Catalina Morgan 50 vs Beneteau Idylle 15.5

[orsailor]

Looking at both these boats as a current liveaboard with long-term plans to cruise Mexico and South Pacific.

I'm looking for any informed opinions on the pros and cons of each boat and which is the better boat (assuming price / condition / equipment are comparable).

[swabbmob]

I looked at both those boats when I was in the search last year. I liked both very much, but probably favored the Idylle 15.5, which I think is a very seaworthy, stout boat. In the end, I chose an older 46 ft cutter with much heavier construction, more unique character and much more liveaboard storage. It was the storage that swung the deal. Also, I just got nervous about the 50+ length.

I think if I had to choose between the two you mention, I would choose the Idlylle - just my opinion.

[bstreep]

We had friends with a CM 50, that went cruising. Owner's version with the palace forward. They swapped it for an Amel very shortly after leaving...

[orsailor]

Originally Posted by bstreep

We had friends with a CM 50, that went cruising. Owner's version with the palace forward. They swapped it for an Amel very shortly after leaving...

Bill,

Do you know what your friends problems with the boat were?

[jzk]

Does anyone know what the disadvantages of a Morgan Catalina 50 are? There is one available for $120k which seems like a decent value.

[witzgall]

Looked at a 15.5 once, nice boat. Either of these are quite big - how many living aboard?

Have you figured out the cost to maintain a 50 foot boat? That is what turned us towards smaller boats, same someday goal, but not living onboard now.

Chris

[jzk]

We will have 6 living aboard.

[witzgall]

Wow, that is a gaggle. The beneteau with the three cabins would work well, I would think. You would even have the foc'sle for any rebellious teen that needed his/her own space.

Chris

Originally Posted by jzk

We will have 6 living aboard.

[Sky toph]

I would like to hear some more opinions about the Catalina Morgan 50 if anyone has them. I'm considering one myself.

Any problems selling them? I'm potentially getting a deal of a life time for one. A deal I might not be able to pass up. I'm thinking of sailing it for a few years and then probably selling. I'm nervous about the size as well. Much prefer a 35-40 foot boat.

Oppinions? Reviews? Resale?

[leboyd]

It might help if you explained a little more about how you want to use the boat and how long you expect to keep it.

So there are 6 people; are any couples (share a cabin) or can't share a cabin? Plan on sailing? Cruising or off-shore? If off-shore, how far of passages?

There's a big difference between short/seldom sailing and staying for a while, than long/often sailing going from place to place relatively quickly.