Catalina or Hunter

[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!

[Neo]

Catalina and Hunter are great coastal cruisers. water sailing">Blue water sailing will require many upgrades, additional inspections to the boat (rigging, chain plates, keel bolts).

Survey? Yes! Especially since you are a first time buyer. But you have to invest in a good surveyor. I can't recommend the one I used, he was broker recommended which was a mistake.

I would also recommend a second diesel survey by a diesel mechanic.

Check out Boat US website.

[Stu Jackson]

Both are fine boats for the intended use. Hunter 34s have been reported to be somewhat tender but stiffen up when heeled.

You might also consider the comparative strength of the associated websites, and thus the "support" available to avoid reinventing the wheel.

Main Message Board

Catalina 34 - C34

[Stu Jackson]

Then there's this that JUST showed up today.

Hunter resource documents archive now online - SailboatOwners.com

Not half as inter-active, but there, nonetheless.

If you're comparing, check out the hardware: size and quality comparisons.

Happy hunting.

[h20]

Originally Posted by Neo

Catalina and Hunter are great coastal cruisers. Blue water sailing will require many upgrades, additional inspections to the boat (rigging, chain plates, keel bolts).

Survey? Yes! Especially since you are a first time buyer. But you have to invest in a good surveyor. I can't recommend the one I used, he was broker recommended which was a mistake.

I would also recommend a second diesel survey by a diesel mechanic.

Check out Boat US website.

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

[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.

[Cheechako]

I think it probably comes down to the best boat, condition and equiptment, for the money. But keep in mind Catalinas are popular boats, hold value and easier to sell. Hunters have a bad rep... a little anyway... not sure why ....just because of some wierd looking boats in the past? not sure.... For sailing the Carribean, either boat is fine.. but must be in good shape. Certain Hunters have some design idiosyncrasies.... I dont know which ones so hopefully someone here will chime in on specifics... also check the internet thouroughly on the particular design you are looking at. One comment on the internet means nothing.... a repeated comment in various threads often does....

[ontherocks83]

I prefer Catalina hands down. I think the overall quality is better and the construction is more though out. I initially fell in love with Hunters and their layouts but the harder I looked the more I found that Catalina's attention to detail from their basic hardware and up is much better then what I have found on Hunters. Just my opinion.

[MarkSF]

Originally Posted by ontherocks83

I initially fell in love with Hunters and their layouts

I think that's precisely the point, Hunters get bought based on their capacious interiors, not their sailing characteristics. Nothing particularly wrong with that, most boats do get sailed in sheltered waters from one destination to another. Just know what you're getting.

If I was looking at a boat for living aboard, a Hunter would be top of my list - the size of interior you can get per dollar is unbeatable. But I'd want something else to sail.

I think Catalinas have a better compromise - you see loads of them in SF Bay so they must do something right.

I think these two ads make my point quite well :

http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/2005...s#.UrHyXydCTvY

http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/2002...s#.UrHyzCdCTvY

The Catalina is a good looking boat. The Hunter has all the sleek grace of a fridge.

[sailorboy1]

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!

WHICH Hunter and WHICH Catalina?

And who are THEY?

Get the boat you like, not the one unknown forum posters like!

[JK n Smitty]

Which C34 vs which Hunter 34?

I like to use this site to do quick comparisons of boats. By the numbers the standard models from the 80s seem very similar.

As Stu pointed out, the Catalina's Owners group is more active so you can get more support. (not always a good thing)

I would get on both and see which appeals to you more. Even more important, which appeals to your wife! If she doesn't like the boat it will be a dead deal.

Definitely get a survey and be there when the survey is done. You will generally get a lot of good information. Look for a surveyor that used to be in boat building. They tend to know more good general information.

Good luck and fair winds,

Jesse

[Neo]

Originally Posted by h20

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

You take a sailing lesson.

[forsailbyowner]

I really dislike the glued in interiors, access to things like hoses and wiring can be a real pita, its like they were only designed to last until the first refit or until the warranty expires.

Better read up a little more on tacking or take a sail with someone. Where are you? Im guessing w florida as your looking at tortugas. Ive been there many times from tampa.

[gamayun]

Originally Posted by Neo

You take a sailing lesson.

H20, I suggest a course in offshore navigation, too, or you might land in Cuba rather than the Tortugas....

[jeepbluetj]

Originally Posted by h20

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

The wind blows it through the foretriangle.

On my boat, if you do it wrong, you end up tacking back again.

Oh, and I vote for the Catalina 'cause I think they're better built. But whatever you like better.