C30 differences

[Floater]

Hello Everyone, I'm totally new to this and sure would appreciate some input. I'm in the market for a Catalina (for live-aboard) and from what I can see my budget will get me a C30, 1980 - 1985. Can anyone tell me if any changes were made during those years. I'd hate to buy one only to later find out that if I bought one a year newer then it would have been brighter or more modern inside, or had a better engine model, for example. Also, can anyone recommend a surveyor in the Long Beach or Los Angeles, CA, area who is knowledgeable in Catalinas. Many thanks.

 

[roger marshutz]

boat

I assume you live in Long Beach, CA. If so take a trip to the Catalina Dealer in Marina Del Rey and I'm sure he can help you. He might even sell you a boat. They are a great dealer. They are off Bali Way.

 

[Ron Purcell]

Good Website

Go to the Catalina 30 website and click on the C-30 Yacht link. It has a very nicely written synopsis of the C-30 as well as a bunch of other good stuff. I just bought an 83 C-30 and couldn't be happier with it. Good Luckron

 

[LaDonna Bubak - CatalinaOwners.com]

1987 is the cut off

If memory serves (and that's questionable today!), 1987 was the year Catalina made some pretty major upgrades to the C30. There are some other things to consider though. A boat that old will need some repairs/upgrading in the near future. If you can find one with replaced standing rigging, upgrades spreaders, rebedded hardware, newer sails (roller furling) and an engine in good shape that's also in your budget, snap it up! If you're having trouble, either lower your purchase budget, so you can have wiggle room to make these upgrades, or increase your budget to include a boat with them already made.LaDonna

 

[Bob Camarena]

Engine

One major change that I'm aware of is the implementation of the larger Diesel engine, which occurred after 1981 ('82 or '83?). I know that it was after 1981, since my 1981 has the smaller, 11hp 5411. For the most part, other than than, I think the changes were primarily cosmetic until the late '80s (see LaDonna's msg).

 

[steve,86 cat(wagtail)]

"Floater"

Try This Site....http://www.catalina30.com/Techlib/Factory.htm ,Has alot of the factory upgrade changes during it's production life. good luck!

 

[Steve Franklin]

Check out the FACTORY!

If you live in Long Beach, call the factory, just up the freeway in Woodland Hills. They are happy to have visitors tour the factory (usually Thursdays at 4pm). Great insight into how the boats are built. You may want to go early to stop in the parts dept. We were down there last spring and took the tour. EVERYONE was very friendly and extremely helpful. They never seem too busy to offer assistance, by phone, fax or e-mail.