First keelboat: Catalina 30 vs Hunter 30 — talk me into one

Question

Budget around $25k, sailing Chesapeake weekends, occasional overnight with my wife and dog. Both seem plentiful and parts are everywhere. What would you pick and why?

riggerjim · Answer

Both fine boats. The Catalina 30 has a bigger owners' association and literally every part is reproduced. Tall rig + wing keel for the Chesapeake.

gulfgypsy · Answer

Owned both. Hunter's cherry interior feels nicer below; Catalina sails flatter when it pipes up. For a first boat: whichever specific BOAT is in better condition. Condition > model at this price.

catalina_kate · Answer

Biased by my handle but — the C30 owners' forum answered every dumb question I had my first season. That support network matters more than the spec sheet.

newkeeler · Answer

Update: going to look at a '88 C30 tall rig Saturday. Oil analysis kit ordered thanks to the buying thread 😄

First keelboat: Catalina 30 vs Hunter 30 — talk me into one

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