considering buying a '78 cat 30 with a universal 11HP. in reading some owner reviews one complaint seemed that this wasn't ideal for the boat. comments?
This is not meant as as argument, but as counterpoint ... with a smile ...
It is after all a SAILboat. 11HP is more than enough to get in and out of a slip you cannot sail to.
11HP is more than enough to provide a "kick" while motorsailing.
11HP is more than enough to charge batteries.
Before thinking about a more powerful engine, consider the engine that the boat was designed around ... the Atomic 4
At first glance you see Atomic 4 at 30HP vs 11HP ... and think "under powered"
But the truth is that there is no A4 installation that allows the engine to reach full power. 1500 - 1700 RPM is all you get ... about 12-16 HP
Now 11HP sounds reasonable.
If you can motor at 5 knots and load a diesel to 70-80%, the engine is happy. Diesels don't take kindly to low loads. It might sound like the engine is working too hard, but 80% load is a good target.
11HP will *sip* fuel ...
The same $$$ for a bigger engine will buy new SAILS ...
Did you want a trawler to sail now and then or a sailboat that you use the engine now and then?
If you have good sails and little HP you develop different skills than if you have old sails and much HP.
Under powered? Why are you motoring instead of sailing or motorsailing?
So many people worry about props and engines it makes me wonder why they bought a SAILboat at all!
As you might guess, I have an old boat with the 35 year old Atomic 4. I have used the OEM prop, a three blade, and now have a folding prop. I also have great sails ... and prefer sailing to motoring.
If I was forced to motor more than I sail I'd be concerned. If your boating area requires you to motor for long periods in adverse conditions you might find 11HP to be too little.
Model 5411 Diesel - In 1977 the Model 5411 was introduced. It was a 31 cu in, 11 hp 2 cylinder raw water cooled diesel, based on the Kubota Z-500 block, and fitted with a Hurth transmission. The 5411 was built from 1977 to 1982. Approximately 2,900 were sold.
The first 1335 C30's had the A4, then the next 2900 had the 11HP diesel. That is more than half of the C30's ever built.
IMO newer sail boats are over powered, turning them into funny looking trawlers ...
not a surprise when you see them motoring more than they sail ...
Catalina 30's sail great, they don't motor worth a damn ... no matter what engine is shoehorned into them. They cannot swing a large enough prop to make them good motorsailers.
I'd have the engine checked out to make sure it can make it's rated 11 HP and not worry about power unless the engine if worn out.
Again, not meant to rile anyone up. Just my opinion!
Buy sails, not bigger diesels!
Randy