hunter 30 sailboat

• Forum Listing
• Marketplace
• Advanced Search
• About The Boat
• Boat Review Forum
• Boat Reviews
• SailNet is a forum community dedicated to Sailing enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about sailing, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, repairs, reviews, maintenance, and more!

Catalina 30 vs. Hunter 30

• Add to quote

I'm currently sailing a 1986 MacGregor 25 and am looking to upgrade next spring or summer to something in the 30 to 33 foot range. My intention is to live aboard and to do mostly coastal cruising off Southern California. I'm looking at the $25k to $35k range and have found the early 90s model Catalina 30 and Hunter 30 to be about the most boat I can get for the price. The two boats appear to be almost identical in size, diplacement, ballast, etc. Does anyone have any experience with either or both of these boats? What are the significant differences between them? Anyone have a preference of one over the other? Thanks for the help.  

They are made to compete for the same market in terms of build quality, hardware, construction practices and cost. Having been to both mfg facilities years ago watching these boat get built, you wouldn't know the difference unless you missed the sign on the door. I've said this before but it bears repeating - the care and maintenance history of the boat should be your determining factor, not the nameplate.  

Hello, I've owned a Hunter 30T 1992 and used to race a fair bit on a Catalina 30 (1984?) If you want interior space and liveability I would go for the Hunter, it is a big 30 footer inside. If you want the better quality sailboat which is also "stiffer" with less weather helm etc, go for the catalina 30. An addtional benefit with the Catalina 30 is that there is about 7000 of them out there, hence a lot available boats and good factory / owner group support. /Jorgen  

Hey, Do you like Ford or Chevy? Some people have a strong preference for one over the other. Other people can't tell the difference. Same basic thing for mid 90's Catalina and Hunter boats. Hunter has been more 'innovative' while Catalina has been more 'traditional' Barry  

See if you can find an O'day 322. They are rare compared to the Hunter and especially the Catalina, but they are equally robust and aurguably "nicer". The better use of space is not arguable. I had folks with some 40'ers comment there was more room in my 322 than their traditional 40' boat. I think the 322 will outsail the Hunter or the Catalina despite the wing keel. The styling will probably be love or hate but it's not out or place among todays boats so I guess it must of been ahead of its time somewhat in that department. I never loved the look of the boat but if I had to live on a $25k,30 something foot boat that would likely be my choice. If I could up the budget some I'd look at the Caliber 33. Its another 30 something boat with excellent use of the below decks space and is built to a higher standard (though perhaps not quite "Blue Water") than the Hunter or Catalina.  

Or even an O'Day 302. Just spent a week on one last month...fun boat, fairly fast, but a bit less space than the Hunter or Catalina IIRC. The 322 is probably a very good choice, as it is just a larger version of the 302 IIRC.  

...I think both boat will serve you well when used within their intended purpose. Having said that I have been happy with my catalina and been very, very, very happy with Catalina customer service, tech talk, misc parts. Im not sure what everyones experience has been but mine has always been excellent. happy sailing tom3215  

While I am new here I think I'll put 2 cents in. I had an excellent Catalina 28 that had exceptional room and above all the support was great. Catalina seems to have a great support network and with so many out there you can get advice easily. Good luck. DW  

I'm still a newbie, but I've heard that the Catalina is better for offshore sailing, a bit of a stiffer boat.  

I am wondering what exactly defines an offshore boat from a day sailer? Is it size, hull material, storage, amenities? Just curious.  

I think you mean off shore or blue water boat vs coastal cruiser. A day sailer is just that, meant for day sailing, not over-nighting, so obviously you're not going far in it. blue water boats vs coastal cruisers...blue water boats are meant to take pretty rough weather, because when you are out in the middle of the ocean, there's no place to hide when the weather turns really snotty. Coastal cruisers just aren't built to the standards of a blue water boat. Both the Hunter and Catalina 30's are considered coastal cruisers, and not meant to cross oceans. They aren't day sailers as they are built for several people to spend days or even weeks aboard. They are even used for full time live-aboards.  

Exactly right I did mean off shore. Sorry for the wrong word. Is there more difference than heavy weather?  

I'm no expert...I'm sure others will chime in with better info. coastal cruisers usually put more emphasis on room and comfort, not that a blue water boat doesn't. Blue water boats are built beefier to handle rough weather and are often a little less beamy which cuts into interior space. Beefier means better and stronger rigging and sails. A more heavily built hull usually with a higher percentage of keel weight to better right itself after a knock down. A true blue water boat will cost way more than a comparably sized coastal boat.  

I have a friend with a Hunter 38 and a cousin with a Catalina 42 and have sailed both boats. They are within 5% to 10% of each other in all significant dimensions so they make a pretty fair comparison. I find the build quality to be on par. The Hunter has more "ergonomic imagination" in its detailing - it is more contemporary in most design areas. It has an eccentric rig - no backstays, highly swept shrouds that interfere with downwind sailing, very fractional rig, roller furling on both sails, really likes a reach - lousy DDW. Can pound quite badly - have had to tack when under power to control slamming The Cat is more traditional in design - less innovative. Normal masthead rig with jib furling and full batten main. Mainsheet is more accessible than the Hunters which is on top of the "roll bar". Fewer thoughtful touches generally. Haven't sailed it in high wind and seas so can't compare its ride etc. I actually prefer the Cat - I like its more old fashioned looks with raked stem better but really its "horses for courses" - choose the one that strikes your fancy because neither is "better" than the other.  

Thx SloopJonB. Much appreciated. Any idea if keel stepped masts are better than deck stepped? Are steel hulks better than fiberglass hulls? Remedial question but it is hard to narrow down boat types without really having a vast sailing bkgd. If this were aircraft I could offer much to the forum but for now I'm a sponge who hopes to give backin the future! Thx for the help.  

