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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

C30 vs. Hunter 35.5

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smythyll
Deckhand

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USA
21 Posts

Initially Posted - 07/14/2005 : 14:18:30

Now that the C25 is gone to a new home, my wife and I are trying to decide on the bigger boat for our family. If the price is roughly the same, and I'm trying to decide between and early 80's C30 versus a late 80's Hunter 35.5, for weekending and daily sailing/boating, does anyone have any personal experiences to offer? I'm sure my wife will shy away from the larger boat, given we will not be offshore cruising, but the broker (who also represents Catalinas and actually owned a C30 at one time) tells me the Hunter is a faster boat and we would probably be happier with its sailing performance vs. the C30.

Any thoughts and experiences would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks.

Edited by - on

Ben
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1234 Posts

Response Posted - 07/14/2005 : 15:30:03

Speaking as one with no basis for comparing the two, it sure would be hard to pass up on an additional 5.5 feet for the same money, except that it's not a Catalina. Tough choice. Nice problem to have though.

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Auburn80
1st Mate

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60 Posts

Response Posted - 07/14/2005 : 16:45:01

Based on what I've read, the C30 is a straight-forward boat and sails like a C25. Try to get some thoughts on how easily controled the 35.5 is. It might be a bear to single hand if your situation is like mine. My wife loves to 'ride'; not 'sail' ;-)
If you haven't done so already; check the Hunterowners site. There are a lot of reviews of the 35.5. Like Ben said, nice problem to have.

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 07/14/2005 : 20:29:49

What are your budget limits ?

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smythyll
Deckhand

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USA
21 Posts

Response Posted - 07/14/2005 : 20:55:42

Budget limits change on an hourly basis!! Believe it or not, we started with a "financial compromise" to only spend around 8-10K, limiting ourselves a lot, to say the least! Then after much discussion, we increased our budget to somewhere under 20K, and now we are contemplating slightly (but not much) more, perhaps in the 23-25K range. Our biggest thought process is simply NOT to invest in a boat only to suffer from "twofootitis" in the next 2-3 years. We want something that we can maintain, spend a little money on over the next years, and take pride in for the next 10-15 years. Given where we sail, we think we'll be maxed out in terms of size at the 35 foot level.

Today I look at C30's, some really nice, an older Hunter 35.5 and a newer Hunter 34, an O'day 34 (just pictures) and an Ericson 32 (although most likely out of our price range). I really like the C30, like even more the idea of 5 more feet, and will probably be admitted to a psych ward due to paralysis by analysis before it's all over!!

Thanks for any help!!!!

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seastream
Navigator

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USA
242 Posts

Response Posted - 07/14/2005 : 21:05:30

Many say that Hunters are for dockside sailors to have cocktail hour on, not actually sail, and that Catalinas' are for those who actually sail. I'll just say I sail a Catalina and will buy another, larger Catalina when the time comes, since my intention is to sail.

Hunters' newer models have a 'B&R' rig, which doesn't have a backstay. The one you're considering may be old enough to have one. I wouldn't buy any sailboat that didn't have a backstay.

Bob

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stampeder
Master Marine Consultant

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1608 Posts

Response Posted - 07/14/2005 : 23:51:21

You can make generalizations and long term comparisons with Catalinas but you can't with Hunters - because Catalina has been more consistent in design, style and quality whereas with Hunter they've changed the concept and models and design and style and quality so much over the years that you have to analyze the Hunter in more depth.
Nice to have that extra five feet, no question. But I'd always go for the quality and consistency over the extra feet.
Whats the difference in maintenance and ongoing cost going to be?

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Gary B.
Admiral

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USA
969 Posts

Response Posted - 07/15/2005 : 05:12:37

If you really want to sail the sucker, consider other brands and designers. If I am going offshore, it won't be in either of these brands. They are fine for having lots of room and being comfortable in relatively protected water, but there are far more durable, fast, stout, safe boats to consider, IMHO. Maybe this is heresy on this forum, but I believe it to be true.....for me, at least.
I have a C25 and like it fine for its trailerability, and utility, but I wouldn't go to sea in one......

Gary B.
Fleet 94 Captain
s/v Encore! #685 SK/SR

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ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 07/15/2005 : 10:12:03

Perusing Yachtworld... in your price range the boats that I liked...
heh... fun to look at.

Alberg 35
Ericson 35
Cal 34 (Mk III)
Tartan 34
Ranger 33
Endeavour 32
Pearson 32/323
Pearson 31
Alberg 30
C&C 30 (there' a really nice one in there) (added the URL)

http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listing/pl_boat_full_detail.jsp?slim=quick&boat_id=1298377&units=Feet&currency=USD&access=Public&listing_id=1676&url=

A ton of Catalina 30's
Islander Bahama 30
J-30 (racer/cruiser) (Nice boats...)

