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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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I might be spoiled

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sailgal
Captain

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USA
400 Posts

Response Posted - 12/24/2003 : 11:34:29

All sounds great, thanks for the info! Happy Holidays!

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5932 Posts

Response Posted - 12/24/2003 : 12:45:43

If you think you can handle a charter boat, you probably can. The main concerns (to my thinking) are: (1) Can you maneuver a single screw diesel auxiliary around the docks without damaging the boat? If you are going to damage the boat, that is where it is most likely to happen. It's different from an outboard, but when the company checks out your skills, the checkout captain will show you the basics. You should know how to rotate the boat nearly within its own length. It would also be good (but not necessary) if you know how to back the boat into a slip. (2) Can you read nautical charts well enough to be able to stay out of shallow waters and hazardous areas? If you don't, you can learn enough to get by just by studying a nautical chart and getting familiar with the information in the "Legend." It would help to take a basic navigation course from the Power Squadron or from the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Waterways are not as easy to navigate as an interstate highway. When you get in the middle of a big bay and see water all around you, and buildings and other landmarks on the shoreline are fading from view, the only way you can find your way to your destination is by using your charts. When you're in unfamiliar territory, you should check your chart before you leave the dock, and frequently re-check it along the way. You don't have to be an expert chart reader, but you have to understand the basics. (3) Do you have the self-restraint to operate the boat within your skill level? (e.g., Don't go out into a storm to "see what it's like." Don't sail at night, where navigation is an important factor.)

Edited by - on

At Ease
Admiral

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672 Posts

Response Posted - 12/25/2003 : 14:19:00

When purchasing a boat, I go through all the steps mentioned above, as well as the steps I use when purchasing a house (can I sell it, where is it located, etc). Having said all that, another step in the purchasing equation is who built the boat. I would buy another Catalina without hesitation. Just as I would buy another Honda Accord in the same manner. Both are quality products with impeccable reputations. As much as it has been said that not buying a Benneteau is a 'political' matter, to me it is just part of the buying process. And, in this case, it is a 'patriotic' matter, not a 'political' matter. The French have thumbed their noses at my country, therefore, I would not be caught in one of their boats.

Edited by - on

Ellis Bloomfield
1st Mate

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USA
85 Posts

Response Posted - 12/26/2003 : 10:21:39

And our so-called president has thumbed his nose at the rest of the world and many of us are not comfortable with that either, both here and abroad.

Edited by - on

Mark Loyacano
Navigator

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USA
247 Posts

Response Posted - 12/26/2003 : 11:52:58

Folks, please just keep this a sailing web site. Don't turn it into what became of the Trailersailor forum(s).

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Chip Hunt
Navigator

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120 Posts

Response Posted - 12/29/2003 : 00:25:39

wow, looks like i touched a nerve by speaking kindly about a french owned company. i certainly didn't mean to do that. whether you like the french or not, though, these boats are made right here in south carolina. i'm pretty confident about the quality of workmanship. the fact that there are so many of these beneteaus out there means that they probably have a pretty good support network (probably not as good as the c25 network, but still...), and they are probably very easy to find parts for. they are also great looking boats with nice layouts, equipment, and interiors. i would honestly have to say that if i had a choice between a new beneteau 31 or a comparably sized new catalina-made yacht, i would undoubtedly choose the beneteau.

Edited by - on

Chip Hunt
Navigator

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120 Posts

Response Posted - 12/29/2003 : 00:31:35

although i would like very badly to comment on what ellis said in his above post, i will refrain from doing so. *coughcoughBScough.

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pwhallon
Admiral

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USA
694 Posts

Response Posted - 12/29/2003 : 11:07:32

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">coughcoughBScough.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Hi Chip,

I would like to comment about your post as well.

Let's give it a rest please.

A lot of members get really pissed about political posts.

I love a good debate as much as anyone but lets do it on personal e-mails if needed.

Thanks,

PW

Edited by - pwhallon on 12/29/2003 11:13:43

Chip Hunt
Navigator

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120 Posts

Response Posted - 12/29/2003 : 12:30:31

quote from the above post:

A lot of members get really pissed about political posts.

i am one such member. i did not start the political discussion here. i simply stated that i liked beneteaus, and some other members took this as an opportunity to post their political views on france and on our president. again, i would like very much to post my opinions on this matter, which i do consider to be valid. out of respect for this community, however, i will refrain from doing so.
thank you.

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 12/29/2003 : 12:49:57

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Chip Hunt
 I am very fond of benneteaus...the amenities down below are many. The interiors on the newer boats are just stunning...<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Out of the entire 22 sailboats in the "Best Boats of 2004" contest, Cruising World gave it's "Best Value" award to the Beneteau 373, for "delivering the most bang for the buck".

The Beneteau 373 also costs $25,000 less than the Catalina 387.

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