Good first Boat
 

Hi all,

I am interested in purchasing a boat for sailing on the Chesapeake. It will
primarily be used for weekend sailing / gunkholing. I would like something
at least 30' with wheel steering, and comfortable for a family of four. I
have been looking at various brokerages and web sites as well as reading
boat reviews. There are a couple that I think would be good, but would like
to get others opinions.

I am considering the following:

Catalina 30 - well known, good resale, etc
Beneteau First 305 - This seems to have what I'm looking for, but Beneteau
does not seem to be so well known in the US. Any thoughts?

Any opinions would be welcome. I'm looking to spend about $30K.

Catalina 30 - well known, good resale, etc
Beneteau First 305 - This seems to have what I'm looking for, but Beneteau
does not seem to be so well known in the US. Any thoughts?

Any opinions would be welcome. I'm looking to spend about $30K.


Beneteau is very well known here, but they don't get much respect. They are one
of the lowest cost boats per foot around.
The Catalina 30 would probably suit you. Few boats have more room and they sail
reasonably well. Of course there are other choices....

RB

"Bobsprit" wrote in message
...
Catalina 30 - well known, good resale, etc
Beneteau First 305 - This seems to have what I'm looking for, but Beneteau
does not seem to be so well known in the US. Any thoughts?

Any opinions would be welcome. I'm looking to spend about $30K.


Bobsprit is very well known here, but he doesn't get much respect. He owns
one
of the lowest cost boats per foot around.

An admirable display of honesty!!


Regards

Donal
--

Thanks,

I probably didn't state it clearly, but inputs on other boats are also
welcome. The Beneteau and Catalina, were kind of the ones that were towards
the top of my list, but given that I'm somewhat of a newbie, I'm looking for
any suggestions.

Rob

"Bobsprit" wrote in message
...
Catalina 30 - well known, good resale, etc
Beneteau First 305 - This seems to have what I'm looking for, but Beneteau
does not seem to be so well known in the US. Any thoughts?

Any opinions would be welcome. I'm looking to spend about $30K.


Beneteau is very well known here, but they don't get much respect. They
are one
of the lowest cost boats per foot around.
The Catalina 30 would probably suit you. Few boats have more room and they
sail
reasonably well. Of course there are other choices....

RB

Donal,
Scotty only been gone a week, but it's obvious
that you miss him.
S.

"Donal" wrote in message
...
:
: "Bobsprit" wrote in message
:
...
: Catalina 30 - well known, good resale, etc
: Beneteau First 305 - This seems to have what
I'm looking for, but Beneteau
: does not seem to be so well known in the US.
Any thoughts?
:
: Any opinions would be welcome. I'm looking to
spend about $30K.
:
:
: Bobsprit is very well known here, but he
doesn't get much respect. He owns
: one
: of the lowest cost boats per foot around.
:
: An admirable display of honesty!!
:
:
: Regards
:
: Donal
: --
:
:
:

"Rob" wrote in message
...
Hi all,

I am interested in purchasing a boat for sailing on the Chesapeake. It
will
primarily be used for weekend sailing / gunkholing. I would like
something
at least 30' with wheel steering, and comfortable for a family of four. I
have been looking at various brokerages and web sites as well as reading
boat reviews. There are a couple that I think would be good, but would
like
to get others opinions.

I am considering the following:

Catalina 30 - well known, good resale, etc
Beneteau First 305 - This seems to have what I'm looking for, but Beneteau
does not seem to be so well known in the US. Any thoughts?

Any opinions would be welcome. I'm looking to spend about $30K.

The First will be a great boat to own. They are an immensly practical boat
that also have great performance.

I've sailed on a F37.5, a 42s5 and I own a 33.7. They all share two things
in common -
1) They are great fun to sail
2) They seem to have been designed by sailors - and not by marketing
people.


