Catalina 28

The Catalina 28 underscores why Catalina has built more sailboats than any other American builder-more than 60,000 and counting. This versatile sloop is easy to handle and sails surprisingly well. There is nothing extreme about the design and it's relatively simple to maintain. The high-volume interior has more room than many 32-foot boats. There is excellent factory support, an active owner's group and parts and services are readily available. The 28 is affordable to buy and to operate. 

If you're looking for a first "big" boat to introduce your family to sailing, or simply looking for one of the best values in the 28- to 30-foot range, you owe it to yourself to look closely at a Catalina 28.