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09-04-2013, 12:30
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#1
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Santa Monica, CA
Boat: Club Sailor; various
Posts: 922
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Build Quality?
Regarding mid-1980s, 28-30', is the build quality more or less the same for Catalina, Ericson, Newport, and Pearson or is one inherrently better (or worse) than the other three?
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09-04-2013, 12:38
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#2
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Senior Cruiser
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: 29° 49.16’ N 82° 25.82’ W
Boat: Pearson 422
Posts: 16,306
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Re: Build quality?
Based on some models and limited experience in my opinion at least the Catalina, Ericson and Pearson would all be roughly similar in quality. Not really familiar with quality of the Newport.
__________________
The water is always bluer on the other side of the ocean.
Sometimes it's necessary to state the obvious for the benefit of the oblivious.
Rust is the poor man's Loctite.
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09-04-2013, 12:40
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#3
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Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Oriental, NC
Boat: Mainship Pilot 34
Posts: 1,461
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Re: Build quality?
Ericson was definitely a cut above the rest, closely followed by Newport, and then Pearson and Catalina.
Pacific Seacraft built Ericsons are the best by far but that didn't occur until the 90s, maybe late 90s, early 2000s.
David
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09-04-2013, 13:20
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#4
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Living aboard and cruising
Boat: Island Packet 40
Posts: 276
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Re: Build quality?
I agree with David on the Ericsons. Spend time on Ericson, Pearson, and owned a Catalina. Pearson is several notches above Catalina, but not quite an Ericson in my opinion/experience.
Can't help on the Newport.
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09-04-2013, 14:06
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#5
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S/V rubber ducky
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: heading "south"
Boat: Hunter 410
Posts: 20,362
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Re: Build quality?
When you go to buy a mid 80s boat it doesn't matter what it started life out as, all that matters is what condition it is NOW!
__________________
Don't ask a bunch of unknown forum people if it is OK to do something on YOUR boat. It is your boat, do what you want!
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09-04-2013, 14:32
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#6
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Massachusetts
Boat: Finnsailer 38
Posts: 5,077
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Re: Build quality?
You have to watch out a bit when the term"quality" is used, as it covers a lot of territory. Some boats are structurally quite sound, but don't have the level of fit and finish of other boats. I think Don is right--condition will count for a lot at this point.
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09-04-2013, 14:40
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#7
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Punta Gorda, Florida
Boat: Cruisers Yachts 420 Express
Posts: 1,429
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Re: Build quality?
I have seen some early 80's Catalinas that were in much better shape than some Ericsons as far as rigging and engines. So I have to agree with DON L.... It doesn't matter what a 30 year old boat started out as... It matters what shape it is now.
Many people buy older boats and upgrade them.. Some people don't. New engines, rigging, sails and electronics would be the deciding factors.
__________________
Tom Jeremiason
Punta Gorda, Florida
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09-04-2013, 14:41
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#8
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Santa Monica, CA
Boat: Club Sailor; various
Posts: 922
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Re: Build quality?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Don L
When you go to buy a mid 80s boat it doesn't matter what it started life out as, all that matters is what condition it is NOW!
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I know what you mean but I assume, all things being equal, that after 30 years on the water a better built boat would likely have fewer significant structural problems and better performance over the next 10 years than one of lesser quality. Am I wrong?
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09-04-2013, 15:03
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#9
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S/V rubber ducky
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: heading "south"
Boat: Hunter 410
Posts: 20,362
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Re: Build quality?
Quote:
Originally Posted by OldFrog75
I know what you mean but I assume, all things being equal, that after 30 years on the water a better built boat would likely have fewer significant structural problems and better performance over the next 10 years than one of lesser quality. Am I wrong?
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I feel you are wrong; kind of. If the boat started off better AND was taken care of it is probably in better condition NOW. But is the end all that matters is what condition the boat is NOW. In other words if a boat started out as "better" quality, but now it in worst condition that the others, was it really better to start with?