I looked at a Hunter when I was deciding what to buy. The cooker wasn't
gimballed, and so it wouldn't be possible to have hot food at sea!! Other
boats tried to make the accomodation look huge and therefore they didn't
have enough stowage. Some boats didn't have grab rails that run the full
length of the cabin. The First won't suffer from any of these problems.

I've never sailed on a Catalina, so I cannot offer a comparison.

If the resale value of Firsts is is low in your area, then you should be
able to get a lot of boat for your money.


IMHO you would enjoy a tiller more than a wheel. You get much more "feel"
from a tiller.



Regards


Donal
--

"Pony Express" wrote in message
k.net...
Donal,
Scotty only been gone a week, but it's obvious
that you miss him.
S.

Is he sailing?


I wonder if Bob will ever go sailing for a week??

Regards

Donal
--

"Rob" wrote in message
...
Hi all,

I am interested in purchasing a boat for sailing on the Chesapeake. It
will
primarily be used for weekend sailing / gunkholing. I would like
something
at least 30' with wheel steering, and comfortable for a family of four. I
have been looking at various brokerages and web sites as well as reading
boat reviews. There are a couple that I think would be good, but would
like
to get others opinions.

I am considering the following:

Catalina 30 - well known, good resale, etc
Beneteau First 305 - This seems to have what I'm looking for, but Beneteau
does not seem to be so well known in the US. Any thoughts?

Any opinions would be welcome. I'm looking to spend about $30K.

http://www.yachtworld.com/index.html.en

Give you some good ideas about what's available out there. You could use a
higher dollar value when you're doing any searches, there is usually a big
difference between the asking/selling price, it's generally a buyers market.
BTW, Beneteaus are very well known over here, in fact they're manufactured
over here, for the most part.
John Cairns

I own a Catalina 30 and (so far) am happy with it. It sails fairly well and
the interior is nicely laid out and quite spacious for a 30 footer. A major
selling point is the fine support you get with Catalinas, both from the
factory as well as unofficial support from the large user base. There is a
C30 web site (www.catalina30.com) and also a very active listserv where you
can get plenty of advice from current owners. There's also a massive "Tech
Talk" compliation available, which covers the main issues that have arisen
with the boat and how to address them.

I have the standard rig, which works well for the consistently high winds in
San Pedro (in southern California). The boat definitely likes heavy air.
Unless you really need shallow draft I'd avoid the wing keel and go for the
deeper fin; the wings just don't point that well. In any case, the C30 is a
decent, all-around good boat. It is a production boat built to a price but
I've found the quality to be pretty good even if not stellar. It doesn't
seem to have any particuclarly nasty habits under sail (at least that I've
seen thus far)--and while it is not the most nimble boat it is a solid,
stable performer that can give you a reasonable turn of speed.

Take care,
Alan Gomes



"Rob" wrote in message
...
Thanks,

I probably didn't state it clearly, but inputs on other boats are also
welcome. The Beneteau and Catalina, were kind of the ones that were
towards
the top of my list, but given that I'm somewhat of a newbie, I'm looking
for
any suggestions.

Rob

"Bobsprit" wrote in message
...
Catalina 30 - well known, good resale, etc
Beneteau First 305 - This seems to have what I'm looking for, but
Beneteau
does not seem to be so well known in the US. Any thoughts?

Any opinions would be welcome. I'm looking to spend about $30K.


Beneteau is very well known here, but they don't get much respect. They
are one
of the lowest cost boats per foot around.
The Catalina 30 would probably suit you. Few boats have more room and
they
sail
reasonably well. Of course there are other choices....

RB

The First won't suffer from any of these problems.

I've never sailed on a Catalina, so I cannot offer a comparison.

Here in the states, Beneteau is considered a weak boat. Talk to surveyors and
full service yards, get feedback on repair records. The Beneteau scores poorly.
The Catalina 30 is much more of a family boat. And older reliable Catalina 30
can be found for 15-20K. The interior is huge by any standard and the cockpit
is well done. A wheel is also much for fun for the kids and and guests. No one
says my C&C's wheel has poor feedback. It has less than a tiller, but you
adjust to it and the wheel has too many other advantages, especially with kids
on board.
Other boats to consider: C&C 29 (80's version), Pearson 30, Tartan 30...there
are a lot of boats out there.

