Catalina or Hunter

[bgallinger]

I own and sail the hell out of my Hunter 340. My girlfriend and I love this boat!

[xeon_tsd]

You are buying used.... so look at both and find one in best shape for age... dont worry which brand you buy. Worry which BOAT you buy and what it has been through already!

[Stu Jackson]

One other thing: try the two V berths. See which one your feet like better!

[boatpoker]

I have never understood the Hunter bashing that I'm sure you will hear about. All manufacturers have had their issues with various models in various years. I don't see much difference in Hunter vs. Catalina construction quality and find both superior to the European offerings. Either of these boats will suit your needs with the possible exception of a month in Dry Tortugas ..... no water, no food (unless you catch it), no pump out (and no discharge), no garbage disposal and yet still one of my favourite spots.

Suggest you start your education on how to inspect a boat with Marine Survey 101

[cheoah]

Buy the best boat for your money - which can be harder as a first time buyer. But yes, do Make purchase contingent on survey, and smart money to get separate mechanical survey like other contributor said.

I say Catalina. When you consider resale - which you *really* should - take note of the answers here as a rough poll. They're good sailing, comfy, that active users group, and they are still in business. No comment on hunter, just a policy of mine to avoid companies that file for bankruptcy, with some exceptions - like airlines

In the end, it is just a boat and if it is a good example of the model and you like it, get it. Being able to call the company for parts and support is nice, and perhaps the new hunter group has good support.

[FSMike]

I know somebody who was once a Hunter dealer. Happiest day of his life was when he dropped Hunter and became a Catalina dealer.
Food for thought.

[OldFrog75]

Originally Posted by h20

THANKS!! can hardly wait! when you tack, how do you get the gib around?

You and your wife might consider taking some sailing lessons if there is a reasonably priced school/club near you.

[Pilgrimtex]

How about a Beneteau. I would also look at them.

[h20]

Originally Posted by MarkSF

To me, Catalinas look like sailboats. Hunters look like RVs, crudely adapted to the water.

The interesting thing is, over the years, Catalinas look better and better. Build quality has got steadily better, and so have sailing characteristics. Hunters just seem to get uglier and uglier.

I can see that! is it true Catalinas don't have as much headroom?
was thinking might have to sail it myslef at time so mayne a 32--4 would
be ok to handle? Live on the hook inthe keys?

[h20]

Originally Posted by boatpoker

I have never understood the Hunter bashing that I'm sure you will hear about. All manufacturers have had their issues with various models in various years. I don't see much difference in Hunter vs. Catalina construction quality and find both superior to the European offerings. Either of these boats will suit your needs with the possible exception of a month in Dry Tortugas ..... no water, no food (unless you catch it), no pump out (and no discharge), no garbage disposal and yet still one of my favourite spots.

Suggest you start your education on how to inspect a boat with Marine Survey 101

Double thanks! I commercial fished for 20 years, so bring limes, ha.
Maybe shower 1 gal day. drink one gal a day. For two 120 gallons?
How long does it take to get supply in Key West then turn around a go back?
Are their moorings for reasonable anywhere in the keys?
Mahalo! Dan

[h20]

Originally Posted by boatpoker

I have never understood the Hunter bashing that I'm sure you will hear about. All manufacturers have had their issues with various models in various years. I don't see much difference in Hunter vs. Catalina construction quality and find both superior to the European offerings. Either of these boats will suit your needs with the possible exception of a month in Dry Tortugas ..... no water, no food (unless you catch it), no pump out (and no discharge), no garbage disposal and yet still one of my favourite spots.

Suggest you start your education on how to inspect a boat with Marine Survey 101

LINK was GREAT! thanks

[Kenomac]

Add Tayana 37 with fiberglass non-skid decks and Beneteau to your list.

[scuba0_1]

I have owned a hunter 36 41. I sailed them all over the east coast with no upgrades. My home base was st Augustine. I now have a catalina 350. In the gulf. They both sail great my Hunter 36 was a bit faster a
my catalina seems to handle larger waves better dont seem to get waves over the bow as much. Other than that there really close. I do like my front bed in the catalina better. But my 41 was a dream in the water and in side..

[thomm225]

Originally Posted by h20

after looking of 1000's of boats we got it down to 34 foot, maybe Hunter or Catalina. Will be first boat and have to learn how to sail. Sailed little boats, on water all our lives. Wife and I may want to head to dry tortugas
for a month or so. then any where to live on the hook. They say Catalinas sail better? Inside may be more important to us. Is survey recomended? Does that cost a lot? Should I have extra sails? Thanks ALL LOve this forum!

You've looked at 1000's of boat but do not understand how the jib tacks through?

You might want to back off a bit. Get a small sloop or catamaran and sail some. It will help you be better qualified to choose a boat.........

Good Luck and be careful.

Tom

1974 Bristol 27 #335

http://sailboatdata.com/viewrecord.asp?class_id=521

[Celestialsailor]

Originally Posted by h20

after looking of 1000's of boats we got it down to 34 foot, maybe Hunter or Catalina. Will be first boat and have to learn how to sail. Sailed little boats, on water all our lives. Wife and I may want to head to dry tortugas
for a month or so. then any where to live on the hook. They say Catalinas sail better? Inside may be more important to us. Is survey recomended? Does that cost a lot? Should I have extra sails? Thanks ALL LOve this forum!

1000s of boats and you can only come up with those 2?