ask a catalina 30 owner

[Dragon Fly]

is a westerbeke 12c two,.. underpowered for a 1981 cat-30? I
intend to sail coastal maine, the maritimes in summer,
and then down to florida. The bahamas/caribbean not far behind. Is a catalina 30 enough boat for that?
tides currents, weather winds, etc?
or a more sturdy boat called for,

Like maybe an Endeavor 32?

 

[jrowan]

When U say it has a Westerbeke 12 - I'm assuming u mean its been repowered with a newer Westerbeke diesel, who actually I'm told do now own Universal. A 12 HP, 2 cylinder engine is basically the same as the 5411 engine that I have. Its tough as nails, a simple raw water cooled engine, very good conserving fuel, but well known to be uderpowered in a stiff chop. It can probably motor along fine all day long on the ICW, which I'm assuming your gonna take to Florida. But that engine won't win any races.
If I was gonna cruise extensively to the Bahamas all the way from Maine I would at least try to find a venerable Universal 3 cyl. 25 diesel equipped C 30.
At 21 HP it uses more fuel, but has the horses you'll likely need at some point. The C 30 actually has more interior volume than most 34 foot sailboats. The Endeavor is also a good boat, but since you're talking to C 30 converts, I think you'll know which boat we will recommend. The C 34 is also a great cruiser, but a bigger financial investment. With the rocky coasts of Maine & shallows of Florida & the Carribean, I'd probably look for a shoal draft model, but it will loose some windward performance.
Good luck.

 

[Dragon Fly]

Understood about c30 converts.
agree a 21 hp would probably be best for extra power when needed.
looking for a 4'4 draft boat. E32 is 4'2", Shoal draft is ideal for caribbean/florida waters.
yes ICW on the way down of course. But so many places to see here first.
Windward performance -shallow draft, a compromise it is.
thanks again.