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wrote:
Cairns hits the nail on the head when he remarks about current high
styling that will soon look dated.

Sure. That's what 'style' is all about. Like ruff collars or
corsets. Fins on cars. OTOH real beauty never goes out of
style, like the Fender Telecaster.

I hate to criticize somebody elses boat but my impression of the
Beneteau is essentially my impression of eurostyling in general.

You mean, the "melted cheese sandwich" look?

My impression of Catalina is that they've figured out how to do
something well without costing a fortune.

Depends on how you define "well" and "fortune."

IMHO any money spent on a boat is pretty much wasted, an
entertainment expense. So how much fun you have with it is
pretty much the only measure of whether or not it's worth it.

... They are not ultra-expensive
but truly functional at reasonable cost

Actually, they're not. They lose value on the used market
quicker than many other types, are slower, less seaworthy,
etc etc. If you going to spend X dollars on a boat, the
definition of "function" depends on what you want out of it,
and no production excels in any quantifiable measure...
that's why they're mass-produced.

... They are not flashy but do what they do very well.

Provide a place to sit & drink while listening to Jimmy Buffet?

Actually, some Catalinas have been sold in enough quantities
that they have one-design racing classes. That's a good
function.

DSK