I just got an email from Practical Sailor called Waypoints with a comparison of three boats, a Catalina, a Hunter, and a Beneteau. I found this paragraph very interesting:
"By their accounts, Catalina owners are more likely to sail, and work on, their boats; Hunter owners are more likely to use the boats for dockside entertainment, and reach for a credit card when repairs are to be made. Beneteau owners seem to fall somewhere in between."
—
Duane Ising - Past Commodore (2011-2012)
s/v Diva Di
1999 Catalina 36 Hull #1777
Std rig; wing keel, M35B, Delta (45#)
Punta Gorda, FL
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/diva-di/
I would say that Beneteau owners get the credit card out because they can, Hunter owners because they have to.
Nick Tonkin
*Former* Website Administrator, C36/375IA
*Former* owner, C36 tr/fk #255, Santa Barbara, CA
Nick... great insight into the 3 cat's.
Having been on the Hunters at the recent Newport Boat Show I do have to admit Hunter has made the biggest improvement in their models year to year than the other builders though this may be because they had the most room to improve.
Chuck Parker
HelenRita 2072 Mk II
2002 Tall Rig - Winged Keel
Atlantic Highlands, NJ
The good thing about practical sailor is that there are no opinions. :D
2000 C36 MKII 1825