RB

You could use a
higher dollar value when you're doing any searches, there is usually a big
difference between the asking/selling price

John is correct on this. When searching for a 50K boat, you can actually look
at 60-65K and be reasonably secure that you'll still be in the ballpark. It
varries by range and builder, of course.

RB

"Donal" wrote in message
...
:
: "Pony Express"
wrote in message
:
k.net...
: Donal,
: Scotty only been gone a week, but it's obvious
: that you miss him.
: S.
:
: Is he sailing?

Yes.
:
:
: I wonder if Bob will ever go sailing for a
week??

No.


:
: Regards
:
: Donal
: --
:
:
:

"Rob" wrote in message ...
Hi all,
Any opinions would be welcome. I'm looking to spend about $30K.


Maybe you should buy a mac :0O

Joe

In article ,
Bobsprit wrote:
The First won't suffer from any of these problems.

I've never sailed on a Catalina, so I cannot offer a comparison.

We have a Yamaha 30 in our teaching fleet. It looks a bit strange, but
it is well-balanced and sails well, though not as fast as others of
similar size. It seems to be well-built and had zero blisters or
problems when we hauled it recently (it had been sitting for several
years without being sailed before being donated). It has a decent
interior, but I don't think it would be suited to live-aboard.

--
Jonathan Ganz (j gan z @ $ail no w.c=o=m)
http://www.sailnow.com
"If there's no wind, row."

"Alan Gomes" wrote in message
news:NdKad.114411$He1.35486@attbi_s01...
I have the standard rig, which works well for the consistently high winds
in
San Pedro (in southern California). The boat definitely likes heavy air.
Unless you really need shallow draft I'd avoid the wing keel and go for
the
deeper fin; the wings just don't point that well. In any case, the C30 is
a
decent, all-around good boat. It is a production boat built to a price but
I've found the quality to be pretty good even if not stellar. It doesn't
seem to have any particuclarly nasty habits under sail (at least that I've
seen thus far)--and while it is not the most nimble boat it is a solid,
stable performer that can give you a reasonable turn of speed.


Good post, Alan. You've managed to draw a clear distinction between the two
boats.

The First will be faster, but the Catalina will be more comfortable in heavy
weather.

It all depends on the type of sailing that Rob likes - an his local weather
conditions!


Regards


Donal
--

"Pony Express" wrote in message
nk.net...

"Donal" wrote in message
: Is he sailing?

Yes.

Excellent.... I envy him.

:
: I wonder if Bob will ever go sailing for a
week??

No.

That is obvious....

CM

"Capt. Mooron" wrote in
message
...
:
: "Pony Express"
wrote in message
:
nk.net...
:
: "Donal" wrote in
message
: : Is he sailing?
:
: Yes.
:
: Excellent.... I envy him.

You should. Ocean time, as I heard it.
:
: :
: : I wonder if Bob will ever go sailing for a
: week??
:
: No.
:
: That is obvious....

Sorry.


:
: CM
:
:

"Pony Express" wrote in message

You should. Ocean time, as I heard it.

Damn... now I really Hate Him! ;-)

Oh Well... it couldn't happen to a nicer guy!

I have to get back, pull the boat and return to work by the end of the
month.

I'm praying for a Lay-Off and Unemployment Insurance! :-D

CM

: Excellent.... I envy him.

Pony Express wrote:
You should. Ocean time, as I heard it.

Good for Scotty! Last I heard, he was considering going all the way
around but hadn't decided. Weather's been pretty good...

DSK

I'm praying for a Lay-Off and Unemployment Insurance! :-D

CM

AHH... a goal!
sorry couldn't resist as i sit here keeping clients "happy!"

gf.

What exactly constitutes "all the way around" down your way?

