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What's the main difference Tartan 31 vs Catalina 31
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Hi All I'm looking for a smallish beginner cruiser. I'm in Annapolis and the boat likely won't leave the Chesapeake. I suspect I'll be mainly sailing it by myself. Here's an '89 Tartan 31 for $45K https://www.yachtworld.com/yacht/1989-tartan-31-9099965/ This is a 2002 Catalina 31 for $59K https://www.yachtworld.com/yacht/2002-catalina-310-8967914/ To my untrained eye, their numbers on Sailboatdata.com look similar other than the Catalina is 1300 lbs heavier. Tartan PHRF is 150 to Catalina's 177. No idea whether that's material? Why is it that Tartan's hold their value? I've read they have a "better build" but what's better about it? What are the main differences between the two. Trying to educate myself Thanks Kelly
Way to start a fight! Comparing two boats- which invariably some members own and love- is just asking for it. They're both nice boats. Note you're comparing not only manufacturers but year of mfg as well. IMHO Tartans tend to be better built and finished; Catalinas tend to have better ergonomics. Particularly in this case, the Catalina is 13 years newer so has more modern features such as the step thru transom, wing seats, and excellent engine access. The Tartan will sail better but the Catalina is more liveable. For some of us, the step-through transom is a must; others have a lifestyle that it doesn't matter. How are you going to use it, beyond sailing? Since they are both used, condition of expensive stuff matters- engine, any hull or deck saturation, and sails.
I agree with Ontario's comments above. To me the big differences are the following. Age: the Catalina is newer so that is a plus. The difference in the PHRF base ratings is signficant. The Tartan is a much better performer. The Catalina will be roomer and the open stern is a plus. Either will be fine for your proposed usage, so condition would be major determining factor. Me, I place a high value on sailing performance, so I would lean towards the Tartan, but that boat does seem overpriced for a boat of that age and size.
Tartan is 6' less in the beam and will be the better performer under sail. The Catalina will be the more comfortable and easier to operate/maintain. Catalina has no wood on the exterior to maintain, 2 speed self tailing winches, propane stove, windlass, Raymarine st60 instruments, open stern, stern perch seats. Tartan has CNG stove, older Datamarine instruments, etc.
Just a few things to consider. The Tartan looks like it has CNG tanks for the oven/range. I had CNG and liked it but my marina exchanged tanks, so it was never an issue for me. However, CNG is not readily available elsewhere. The electronics are very dated on the Tartan. Loran hasn't been used in ages. Auto-pilot is dated as well. I'd also look in to that water staining on the cabin sole, Port Side. For the Chesapeake, I like the shallower Draft on the Tartan. However, I agree that it seems over-priced. The Catalina looks clean, modern, with some upgrades, like the Mattress. Doesn't appear like it needs much. Can't really speak to the price.
I missed the CNG. Suffering with that now, I’d not want it, or at least price in the cost to have the yard rip and replace with propane. Good catch.
Hard to tell if the Tartan has an electric windlass if you will be anchoring out.
I'd go with the Tartan; faster, points better, 4'3" Scheel Keel, and built solid. Catalina is a nice boat, particularly this one. But I'm a Racer with a Crusing problem, like to go fast, but also don't like limiting my cruising spots due to draft.
Thanks all for the education. I didn't notice the gas stove issue. Yes, a bit of a mystery why the broker would post pics of the Loran receiver. A follow up, would a Beneteau 31 be too light for beginner single handed?
Too light? Do not understand what your concerns are in regards to weight or displacement?
I meant would it be a harder to handle in say, 20 kts, compared to the others.
It wouldn't be unless YOU allow it to be. Personally I feel both those boats are too expensive for a "starter" boat. In my mind a 31' boat is a boat size wise that has no home. If you want to day sail get a smaller boat, if you what to cruise get a bigger boat. I have never sailed on a boat that small.
Just for fun ... Here is the soldboats data for these two boat since January 2019. Curiously only one Catalina 31 has been sold through Yachworld.com in that time period.
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boatpoker said: Just for fun ... Here is the soldboats data for these two boat since January 2019. Click to expand...
The spelling.
agree with all those comments. We just bought a C320 after daysailing a Cal 22 for 22 years. Wanted to learn, do a little weekend cruising and just have more room to hang out with the family and friends. The Catalina offers a nice sized cockpit and lots of creature comforts, plus no wood to maintain. I realize it won't sail to wind as well as my Cal and probably a boat the the older Tartan would handle better but that just wasn't in our criteria. Really depends on what you are looking for.
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