Jeanneau 42 vs Catalina 36

[andreshs1]

Hi there


I have been offered a jeanneau voyage 42 (1990) model and a catalina 36 (1992) for a similar price
Any known issues with either os the models?

Thanks
Andres

[Bash]

Originally Posted by andreshs1

Any known issues with either os the models?

1. All boats have issues.
2. Older boats tend to have more issues than newer boats.
3. Bigger boats tend to have more issues than smaller boats.
4. French boats tend to have French issues.
5. American boats tend to have American issues.
6. Despite its issues, a 42' boat will tend to out-sail a 36' boat. (This is true regardless of whether the 42' boat was French or American.)
7. How a boat was treated by previous owners is far more important than any issues it inherited from its manufacturer.

[Teknav]

"French issues": Baguettes, croissant a beurre, bouillabaisse, frites, vin de Bordeaux, frommage de Roquefort, petit four, gateau au chocolat...boy, I am hungry already!

[Bash]

Example of French issues: the guy who wired the boat was colorblind.

Example of American issues: the guy who torqued the keelbolts was a Teamster.

[sailorboy1]

if everything is "similar" get the bigger boat if you are interested in comfort

[andreshs1]

Hi
Dont tell me about French issues...
I am a spaniard working for a French company in HK......


Im seeing the boats this weekend, lets see the real state

Regards

[Bash]

Originally Posted by andreshs1

Im seeing the boats this weekend, lets see the real state

That's the way to do it! The smaller, newer boat will probably have fewer issues and be easier to keep happy. The larger, older boat will probably have more issues but will be more comfortable in which to spend time.

Both are good boats, and neither are great boats. Without doubt, one of those two will want you to own it more than the other.

Ask the boats.

[Weyalan]

A 42' boat will cost a whole lot more to maintain than a 36' foot boat... A turning block suitable for a 36' boat might cost $100.... for a 42' boat $250. Ask a sail maker for a quote for a new mainsail for a 36' versus a 42' boat... you might get a surprise. So, if you are on any sort of budget, I'd advise going with the smaller boat. Your pocket book, if nothing else, will thank you.

[andreshs1]

I have to admit that one of the main factors will be whether I am capable of managing a 42 footer or not, my current boat is a 28ft, and I have no experiencing managing anything larger than that...

Maintenance is indeed a concern also, I need to see the real state of the boats to decide.

Any experiences sailing any of these two?
I know that there have been very long discussions to what makes a blue boat, whether the captain or the boat, but with that in mind, would the catalina be a good boat to go offshore?

[sailorboy1]

Originally Posted by andreshs1

I have to admit that one of the main factors will be whether I am capable of managing a 42 footer or not, my current boat is a 28ft, and I have no experiencing managing anything larger than that...

If you have doing a 28' boat a while you aren't going to have a problem with a 42' boat. The only time you may is coimng to the dock (takes longer to stop!). And the difference between a 36' and 42' modern boat as far as being able to handle it is nothing.

[Bash]

Originally Posted by andreshs1

Any experiences sailing any of these two?
I know that there have been very long discussions to what makes a blue boat, whether the captain or the boat, but with that in mind, would the catalina be a good boat to go offshore?

I crewed in the Catalina 36 Nationals once here in USA. The only thing I didn't like about the boat was the wide strip without non-slip down the center of the foredeck. Slippery as hell when you're setting a spinnaker pole. I don't like the steering on any of the Catalinas because it feels mushy to me, but understand that I have been spoiled by rack-and-pinion steering on my last two boats.

As far as being an offshore boat, I would be less concerned about its seaworthiness than such things as tankage. It only carries 25 gallons of fuel and 72 gallons of water, which to me makes it more of a weekender. It sails nicely, however, and I would not worry about how it would handle a storm.

I think it could be made into an adequate voyager for a cruising couple, but it might be a bit cramped for a crew of four on a long passage.

[svHyLyte]

Originally Posted by andreshs1

Hi there


I have been offered a jeanneau voyage 42 (1990) model and a catalina 36 (1992) for a similar price
Any known issues with either os the models?

Thanks
Andres

In my view there is no comparison between the two yachts. While the Catalina 36 is a fine boat, and can be upgraded for serious voyaging, the Jeannau--assuming she's been properly maintained--is/was ready from the start.

Despite the foregoing, I suggest you not buy more boat than you really need. As noted by others here, the costs of maintenance and repair are exponentially greater with the length of the boat beginning with nothing more than slip/mooring fees. In terms of speed, the Cat 36 is quite a fast boat for its size and being relatively light, is easily driven. Catalina's are also famous for giving one rather a lot of living space for their size and, despite some ney-sayers, are actually pretty well built. (Frank Butler is/was no fool and offer(s/ed) a lot of bang for the buck with his boats.) On the other hand, the Jeanneau is also good value and includes wine storage racks as standard equipment to boot.

FWIW...

[boatman61]

Being European my leaning is to the Jeaneau, they're nice boats and I'm not familiar with Catalina's though most speak well of their VFM and to be honest if a Hunter can cross the Atlantic I see no reason why a Catalina cannot...
Pricing future costs may be an idea before deciding... for example over here prices rise every 2 metres length.. so one could be $1000+- more/year on marina costs and refit costs are higher as well as others have mentioned...
I reckon I'd do a lot of anchoring...