I am looking to buy a 32-34' used sailboat from 2001-2007 in excellent condition. l pretty much have it nailed down to either a Catalina, a Hunter or a Benetau. It has to have a draft of 3'10''-4'5'' due to the shallow SWFL canals. Which would make the best sailboat?

you should see the post right before yours on the site and the response from Lil Laurenzo for useful info.especially on the Hunter.

All else being equal - Benetau is the better quality boat - no doubt about it! They use top of the line quality in all their Banetau Models - better materials, better workmanship, last longer = better resale.

Happy & Safe Boating!

You have selected 3 boats pretty well in the same class. l have sailed, worked on, or owned all 3, l have cruised along with all 3 of these.

Not to wish to knock any of these fine crafts, l believe that we go with what we r most familiar.

l have taken several Hunters, from the 26.5 to 41' off shore, raced them on lakes & rivers. There r really nice boats, but l do not like them when off shore when the seas turn nasty. They tend tto feel rather weak & thin in their hulls. Sailing inland, & on protected waters & entertaining dockside they r great. l have never had to deal with their customer service, but have been through their plant. Overall, l do not care for Hunter.

The Beneteau reminds me a lot of the Hunter, in that they r rather nimble, light weight, & somewhat flexible to the point that l put them with the Hunter. Again, l have not dealt with their customer services.

The Catalina also has the dockside qualities beside the Hunter & Beneteau. They do not have quite the agility as the other 2, but l do feel better on the Catalina when off shore. l have not dealt personally with the customer service of Catalina, but those that l know that have Catalinas, will swear by the company. They back their product, & bend over backwards to keep their owners a happy lot.

If l were shopping for one of the 3 mentioned boats, l would go with Catalina. They have a strong reputation here in the U. S. l believe that they will continue to back up their boats.

Advise that u check out boat yards that have many boats in for repairs, check with owners that r not trying to sell u their boat. Ask particular questions that concern u in the way u intend to use the boat. What will be the right boat for u just may not work for the next person.

l have sailed various models of all three of the boats that u mention. l happen to own a 1982 Catalina 38.
My opinions r :
For the years & sizes that u mention, l have found that Beneteaus r well made but r tender sailors. Hunters r less well made & sail ok. Catalinas r well made & sail well. The builder has an excellent reputation for service & response. As a Catalina owner, l would consider a Beneteau in sizes 34' & up. Below 34' l would stay with Catalina.
You must choose a boat that chooses u . ur shoal-draft requirement will certainly limit ur choices.

Fair Winds ~!~