats for sale in the Houston/Galveston area right now

[notfarnow]

Originally Posted by 125shifter

I'll second the C&C recommendation. A friend has one, I think it's a '76 model, and it's tough as nails.

Probably a C&C 30, exactly the boat I have a "crush" on. I crew on a '30 for the thursday races at the local club. It's a '75 and it is one SOLID boat. Quite heavy compared to the newer boats, so it's not quite a quick in light air, but it is great when the wind starts to pick up. With many of those older boats, they went heavy with the resin & FG, in later years it was "engineered" out. They are heavier, but boy they are STOUT.

A few years ago, the C&C I race on was T-boned at the mark (STARBOARD!!) by a Catalina. The C&C had some ugly damage to the toerail but was still able to sail back. The Catalina nearly sank.

I'm thinking I'll stick with my 22' for a few more years. With a youngin' on the way, I probably won't get to sail as much as I'd like and may appreciate the flexibility of a trailerable boat. Plus, if I sell it I'm pretty sure the proceeds would just end up in "general revenue".

Great time to be in the market for a boat though!

[Vipergrün]

Hmmm, sailing club? Interesting idea. I'll have to explore what there is in my area.

The open transoms on the Hunters appeal to me. I had better get on the water and sail a few.

[David]

Originally Posted by notfarnow

Probably a C&C 30

Correct

[Sunroof]

Ahhhh, now your talking about my biggest passion......sailing!

I sail a 1988 Catalina 30 Mark II on Lake Lanier, Georgia which presently is slowly evaporating away!! If you consider a sailboat do not hesitate to check out inland locations for a fantastic buy. First, you get a freshwater boat with probably little use and abuse (no swells, rolling seas, towering waves or troublesome bottom growth). With that said, go checkout this site: snugharborboats.com one of our local brokers and Hunter/Catalina dealers. Ann (owner) probably has 50+ vessels she is brokering that are fantastic deals including a nice O'Day 302, several Catalina 30's (check out the Mark II interior of the '88), and many others. Lake Lanier just north of Atlanta is the most popular lake in the nation with thousands of sailboats. Good buys are plentiful.

I have owned eight sailboats spanning the last 40 years and lived aboard a Coronado 35 for several years on the east coast. Dollar for dollar, the Catalina 30 is the best value and boat for the buck. Over 6,500 hulls have been manaufactured and the support and parts network is legendary. If I were to consider a Catalina 30 for coastal work, I would want the 22 HP Universal, 3-cylinder diesel. With tides and currents to deal with, you must ensure you have enough power to get through all conditions. If you research the Catalina 30 you will find that they started out with the Atomic 4 gas powered engine, which is very dependable, but due to vapor and explosion concerns moved into the 11 hp Universal diesel through the late 1970's early 1980 series. Unfortunately, this engine did not provide sufficient power in tidal situations, so Catalina then moved for a brief time onto the Universal M-16, which produced 14 horsepower. In the late 1980's they finally went to the M-25 (22 hp), which is standard today. For a well equipped 1987-1988 Mark II (upgraded cockpit, interior, electrical harness, winged keel, engine, etc) a decent model sitting in freshwater can be bought for 26K - 32K. Consider shipping to California and your sailing!

With the economy the way it is, if you have the $$$$, it could'nt be a better time then to buy a boat. Be prudent in your selection, have a reputable surveyor perform a thorough survey, get it out on a sea trial and go for it. Key is..........take your time. Whatever you wind up with, congradulations.

Bob
1988 Catalina 30 Mark II
"Breezin II"
Lake Lanier, Georgia

_/)

[Vipergrün]

thanks Bob. Funny you mention 'inland' boats. There is a Hunter 30T which caught my eye and it was on lake Powell (or was that Mead) for most of its life, one owner, etc.

I have a lot of work to do.

I have sailed (briefly) a Hunter 44, Catalina 22, Victory 21, and J24. These range from dog (Victory) to sports car (J). Just need to find something that will fit the whole family.

[JeremyD]

Actually If you haven't done a whole lot of sailing - I'd recommend you go to your local yacht club and post a "crew available" flyer.

You'd be surprised the experience you pick up from crewing for people. I did that when I first moved to Florida (couldn't afford a boat) I ended up crewing on a Swan 34. When the owner found out I had raced before - he brought me into the cockpit to serve as tactician. When he would take a break, I would steer. When I started gaining places, I steered more. In the end - I'd do the start and upwind legs. He'd usually steer the downwind and the finish (and collect the brass ... Anyway - it's a good way to take baby steps without much of a committment.

[Sunroof]

Pleasures all mine Brad. I find myself finding more pleasure talking sailing then Porsches these days!

I would imagine dockage might be at a premium in California these days and thats one benefit of buying a local boat as well. As marina's on the east coast get far and few inbetween these days, you have to pay the piper to get a dock space and fortunately most marinas will transfer the lease to the new owner without deposits or penalty.

I still believe that the Catalina 30 is a tremendous value and you would never really have a problem with re-sale consideirng the popularity of the boat. This of course is if the world economy does'nt tank!!!! The Catalina 30 offers tremendous interior room and amenities you would need for your family. With the engine mounted amidships under the dinnette seat, the quarter berth area is enormous compared to other 30 footers. I do n ot know if Catalinaowners.com is still running, but if not you can go to the International Catalina Association look at the 30 site and get a good look at the different models through the years (1972 - on) and even older sales brochures.

Which ever you choose..................."nothing, but nothing beats messin about in boats"................

Bob
73.5T