Beneteau Oceanis 35 vs Catalina 34

[devilfishlane]

Im looking for a boat (1988-90)(50-60K) for the Bahamas and the Carribean for 1-2 month cruises for family of 4. Can you give me honest opinions of either?

Thanks for your time

[George P]

I recently sold a C34, great boat lots of space and a good sailing vessel. I bought a Beneteau361, 2001 yr. Not familiar with the B35 vintage you're considering. Just be aware that those vintage boats have issues that will jump up at you: blisters, rigging, electrics, keel bolts, etc. Ever consider more recent model ex charter boats, lots of boat for the money!! And you can find some (mid 90's and newer) in that size range, for same or little more money, check out Yacht world.

[never monday]

I think there are good points to both.
the Catalina has a nice low free board and is fast. Well laid out with 2 distinct cabins and a usable galley and head. Engine service can be challenging as well as access to some thru-hulls and valves.
The Bene has better engine access. But I find it lacking in other regards. The headliners and overhead liner tend to fall down. The cabin wood and bright work I fell is inferior to the Catalina. Things like the electrical panel seem cheaper.


all my personal $0.02 USD

[devilfishlane]

I also was thinking about a Pearson 33-2 (87-89) or a Jenn. (same size and age). Any thoughts?

Basically I want to spend 50 -60 K and keep in Cartagena ( I live in Colombia) and do 1 or 2 month long trips around the Caribbean and Central America.

Maybe you have other recommendations in my range for 4 people?

[never monday]

Originally Posted by devilfishlane

I also was thinking about a Pearson 33-2 (87-89) or a Jenn. (same size and age). Any thoughts?

Basically I want to spend 50 -60 K and keep in Cartagena ( I live in Colombia) and do 1 or 2 month long trips around the Caribbean and Central America.

Maybe you have other recommendations in my range for 4 people?

Is the Pearson the 323 possibly?
If so, find one that has had the Volvo removed in favor of a Yanmar or other more current engine. I think the cabin would be small for 4.

[Soft Air]

Hi

I am from Colombia as well and I had the same needs you do, I decided to get a Cheoy Lee 41 Offshore Richards I registered her in the BVI and I am getting her ready for water sailing">blue water sailing, I am doing electronics and water maker in the BVI and I will do aesthetics in the well know yards of Cartagena before we sail to Tunisa in the Med.

Contact me if you need additional information about my purchase experience.

[sailvi767]

The Beneteau's in general have held up quite well in Charter service. There was a attempt to use Catalina's in charter by Sun Yacht Charters. The boats did not hold up well at all and had major structural problems after 3 or 4 years in charter. That would lead me to the Beneteau as a first choice.