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JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 07/15/2005 : 11:12:10

Get the smallest boat that meets your needs. Whats the size of your family? How many guests? Where are you planning to sail to? How often do you intend to use the boat?

The Hunter 35 will cost 3 times to maintain compared to a Catalina 30 (slip, bottom paint, annual haul-out, bottom cleaning, rigging, line, etc.)

If you have problems with a 10 to 25 HP diesel, expect it to cost around $10,000 to rebuild. Which one has the best engine?

Are you going cruising? How much tankage does each have?

Comfortable accomodations for everyone?

Does the Hunter have that B&R rig?

I'll bet the Hunter has a real head and shower, probably even a master cabin. That would be real nice. Does it have a generator? Those boats are set up nice for living.

Can you handle the sails on a 35 footer alone? If you can sail a C25 alone you can sail a C30 alone.

I've sailed plenty on a 1979 C30. There is a ton of room for a family of 4. It sails just like a C25. Its fun, and reasonably fast. You won't actaully notice much difference - obviously longer and heaver but it handles and sails just the same. Theres room to hang a dinghy on davits or store on the bow. Standing headroom is wonderful!

One think I like about the C30 is that its very easy to get at the engine and service everything. Of course, since it is sitting in the salon, it can be loud.

Sails and parts for the C30 are as readily available as for the C25.

I would love to move up to a C30.

You will use a smaller boat a lot more than a bigger one.

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Jeff Howe
Deckhand

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USA
21 Posts

Response Posted - 07/15/2005 : 11:20:40

Don't want to upset anyone, but here goes.... I owned an Irwin Citation 30 for a few years. Took her to the ocean a few times, but mostly river sailed here in Portland. My opinion (worth little) is if I were to go larger again I would look for an Irwin 30 or 34, Citation model. They are fast and very (emphasis !!) Seaworthy. I could sail circles around a Catalina and stay with or just get by a Hunter. In the ocean she was home. 18' waves and not a drop on deck...she was awesome. I had a Cat22 WK and loved her. I'm currently looking for a Cat25 WK or Capri26 WK for improving my sailing options (venues). The Irwins can be inexpensive, they aren't built anymore, but are very stoutly built. They would outlast either the Catalina or especially the Hunter. If your looking for a 10 - 15 year boat, I would recommend an Irwin. Even an older, 1978 thru 1984 Citation 30,31, or 34 would be a great boat. Make sure you survey any of them. They were prone to allowing a little water into the deck core.

Sail often, even in your dreams....

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At Ease
Admiral

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672 Posts

Response Posted - 07/15/2005 : 20:25:34

Tough choice. Hunters do not hold their value nearly as well as Catalinas...that's why you can get the larger Hunter for same price as the smaller Catalina. When I moved up from my C25, never even looked at or considered anything other than another Catalina...I got a C320 and love it. I disagree with one of the earlier posters who said to "Get the smallest boat that meets your needs." If you do that, I guarantee you'll be sorry you did not opt for the larger head/salon/cockpit/galley/master cabin/etc...especially as your family grows. If this is going to be a long term investment (you mentioned 10 to 15 years), go bigger and grow into it. Can't speak for Hunter, but the larger Catalinas are very easy to single hand.

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smythyll
Deckhand

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USA
21 Posts

Response Posted - 07/15/2005 : 21:31:18

Okay, thanks for the input. Lots of opinions and they're all appreciated. We looked at the 35.5 today. Great interior, decent exterior, but blisters. Most of the blisters are "pimply" but they are estimating $6-7K to fix and get the boat back in the water. My out of pocket appears to be the most we can spend, which leaves little left over for the routine maintenance. Probably not a good choice, all things considered.

We are looking at an O'day 34 tomorrow, better equipped and about the same size (we think). I will say, however, that my brain and heart are leaning toward a C30. Too much money for any Catalina bigger than a 30, and I absolutely love the support and supply of C30 and all Catalina "stuff."

I think all we need is to find one, preferably a MK II due to the open transom. MK III too much money. Thanks again for the opinions, and hopefully I'll be able to solve this nice "problem" in the near future!

