Liveaboard: Catalina 320, 34 or . . . ?

[nonobrasil]

Hi everyone,

I am moving to Miami and looking to purchase a sailboat for primarily liveaboar use, but also for (hopefully) annual crossings over to The Bahamas and other Caribbean islands... eventually I might take her down to Brazil.

I've been looking around and doing some research and have come to the conclusion that the Catalina's seem to fulfill that role beautifully. Now, I am wondering if I should go with the more "modern" 320 or with the "older" 34 model. Of course I am also still open to other option (like the Hunter 35.5 or Beneteau Oceanis 351, for example).

Does anyone have any input? Bellow follows a list of things that are important to me. Thanks and look forward to your comments!!!

Price: Around 50k
Length: Max. 36ft
Draft: Less then 5ft
Cutter or Sloop
Aft Cockpit
Diesel (any input about Universal - as opposed to Yanmar - engines?)
Two FULL cabins (so, no Hunter 33's or Catalina's 30)
Big fresh water tank/s (aluminum vs plastic?)
Modern "semi-open" transom (so that ladder can be reached from water)
Safe and easy to handle even if alone
"Easy" to maintain (no teak decks...)

Did i forget anything?!?

Thanks again,
AB

[George P]

Bene 351 is the best choice, easily single hande with auto pilot. The boat is best comprise for size, space, sailing perfomance...excellent bahamas boat.
Yanmar...no brainer.
I would stay away from older catalina 34 if you are considering catalina 320 or bene 351. From my experience the 80's vintage catalinas do not compare in every category to 90's beneteaus, catalinas
Good luck and hope you make it to Miami.