Hunter, Catalina, Benneteau Debate

[dmkkeng]

When I was in the market for a sailboat several years ago, my budget limited me to purchasing a production boat - Catalina, Barvaria, Beneteau, Hunter, Jeaneau, Dufour etc. I didn't limit my search to one specific manufacturere as I believe for the most part these manufacturer are in the same category in terms of build quality and performance. What was more important to me when deciding on a sailboat to purchase was how it was equipped - lead keel vs iron keel, direct dirive vs sail drive, keel stepped mast vs deck stepped mast, masthead vs fractional rig, the quality of rigging, the size of winches and windlass, sailing performance, accesories, interior layout/ ammenities/ storage and ulitimately boat condition. During my search there was no one sailboat that met all my criteria, so you have to decide where you are going to compromise. My first offer was on a Beneteau 423 however there was already a pending offer which was accepted, the boat I eventually purchased was a Catalina 42 MKII. However in my search my final few included a Barvaria 42 and Hunter 46. IMHO you judge each boat (manfucaturer, model and year) individually.

[surf_km55]

This thread isn't a debate, it's a slow motion lynching as are all threads of this ilk. Please excuse me as I leave my computer to go sail the piece of s#i+ sailboat that I chose to buy.

[letsgetsailing3]

The fact is, it's a little rude to tell someone else their boat isn't made well. It's also arrogant, and possibly ill-informed.

Most boats are built to a purpose. If they fit that purpose well, so be it. Even if they don't fit the purpose well, but someone manages to achieve their personal goals with it, so be it.

Who is smarter, someone who buys a really expensive make of boat and underutilizes it, or someone who squeezes every capability out of a more economical build?

I think you can argue that whatever the make of boat, the person who uses it more has made the wiser choice.

Most boats spend way too much time at the marina, while their owners ignore them. Perhaps to type on cruising forums.

[George_SD]

I'll chime in about what I have and know - 2005 Beneteau 323. Is it the best boat? - No. Is it a bluewater boat for major crossings?- No.

But it is a good boat that allowed a family to get into sailing on a reasonable budget, with pretty simple systems, logical features/layout and capacities that work for us. I struggle to understand the whole this vs that discussion, because it's pointless in most cases.

If you enjoy it and it works for you - it's a good boat. Just like our first car (in another country) that had a 1.6L carbureted engine, nothing was electric, no power steering, tiny, noisy, etc. It was a great car that allowed us to experience something new, enjoy life and get places.

At the same time my friend bought a brand new 50ft for $1,000,000 because that was a good boat for him. Both of us enjoy the time on the water and have a ton of fun.

[Tetepare]

Originally Posted by George_SD

I struggle to understand the whole this vs that discussion, because it's pointless in most cases.

.

There’s a whole industry doing just that. So somebody must disagree.

It’s a fair enough question, particularly since it was restricted to three manufacturers and a five year period. The fact that the thread was taken elsewhere muddied the water.

Now if it were further restricted to competitive models, say 42’ then there would be some good info that would be comparable.

We all do this for that every day. It’s maximizing value. Those that research do better than those who ask, but they do better than those who buy blindly.

[goboatingnow]

I’d say Group Beneteau have built more boats this weekend then Catalina have in total ever produced

Zillions of beneteaus sailing around the planet. Iv e sailed Catalinas , outside the US , they are basically non existent . Basically a “ meh “ boat.

[Bowdrie]

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

Zillions of beneteaus sailing around the planet.

Yeah, you're right about that.
Whilst the Bennies aren't my "cup of tea" their are a lot of them out there.
One of the Youtubers I watch sails one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8I_NdynWCho

[boatpoker]

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

I’d say Group Beneteau have built more boats this weekend then Catalina have in total ever produced

Zillions of beneteaus sailing around the planet. Iv e sailed Catalinas , outside the US , they are basically non existent . Basically a “ meh “ boat.

and Lada built more cars than Rolls Royce.

[letsgetsailing3]

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

I’d say Group Beneteau have built more boats this weekend then Catalina have in total ever produced

Zillions of beneteaus sailing around the planet. Iv e sailed Catalinas , outside the US , they are basically non existent . Basically a “ meh “ boat.

Quantity isn't quality. However, you don't seem to be working with what you call "actual facts".

Catalina Yachts has manufactured 80,000 boats.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catalina_Yachts

[Fishigan]

What I learned from this thread is that my search for a sailboat is going to be just like my search for a motorhome. A lot of opinions, a lot of hate for some brands that others love and a lot of agreement on certain brands not being well made. Which actually does help.

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by letsgetsailing3

Quantity isn't quality. However, you don't seem to be working with what you call "actual facts".

Catalina Yachts has manufactured 80,000 boats.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catalina_Yachts

Like I said , a fraction

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by Fishigan

What I learned from this thread is that my search for a sailboat is going to be just like my search for a motorhome. A lot of opinions, a lot of hate for some brands that others love and a lot of agreement on certain brands not being well made. Which actually does help.

Indeed and this is my point. Most opinions here are subjective and largely based on personal prejudices, many of which are based on no personal experience of the differences.

Most good quality production yachts and by that include Catalina , group Beneteau boats and Bavaria , as well as smaller mainstream such as Hanse , Dufour , Gibsea , Delphi etc ( some of these are not in business anymore ) produce a yacht that is more then capable of meeting the requirements most owners have and certainly from 40 feet upwards more then capable of leisure orientated trans oceans journeys with some suitable prep.

The high end brands ,which produce very small numbers and the majority have struggled financially to survive tend to have a loyal following ( some people always want a BMW over a Toyota )

I’ve been in several of their factories , certain aspects are better , but often the build costs , particularly as these are skilled and highly labour intensive drive a higher selling cost. Do you get a proportional increase in quality , no you definitely don’t.

Hence these angels on the head of a pin , debates are sterile. A bolt in keel , space rudder , full of liners , boat will happily take you around the world , will be durable as thousands of second hand users will attest to and suit many many users.

[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by goboatingnow

Like I said , a fraction

Well, no, what you said was:

"I’d say Group Beneteau have built more boats this weekend then Catalina have in total ever produced"

And that was, to be polite about it, incorrect and misleading.

Jim

[SofaKingFishy]

These discussions are fapping, plain & simple. What makes a great boat is hull design, sail plan & construction of essential systems. My Catalina has solid bones, very sturdy where it counts. Dovetail galley drawers? No. Elaborate carpentry? Nope. Does that make her any less seaworthy? Negative. Just a bit more bumpy in the snot & less impressive below. Great boats & I’m more than happy to DIY as it’s made with this in mind.

[Celestialsailor]

Well, you ask for subjective opinions from members here but when they disagree with your perceived outcome you disagree and challenge them. And you're right...it's been discussed a million times and usually it ends up the same way your thread has.