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jackfuller
1st Mate

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USA
29 Posts

Response Posted - 07/16/2005 : 22:05:07

We are just buying a '89 30' Hunter for 23K. Very roomy (11' beam) and well designed - my wife likes the swim platform. Worth looking at in your price range.
Jack

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John Bixby
Navigator

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118 Posts

Response Posted - 07/19/2005 : 01:31:26

I'VE SAILED THE HUNTER 35.5 LEGEND. IF THE BOAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT IS A LEGEND THE PRICE WILL BE A LOT MORE THAN A CATALINA 30.
THE BOAT WAS LAID OUT WELL AND THE INTERIOR WAS A THING OF BEAUTY.
MY NEIGHBOR TWO SLIPS DOWN JUST BOUGHT A 35.5 LEGEND, LATE 80'S AND
PAID JUST UNDER 50k. PERSONALLY I WILL CONTINUE TO SAIL THE THIRD COAST WITH MY 25.
JOHN ON MS ACHSA

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Bruce Baker
Captain

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USA
402 Posts

Response Posted - 07/20/2005 : 15:59:30

Maybe this is a "Ford versus Chevy" thing, but I'd never own a Hunter. I don't think the build quality is there. I'd look at a C&C, a Benetau, or another Catalina. Maybe a Catalina 34. Or a J-35. I've skipped "five-foot-itis. I've got "ten-foot-itus".

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f_sondergaard
1st Mate

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USA
92 Posts

Response Posted - 07/22/2005 : 10:52:57

We own a Catalina 30 wing keel, but have raced on the Hunter. I like the way the Catalina sails and the lay out better. It seems like it is built better. The Hunter is faster than our Catalina, but we aren't serious racers. I would try to sail and dock both, before you buy. The 30 seems to be the perfect size for us.....

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Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 07/22/2005 : 18:30:30

Catalina 30 wing keel.........gets my blood pumping just thinking about it. I'll bet it sails great, and feels really secure.
Call me narrow minded, but I just can't imagine having no backstay like on a hunter.

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cathluk
Admiral

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USA
513 Posts

Response Posted - 07/22/2005 : 22:33:13

Dan's got a coworker who traded in a C25 for an '80s vintage Hunter 32 (or is it a 34) that he likes quite a lot & he says its quite fast. I'll report on my thoughts when we finally mange to get together & sail sometime. Personally, I don't like the newer B&R rig Hunters although they have some nice features (like built in pockets for the halyards), but the '80s vintage Hunter's are a whole different boat.

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smythyll
Deckhand

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USA
21 Posts

Response Posted - 07/23/2005 : 01:51:54

here's the latest...

The Hunter 35.5 is not an option. Seems like it went to survey last year, and they had to sail it over to the lift as the engine didn't work. If the broker didn't bother telling me that, what else is he leaving out??

We are getting serious on a Freedom 32. Interesting rig, with no stays and a carbon mast. Cabin is unbelievable, as it literally feels bigger than the 35.5! Price is certainly more than we want to spend, but the boat "feels" perfect for the family.

I am still trying to locate a good C30 for sale where I sail, but so far the only ones available would have to be moved to our inland lake from Annapolis, etc. I really hate to spend about $3000 over the cost of a great boat just to move it, so we may just be patient on waiting for a local C30 owner's wife to make him sell!

Thanks again for all the input, and I'll be sure to post our "final answer" once we know what it is.

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At Ease
Admiral

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672 Posts

Response Posted - 07/23/2005 : 16:03:29

Don't know where you live, but for $3,000 you could move a C30 a very long way. Last year, I got my new (to me) C320 decommissioned, new bottom, waxed, moved 300 miles and recommissioned for $1,600.

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smythyll
Deckhand

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USA
21 Posts

Response Posted - 07/25/2005 : 20:28:21

for those still following this thread, we believe we have finally decided on a 1985 Freedom 32. As a family cruiser the boat appears perfect: 12' beam, 6'2" headroom, feels like a 36 or bigger in the cabin. A/C, Heat, pressure water hot/cold, nice galley setup (similar to the C30), all in all, a really nice fit for our family.

Of course, a little more than we were planning on spending, but the boat appears immaculate! We will have a survey which will tell the true story, but if all goes well, we have a boat that I think we will enjoy for years to come!

Anyone have any experience with a Freedom 32? I welcome any thoughts! Thanks.

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Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 07/26/2005 : 08:25:18

I know a couple who is selling a C&C 33 3/4 ton. Its a nice cruiser racer and I am almost certain you can get it for around 13k. Its appraised at about 19 to 21. It would need some upgrades to make it more of a cruising boat, but it would be worth it.

The owners have two-boat-itis and really need to unload it.
http://www.yachtworld.com/core/uk/listing/pl_boat_full_detail.jsp?boat_id=1198362&units=Feet&currency=USD&access=Public&listing_id=16544&url=

there is also another 3/4 ton available for about 17,9000

both are in ohio

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