CM

"DSK" wrote in message
t...
: Excellent.... I envy him.

Pony Express wrote:
You should. Ocean time, as I heard it.

Good for Scotty! Last I heard, he was considering going all the way around
but hadn't decided. Weather's been pretty good...

DSK

I wonder if Bob will ever go sailing for a week??

The Boobster will never put as many miles under his keel as Scott has.
S/V Express 30 "Ringmaster"
"Trains are a winter sport"

"gonefishiing" wrote in message
...
I'm praying for a Lay-Off and Unemployment Insurance! :-D

CM

AHH... a goal!
sorry couldn't resist as i sit here keeping clients "happy!"

Remember .. "The Customer is Always Right".... and thus they should be
punished for their attitude!!!

CM

Around the Delmarva peninsula. Takes about a
week. One leg of 100 miles with no where to put
in. That can be a little rough when you're
singlehanding.
S.
"Capt. Mooron" wrote in
message
...
: What exactly constitutes "all the way around"
down your way?
:
: CM
:
: "DSK" wrote in message
:
t...
: : Excellent.... I envy him.
:
: Pony Express wrote:
: You should. Ocean time, as I heard it.
:
: Good for Scotty! Last I heard, he was
considering going all the way around
: but hadn't decided. Weather's been pretty
good...
:
: DSK
:
:
:

"Donal" wrote in message
...

"Pony Express" wrote in message
k.net...
Donal,
Scotty only been gone a week, but it's obvious
that you miss him.
S.

Is he sailing?


of course.


I wonder if Bob will ever go sailing for a week??


or two.


SV

"Scott Vernon" wrote in message
...
"Donal" wrote in message
...
Scotty only been gone a week, but it's obvious
that you miss him.
S.

Is he sailing?


of course.

How much fuel did you use?


Regards


Donal
--

$8 worth. Almost 5 gallons.

Scotty

"Donal" wrote in message
...

"Scott Vernon" wrote in message
...
"Donal" wrote in message
...
Scotty only been gone a week, but it's obvious
that you miss him.
S.

Is he sailing?


of course.

How much fuel did you use?


Regards


Donal
--

how many miles (total) did you cover in 2 weeks?

gf.

"Scott Vernon" wrote in message
...
$8 worth. Almost 5 gallons.

Scotty

"Donal" wrote in message
...

"Scott Vernon" wrote in message
...
"Donal" wrote in message
...
Scotty only been gone a week, but it's obvious
that you miss him.
S.

Is he sailing?


of course.

How much fuel did you use?


Regards


Donal
--

good question. I forgot to add them up. the daily totals are in the
trip report.

387 NM

Scotty


"gonefishiing" wrote in message
...
how many miles (total) did you cover in 2 weeks?

gf.

"Scott Vernon" wrote in message
...
$8 worth. Almost 5 gallons.

Scotty

"Donal" wrote in message
...

"Scott Vernon" wrote in message
...
"Donal" wrote in message
...
Scotty only been gone a week, but it's obvious
that you miss him.
S.

Is he sailing?


of course.

How much fuel did you use?


Regards


Donal
--

Sound like the sort of milage you might do if there was little wind.

Cheers

Scott Vernon wrote:

good question. I forgot to add them up. the daily totals are in the
trip report.

387 NM

Scotty


"gonefishiing" wrote in message
...

how many miles (total) did you cover in 2 weeks?

gf.

"Scott Vernon" wrote in message
...

$8 worth. Almost 5 gallons.

Scotty

"Donal" wrote in message
.. .

"Scott Vernon" wrote in message
...

"Donal" wrote in message
.. .

Scotty only been gone a week, but it's obvious
that you miss him.
S.

Is he sailing?


of course.

How much fuel did you use?


Regards


Donal
--

reasonable run.
sounds like it was a great trip

last trip i did was for about 10 days and covered about 150NM
15 amazing miles a day!
dead in the middle of no wind august
sail for three to five hours and let the kids do their thing.

gf.

