Advice needed

[ldj2jor]

Hi everyone.
I'm new to the forum and new to sailing, and I have a decision to make. I need to decide whether to purchase a 1980 Catalina 30 or a 1985 Beneteau 29. I've tried to research both brands and both look like robust, safe and reliable boats. I'd love to hear feedback on your thoughts and any experiences you may have had with either brands. Thanks

 

[Catalina36]

I've had a Catalina 36 for 14 years and have never regretted it, it's a solid boat and sails well. I have no knowledge of the Benetau. Welcome, I'm new here too. Good luck with whichever one you choose.

 

[PlankWalker]

Only you can answer the question of what boat to buy.
As you're new to sailing I suggest you don't buy anything until you've sailed on a lot of different boats.
Eventually you'll know the right one.

 

[KompetentKrew]

+1 to what PlankWalker said.

Before I bought my own boat I spent a year crewing with a sailing co-op and for anyone else I could find.

 

[KevO]

A

+1 to what PlankWanker said.

Before I bought my own boat I spent a year crewing with a sailing co-op and for anyone else I could find.

Ha ha ha! I'm sure Planky is gonna be rather miffed at that...

 

[KompetentKrew]

Nothing to see here. ?

 

[Skylark]

Hi Idj2jor and welcome,

Doubtless you’ll receive some very good, valid and appropriate advice, most probably totally contradictory one from another, such is the nature of posters experience of sailing.

Some people will suggest formal, structured training before buying, others prefer self learning.

Some will suggest that you defer purchase until you’ve gained experience on a wide range of craft.

If you are determined to buy, and why not, I think sage advice would be to not get too hung-up over wanting a specific boat. Within your budget, look at what’s available and choose based upon condition, history and inventory.

Fair winds.

 

[oldgit]

Hi Idj2jor and welcome,
If you are determined to buy, and why not, I think sage advice would be to not get too hung-up over wanting a specific boat. Within your budget, look at what’s available and choose based upon condition, history and inventory.
Fair winds.

+1.

 

[Aeolus]

I would focus on which appears to have been better maintained - records, receipts, engine and bilge cleanliness, sail condition.....
If you still can't decide, then go for the one that your significant other likes more (or, if no significant other, that you like more)

 

[jwilson]

Buy the one that you would prefer, and is also in the best condition. In deciding on condition you can probably assess general cosmetics yourself, and also get a feel for whether the boat has been neglected or loved. then HAVE A SURVEY DONE. There is a section on our webpage Frequently asked questions about Yachtsnet Ltd. online yacht brokerage and boat sales services that details the process of surveys and/or sea trials. If the two boats are reasonably close together you could even ask a surveyor to have a 30 minute look over both, and advise, before paying for a full pre-purchase suvey, which will be at least a days work for him, between time on the boat and writing his report. We list many yacht surveyors by area on Yacht surveyors list - Yachtsnet Ltd. online UK yacht brokers - yacht brokerage and boat sales

Beneteau is the biggest European yacht builder: not the cheapest but at the low/middle end of the market. Perfectly competent boats, though the most common Beneteau 29 is a "First" series, which is the racier version, which will probably be faster than the Catalina, but has less interior joinery and less stowage space than the Catalina.

The Catalina 30 is bigger, heavier and a little slower than the Beneteau First 29. Catalina are a large US company, their boats are built for large Americans, hence feel quite spacious. Again a low/middle build quality level, but perfectly competent. I've sailed thousands of miles on a much bigger Catalina, and liked it.

At 1980/85 age you will not be buying spares from the manufacturer - unlike cars most components are either generic or can be replaced by generic items, and if you aske either Beneteau or Catalina for spares for that age of boats I doubt if you would get an answer at all. At 25-30 years old the original engines on these boats should be about half way through their life, if well maintained. Or they could be dying. A major overhaul often costs nearly as much as fitting a new engine. Yacht engines don't often actually wear out, they expire through neglect, corrosion and misuse.

If on either boat the standing rigging (wires) is much older than 10-12 years you probably should replace it - get a quote before you make an offer. If the sails are soft and dirty and frayed in places they may be heading for replacements, again investigate costs. The other thing that may be heading for expensive replacement is the interior upholstery.

 

[Stemar]

At 25-30 years old the original engines on these boats should be about half way through their life, if well maintained. Or they could be dying. A major overhaul often costs nearly as much as fitting a new engine. Yacht engines don't often actually wear out, they expire through neglect, corrosion and misuse.

If on either boat the standing rigging (wires) is much older than 10-12 years you probably should replace it - get a quote before you make an offer. If the sails are soft and dirty and frayed in places they may be heading for replacements, again investigate costs. The other thing that may be heading for expensive replacement is the interior upholstery.

ISTM that these are the most important things if the boats are generally tidy, and I'd put the engine at the top of the list but, if it starts well from cold and doesn't smoke once warmed up a bit (smoke when starting is pretty normal for engines of that vintage) and pushes the boat along nicely, chances are it's a good 'un. Sails and standing rigging are standard replacement items - a normal running cost but, if the rigging is old or the sails tatty, your offer should reflect this if the price doesn't.

As for which boat, are you likely to want to race or cruise? Either will work for both, but I'd take the Benny for racing and the Catalina for cruising. Ultimately, which boat feels right? It's hard to explain, but our boat just winked at us and said, "Buy me, I'm the one" You do your homework - like this thread - with your head but, for a boat you're going to keep for a while, you buy with your heart.

A for training, a Day Skipper practical course will set you up to go out on your new pride and joy and learn how to sail, though in the Covid world, I'm not sure how that works. Those boats are small enough to be forgiving if you make a mistake, and you'll make plenty. Anyone who says they don't make mistakes, even after 20 years experience is a liar. If the course isn't possible, do the theory on line and find someone to go out with to hit the high spots of the practical side - pontoon bashing (not literally, not too often at least!) and sail handling.