On Jan 10, 8:50*am, "
wrote:
My wife and I are still looking for a 27 foot used boat, *for summer
cruising north from Port Townsend, WA, where we live, mainly if not
entirely on the inside of Vancouver Island. Our price range is $8,000
- 12,000

We want a boat which has
* * * * * * - solid construction
* * * * * * - good stability - not too much heeling
* * * * * * - adequate performance upwind
* * * * * * - *moves in light air

We're narrowing our search down to boats within a reasonable distance,
and I wonder if anyone has opinions on the relative merits of the
following for this type of use

Catalina 27 * - 1987
San Juan 28 - 1978
O'Day 272LE -1987
Ericson 25+ * -1976
Morgan 27 * * -1971

* * * * I mention the age as I think construction quality has varied
over the years with some of these makers.

* * * * * * * * * * Thanks in advance for any comments

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Richard


Richard:
Look at the Cal 2-29 as your first choice if you can afford it. It
will sail in light air faster than the Catalina or Cal 2-27. I've
owned both Cals and older Catalinas and I'd say the Cal's have better
details- making them more sailor friendly. I believe in general the
Cals are slightly better than the Catalinas. The older Catlinas are
available in two styles - galley along one side and galley at the port
rear of the cabin. You should decide which you like better. I too
cruise Puget Sound. If you go with the Catalina 27, definately make
sure you get a tall rig for sailing in islands - where the winds are
often light during summer. Look at the PHRF base ratings of the boats
to get an idea of their sailing ability.