My two cents ... I'd figure out how much I could afford to spend, and then buy the boat that gets the best survey within that number. They're both fine boats ... I think the 27 sails better and the 30 sleeps better.
Tom
6219 Different Drummer
To: [email protected]
From: Ross Aresco <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent by: [email protected]
Date: 04/11/2008 04:42PM
Subject: catalina27-talk: Advice for a potential C27 buyerHi All,I'd appreciate some advice here. I've been researching diligently for the best first boat for my wife and me (no kids just yet) and have had my heart set for a while on a C30. However, with trying to save up for starting a family, etc. I'm thinking that it may be the best decision financially to start with a more typical (and cheaper) "starter boat" and then move up in a few years, versus spending at least $10-20K more for a C30 and moving right to the boat that we could grow into. Yes, I know that if you amortize that over a number of years it doesn't add up to much, but it does right now.How do you like your C27s? I've never sailed one - but they're clearly super popular and can handle a variety of conditions. For the same accoutrements that we'd like (newer sail inventory, well maintained engine, pressure hot/cold water, generally well maintained boat) you can land a C27 for so much less than a C30, I'm thinking that this makes more and more sense.Part of my apprehension, however, is that I'm 6'3" 260lbs and I'm a bit worried about feeling like Will Ferrell in Elf while onboard! We're in Erie, PA so we'd ideally like to do a lot of day/evening sailing, some weekly club racing and ideally do some weekend trips west past Cleveland and north to Canada.Thanks in advance for any help you can offer!~Ross
