C-30 Survey

[Warren]

I have a pre-purchase survey scheduled for Monday (weather permitting) for a 1989 Catalina 30. I will ofcourse be at the survey, and trying to stay out of the way. The boat is on the hard and shrink wrapped so I am a little nervous about what information will be able to be discovered. The broker is planning on holding $2,000 in escrow until the sea trial in April. There are no plans to start the engine, and I am not sure if shore power will be available. Any advise would be appreciated on what to look for, and should I even lead the surveyor in any particular direction.

 

[Tom Wingo]

Love my 89

Hi Warren,  I have had my 1989 C-30 for the past year and have enjoyed her to the max. Great Boat! great support on the internet and parts are so easy to get!!!  I would highly encourage you to be a very active participant in the survey! The guy that surved my boat thought it was a big part of his job to show me about my future boat. My broker told me the surveyer was excited by my interest. Most everything I have done to my boat has been upgrades and simple maintence that wasnt kept up with properly. I would check to make sure that the engine wiring harness has been upgraded(very easy to do if it isnt). The cabin plexiglass windows may need to be rebedded and the portlights may need new gaskets. Check the thru hull valves and make sure they work. If you notice signs for water leakage in the quarter berth/port lazerette the water is coming from a stopped up drain in the rudder well.(very small drain hole that catches every little piece of paper etc. in the cockpit). the teak panel between the quarter berth and the lazerette had rotted out in my boat due to this. I would also consider having the fuel tank checked for water. The first thing I did on my boat was to have the fuel tank cleaned. Also check the altenator bracket. Make sure they evaluate the state of the batteries and all electronics onboard( most of mine were fryed or water damaged). Also check the compass bearing and the rudder post.  If there is a loran on board .... garmin is offering a very nice trade in until june on a new gps.  I would buy my boat again in a second...best purchase I have made in a long time. If you have any more questions my email is togo_7@hotmail.com.Good luckTom