"Scott Vernon" wrote in message
...
good question. I forgot to add them up. the daily totals are in the
trip report.

387 NM

Scotty

"Nav" wrote in message
...
Sound like the sort of milage you might do if there was little wind.

Some days there was, some days were windy. Do you only daysail on the
really nice days?

Scotty









Cheers

Scott Vernon wrote:

good question. I forgot to add them up. the daily totals are in
the
trip report.

387 NM

Scotty


"gonefishiing" wrote in message
...

how many miles (total) did you cover in 2 weeks?

gf.

"Scott Vernon" wrote in message
...

$8 worth. Almost 5 gallons.

Scotty

"Donal" wrote in message
.. .

"Scott Vernon" wrote in message
...

"Donal" wrote in message
.. .

Scotty only been gone a week, but it's obvious
that you miss him.
S.

Is he sailing?


of course.

How much fuel did you use?


Regards


Donal
--

yup, but this was a fall sail , single handed, with no swimming or
fishing, even though the rod was with. It was all, well, mostly about
the sailing.

Scotty

"gonefishiing" wrote in message
...
reasonable run.
sounds like it was a great trip

last trip i did was for about 10 days and covered about 150NM
15 amazing miles a day!
dead in the middle of no wind august
sail for three to five hours and let the kids do their thing.

gf.

"Scott Vernon" wrote in message
...
good question. I forgot to add them up. the daily totals are in
the
trip report.

387 NM

Scotty

Must be more windy here I guess.

Cheers

Scott Vernon wrote:

"Nav" wrote in message
...

Sound like the sort of milage you might do if there was little wind.


Some days there was, some days were windy. Do you only daysail on the
really nice days?

Scotty









Cheers

Scott Vernon wrote:


good question. I forgot to add them up. the daily totals are in

the

trip report.

387 NM

Scotty


"gonefishiing" wrote in message
...


how many miles (total) did you cover in 2 weeks?

gf.

"Scott Vernon" wrote in message
...


$8 worth. Almost 5 gallons.

Scotty

"Donal" wrote in message
.. .


"Scott Vernon" wrote in message
...


"Donal" wrote in message
...


Scotty only been gone a week, but it's obvious
that you miss him.
S.

Is he sailing?


of course.

How much fuel did you use?


Regards


Donal
--

so it seems.

"Nav" wrote ...
Must be more hot air here I guess.

Cheers

"Scott Vernon" wrote in message
...
$8 worth. Almost 5 gallons.


Hah! So I was right!!! I knew that your tank would be big enough.


Regards


Donal
--

Oh, let me explain. All the questions about fuel range and riding the
tides was for a different trip. One I was planning to do this fall but
couldn't make it happen. And stupid me didn't keep track of miles /
hours / gallons for the motor ( was enjoying myself too much). Sorry.
They were good threads though, and I still may do that trip sometime.

Scotty



"Donal" wrote in message
...

"Scott Vernon" wrote in message
...
$8 worth. Almost 5 gallons.


Hah! So I was right!!! I knew that your tank would be big enough.


Regards


Donal
--

"Scott Vernon" wrote in message
...

They were good threads though, and I still may do that trip sometime.

Yada, yada, yada. Bob's going to do a big trip, oneday, too!!


Regards


Donal
--

What's your longest trip ( miles / days) on your
boat , so far?

Scotty


"Donal" wrote in message
...

"Scott Vernon" wrote in
message
...

They were good threads though, and I still may
do that trip sometime.

Yada, yada, yada. Bob's going to do a big
trip, oneday, too!!


Regards


Donal
--

"Donal" wrote


550 miles/16 days.

The longest leg was 148 miles/ 26 hours. It included the best and
worst
sailing that I've done. The first 7 hours were horrible (F7-8 on
the nose),
the last 10 hours were fantastic ... F4-5 on the quarter.

Donut, I bow to your superiooo......wait..........were you doing this
single handed?

Scotty