Xx Darkwing xX said: Thx SloopJonB. Much appreciated. Any idea if keel stepped masts are better than deck stepped? Click to expand...

Are steel hulks better than fiberglass hulls? Click to expand...

Nice catch toyou both on the hulk vs hull. Dang auto spelling got me on that one. Can't thank you both enough or the good info!  

Sadly the whole wants vs can afford to have issue is rearing its ugly head. Being new I don't want to go to big and end up not enjoying the boat yet I contest to get an older boat and be forced into serious maintenance issues. I think I wants 35-38 lot Catalina, maybe beneteau at this point. Maybe as old as 92 ish.  

I wouldn't assume that an older boat means forcing yourself into serious maintenance issues. A 20 year old boat can easily require serious maintenance if it hasn't been kept up - twenty year old rigging, sails, engine, upholstery etc. are, or can be at the end of their lives. There are LOTS of old boats that are in perfect condition and lots of quite new boats in need of serious work - see an ex-charter boat for illustration. It sounds to me that an old Catalina 38 (The S&S / Yankee version), if well kept, would be ideal for you. There are currently 15 of them on YW, asking from $20K to $55K. Picking up one of them for say, $32K and spending some more for new sails, running rigging and upholstery will still bring you in well below a comparable used boat 15 years old. The condition of the engine will be a critical point in which boat to choose though - that can get REAL expensive.  

Many thanks for the info. I'm looking into those now. Previously I had been looking at 34-36 footers. Does 2 foot in length add much more complexity? We have completed ASA101 but need a refresher as we are landlocked for the last 3 years. Dw  

Xx Darkwing xX said: Previously I had been looking at 34-36 footers. Does 2 foot in length add much more complexity? We have completed ASA101 but need a refresher as we are landlocked for the last 3 years. Dw Click to expand...

I know the moorage bill will go up. That sucks but anything worth doing is worth doing well so I won't skimp on size just to saves few $$$. DW  

• ?            
• 177K members

Top Contributors this Month

• Forums New posts Unanswered threads Register Top Posts Email
• What's new New posts New Posts (legacy) Latest activity New media
• Media New media New comments
• Boat Info Downloads Weekly Quiz Topic FAQ 10000boatnames.com
• Classifieds Sell Your Boat Used Gear for Sale
• Parts General Marine Parts Hunter Beneteau Catalina MacGregor Oday
• Help Terms of Use Monday Mail Subscribe Monday Mail Unsubscribe

1993 Hunter 30T

• Thread starter Don
• Start date Dec 7, 2005
• Hunter Owner Forums
• Ask A Hunter Owner

I am looking an the 1993 Hunter 30T. Any know problems to watch out for?  

Read reviews? Have you already read the owner reviews here on HOW? See the Related Link if not.  

don Don, I had a 1994 30 T, I have to tell you that was a very fine made tough boat and I do miss her, I would say is just get a survey as with any boat, and enjoy.John DorsettS/V Alcylone2002 356  

1992 I bought my 1992 H30 in July, and I love it! Lots of space for the size boat. Most of the things I've worked on/replaced/upgraded have been things that you'll find on most any 13 year old boat, not specifically the H30. One design flaw that is H30 specific is the toilet. It is below water line but does not have a vented loop and is therefore subject to flooding. Another issue that is age related is the aluminum holding tank (port aft cockpit locker). If yours is original equipment, the question is WHEN will it start leaking, not IF. Plan on replacing it, and while you're at it, go ahead and replace all the related hoses. If they're original, they are probably permeated and stink. While you're doing the plumbing, you can resolve the toilet flooding issue as well. Several H30 owners have undertaken this project and can offer lots of good info if you get to that point.Also age related . . . some of my lights (dome lights interior, anchor light) have started to go. Something good to check when you survey.On my list of projects is installing an inspection port in the freshwater holding tank (under the v-berth). It doesn't have one.The shower and the ice box both drain directly to the bilge, resulting in a wet bilge. Other owners have re-plumbed these to resolve the issue.Another H30 owner suggested replacing the plastic exhaust anti-siphon valve, which is found in the aft part of the engine compartment. Apparently failure of this valve is not uncommon.My winches are Barient, and the best place for replacement parts is in Australia. You might want to order some spares to have on hand before something breaks, because it takes a while to get parts.The engine is a bit small for the boat. I haven't experienced any problems yet, but I've heard complaints from others who had difficulties going into heavy ind/sea/current.I hope all these suggestions help. As I said, the H30 is a wonderful boat, and I love mine. I'm in the owner's directory if you want to email me.Good luck!Sherry  

Dean Strong

Hunter G Look for a Hunter 30 "G" Its the same boat, built 'till 1990 or 1991, but without the forward extended cabin. Ask any 30T owner, and they'll agree that the 30G has WAY cleaner lines, is WAY better looking, and WAY faster due to less windage...A Proud OwnerS/V Synchrony1990 H30  

2nd time around I had a 92 30T for 6 years..sold it, could not find a new or different better one, searched for a lightly used and found a great 94 which is in the shop being totally upgraded. Great boat all around.  

Jim Bessinger

30G or 30T Another thing to consider, I don't know how this is, but according to Hunters literature the H30G is 1,000 pounds ighter. I have a 30G and love it.  

Hunter 30T We love our 1993 30T. We have had it for 4 years now and have made many improvements. She just rode out Hurricane Rita in her slip and while 9 other boats were sank and several others demasted, she came through with only minor scratches. She sails high and fast. I agree with Sherry that the engine is a bit underpowered for the boat. And yes, whatever you do get it surveyed and look at several. It took us 3 years and 4 surveys to find ours.  

• This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. Accept Learn more…