And to make it worst sometimes people what more $ for their beat up boat because of a name while you could be in a boat in better condition for less because of a "name".
I guess in the end it is whether you what a boat or just a status symbol.
__________________
Don't ask a bunch of unknown forum people if it is OK to do something on YOUR boat. It is your boat, do what you want!
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09-04-2013, 15:20
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#10
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Moderator
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Sxm , Spain
Boat: CSY 44 Tall rig Sold!
Posts: 4,367
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Re: Build quality?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Don L
I feel you are wrong; kind of. If the boat started off better AND was taken care of it is probably in better condition NOW. But is the end all that matters is what condition the boat is NOW. In other words if a boat started out as "better" quality, but now it in worst condition that the others, was it really better to start with?
And to make it worst sometimes people what more $ for their beat up boat because of a name while you could be in a boat in better condition for less because of a "name".
I guess in the end it is whether you what a boat or just a status symbol.
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I guess the OP mean that, a better quality boat last longer and be probably in better condition than a low quality boat after some years of service if both boats start their life service at the same time and with almost same care, and i believe is a fact.
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09-04-2013, 15:26
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#11
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Massachusetts
Boat: Finnsailer 38
Posts: 5,077
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Re: Build quality?
Here's an example of what Don is talking about. There was a neat looking Alan Pape steel cutter hauled out in a boatyard I was at, and it just sat and sat for years, until one day I decided to take a look at it. Originally that boat was a gorgeous, go anywhere bluewater boat, and still looked pretty good on the outside. The minute I pushed the hatch back I knew it was trouble. The boat stank, the beautiful woodwork was streaked where lots of leaks had let water in. Behind that wood was rust, lots of it. Most of the interior was ruined or in bad shape. A first class boat at one time that had been let go.
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09-04-2013, 15:31
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#12
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S/V rubber ducky
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: heading "south"
Boat: Hunter 410
Posts: 20,362
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Re: Build quality?
Quote:
Originally Posted by neilpride
, a better quality boat last longer and be probably in better condition than a low quality boat after some years of service if both boats start their life service at the same time and with almost same care.
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I don't disagree in general.
But what you are still saying is that all that really matters is the condition of the boat NOW!!!
Heck the "lower" quality boat at the start may have had excellent care and now for a 80s boat boat is by far the better boat!
__________________
Don't ask a bunch of unknown forum people if it is OK to do something on YOUR boat. It is your boat, do what you want!
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09-04-2013, 15:41
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#13
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Moderator
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Sxm , Spain
Boat: CSY 44 Tall rig Sold!
Posts: 4,367
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Re: Build quality?
Yes counting from NOW!!!! a 80s boat can be a wreck and a brand new bavaria can be a good boat in comparison,, the other way to, a 80s lovely cared boat can be a good boat when a 5 year old bavaria can be junk, is a matter of quality and care i think.
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09-04-2013, 15:45
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#14
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Marine Service Provider
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Posts: 507
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I would always recommend taking a close look at the structural integrity of any boat, car, motor home, airplane, or woman over the age of 30...
__________________
Wiley Sharp
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09-04-2013, 16:03
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#15
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Santa Monica, CA
Boat: Club Sailor; various
Posts: 922
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Re: Build quality?
Many thanks to all who have responded. I knew this would not be an easy question to get an answer to.
I really am more interested in structural integrity than interior finish.
Maybe if I rephrase the question: Assuming 30 years in a slip and coastal cruising in So. California including approximately 12000 hours of sailing with average maintenance, which manufacturer, Catalina, Ericson, Newport, or Pearson would be least likely to manifest:
Hull Blisters
Subdeck delamination around chain plates and other rigging
Leaking hull-to-deck joints
Leaking portals
Excess wear or damage to steering and rudder chains/bearings
Poor quality electrical wiring and connections
Poor plumbing
Delaminating interior and loose fixtures
etc., etc., etc.
or are these 4 boats essentially the same build quality?
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