How do they compare?

[Cherp]

Hello,

I'm not too familiar with production yachts. How does a Catalina of around 39 ft compare with say a Beneteau of the same size from around 2006. I guess I'm talking build quality, finish, sailing characteristics. Thanks in anticipation.

[DDabs]

Have you been on either of those boats?

[Cherp]

I have been on a newer and bigger Beneteau. I have not been on a Catalina. They are much rarer in my part of the world, but look good.

[DDabs]

Catalina makes a good boat, just as good as any new Beneteau I'd say. But that's my personal opinion. I have been on a factory tour here in FL and it's quite interesting and impressive.

[Vasco]

Quality about the same. Hardware on Catalina a bit better. Stowage on beneteaus much better than Catalina's.

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[hamburking]

In general, I'd say the beneteau is prettier, but the catalina is better built. Really it depends on the particular model you are looking at though...each maker has its apples and lemons.

I bet I get flamed for this, but I had a Hunter Legend 35.5 that I though was awesome...maybe you should add Hunter to your list. Definitely not a bluewater boat, but a very capable coastal cruiser with lots of features and comforts for a very nice price.

The production boats offer a lot of boat for a good price. You might also consider a smaller boat of higher quality. Everyone gets to choose, and there is no right or wrong answer.

[DDabs]

The Hunter Legend 35 is an older Hunter that is built very well. My father had one when I was growing up and I learned to sail on it. Great, solid boat that I would take offshore without a doubt. Newer Hunters do not match the quality of Beneteau or Catalina.

[a64pilot]

A lot of it is Ford or Chevy, but I would prefer a Catalina

[hamburking]

Originally Posted by DDabs

The Hunter Legend 35 is an older Hunter that is built very well. My father had one when I was growing up and I learned to sail on it. Great, solid boat that I would take offshore without a doubt. Newer Hunters do not match the quality of Beneteau or Catalina.

Wow...do I feel old now.
Mine was a 94. It was only 5 years old when I bought it.
I guess its older now.

[DDabs]

Ours was a 1988, slightly different model than yours, but still great boat. Back when Hunters had backstays!

[hamburking]

Originally Posted by DDabs

Ours was a 1988, slightly different model than yours, but still great boat. Back when Hunters had backstays!

Interesting. Yes, I like backstays.
The 94 had a sugar scoop stern, larger transverse bunk in the aft cabin, bigger nav station, and separate shower stall in the head. The earlier ones, like your 88, have better prices (polite way to says cheaper) than the later models.

I guess it is an old boat...my pictures were taken with a film camera.

[DDabs]

Looks like you've taken quite good care of her!

[bsurvey]

catalina is the better boat its USA built and to Abyc Standards.


the French piece of junk (sorry) may look better but the full interior liner limits you ability to inspect the boat and if you hit something you will never find where the water is coming from. the liner is just glued into the hull there are no frames or bulkheads.


I have been involved in several repairs of these boats and its like fixing two hulls inner and outter.


stay with made in the USA

[DDabs]

Beneteau has a factory in South Carolina, USA


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[Vasco]

Originally Posted by bsurvey

catalina is the better boat its USA built and to Abyc Standards.


the French piece of junk (sorry) may look better but the full interior liner limits you ability to inspect the boat and if you hit something you will never find where the water is coming from. the liner is just glued into the hull there are no frames or bulkheads.


I have been involved in several repairs of these boats and its like fixing two hulls inner and outter.


stay with made in the USA

Beware of replies from posters who do not even know that most of the Beneteaus sold in north America are built in South Carolina. This is an indication that the poster knows little about boat construction.

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