I would like to hear from any C30 owner's view on the proper size of inboard engine for a C30. I am considering buying a 1981 C30 with the original 11 hp engine. I was told by several people that it's way under powered and I would have problems with it if I don't repower the boat. Is this really so??? Thanks for your help.
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Gene Foraker
C30 power
I had a 21hp diesel on my 1984 C30 and it was just about right. I think the 11 hp motor is fine for pulling in and out of dock or motoring when there is no wind, but will be underpowered for powering into heavy weather or seas. Maybe a "good" sailor wouldn't do that, but it is sometimes unavoidable. Look around for a 1983 model or newer with the 21hp engine. Catalina started adding a lot of extra equipment around then and the slight increase in current price is well worth while.
I had a 21hp diesel on my 1984 C30 and it was just about right. I think the 11 hp motor is fine for pulling in and out of dock or motoring when there is no wind, but will be underpowered for powering into heavy weather or seas. Maybe a "good" sailor wouldn't do that, but it is sometimes unavoidable. Look around for a 1983 model or newer with the 21hp engine. Catalina started adding a lot of extra equipment around then and the slight increase in current price is well worth while.
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Jeff Walker
Catalina upgrade
In '83, Frank Butler started putting 21 horsepower Universal M25 diesel engines in the Cat. 30's. I think this is a good choice of engines and the boat can reach hull speed at about 2500 rpm in rough seas. I have sailed on friends boats that have the 11 hp engines and they seem fine in calm seas but a 15 knot wind on your nose can really slow you down. Best of luck, Jeff
In '83, Frank Butler started putting 21 horsepower Universal M25 diesel engines in the Cat. 30's. I think this is a good choice of engines and the boat can reach hull speed at about 2500 rpm in rough seas. I have sailed on friends boats that have the 11 hp engines and they seem fine in calm seas but a 15 knot wind on your nose can really slow you down. Best of luck, Jeff
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Russ Williams
11 HP enough?
I have a '84 C36 with the M25 (21 hp) and it's just barely enough for my 36... it should do fine in a C30. My previous boat was an Irwin 31 Citation that had a 13 hp Yanmar and it was seriously underpowered for my purposes. As a previous posting said... it would probably be OK for motoring in calm seas, but I was virtually brought to a standstill in my Irwin 31 when the wind/seas kicked up a bit. I'm not a "Pardee" fan - I believe a reliable and adequate engine facilitates an overall safer vessel/passage. Go for the '83+ with the M25 - I believe you'll be happier. Russ
I have a '84 C36 with the M25 (21 hp) and it's just barely enough for my 36... it should do fine in a C30. My previous boat was an Irwin 31 Citation that had a 13 hp Yanmar and it was seriously underpowered for my purposes. As a previous posting said... it would probably be OK for motoring in calm seas, but I was virtually brought to a standstill in my Irwin 31 when the wind/seas kicked up a bit. I'm not a "Pardee" fan - I believe a reliable and adequate engine facilitates an overall safer vessel/passage. Go for the '83+ with the M25 - I believe you'll be happier. Russ
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Gary Jones
11's not enough
I have had a 82 C30 for about 12 years and the 11 HP engine as been enough most of the times. There have been a few bad weather events in the Gulf where the lack of power played a crucial part. More power is definitely better. Good Luck
I have had a 82 C30 for about 12 years and the 11 HP engine as been enough most of the times. There have been a few bad weather events in the Gulf where the lack of power played a crucial part. More power is definitely better. Good Luck
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Jeff Walker
Another consideration
The smaller 11 hp engine is direct salt water cooled, as I remember, which will eventually rust out your block. The M25 is freshwater cooled going through a heat exchanger. This will add quite a bit of life to the engine and internal components.
The smaller 11 hp engine is direct salt water cooled, as I remember, which will eventually rust out your block. The M25 is freshwater cooled going through a heat exchanger. This will add quite a bit of life to the engine and internal components.
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Ron Doescher
Rule-of-thumb
... is about 4HP per long-ton of displacement. The Catalina 320 displaces about 12,000 lb and has a 27HP engine -- about right, given efficiencies, etc.
... is about 4HP per long-ton of displacement. The Catalina 320 displaces about 12,000 lb and has a 27HP engine -- about right, given efficiencies, etc.
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Dave
My Universal 5411 is GREAT
I've got an 83 Cat 30 TR with a Universal 5411, same as the one your looking at. I'm running the stock 2 blade prop. I think the engine is fine, as long as you don't plan on punding into large chop with heavy winds. I can cruse at 5.5 knots and top out over 6 knots. The engine will run for ever and sips fuel at a rate of LESS than 0.25 gal per hour at cruise speed!! I actually like the engine. Try to find someone with the 20 horse engine at can cruise at 5.5 and burn only 1/4 gal per hour. I dare you...
I've got an 83 Cat 30 TR with a Universal 5411, same as the one your looking at. I'm running the stock 2 blade prop. I think the engine is fine, as long as you don't plan on punding into large chop with heavy winds. I can cruse at 5.5 knots and top out over 6 knots. The engine will run for ever and sips fuel at a rate of LESS than 0.25 gal per hour at cruise speed!! I actually like the engine. Try to find someone with the 20 horse engine at can cruise at 5.5 and burn only 1/4 gal per hour. I dare you...
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Big-O
C-30 repower
Your C-30 has a maximum hull speed of 6.7 knots. When you go any faster than this you are 'pushing water'. In other words, your motor is having to work harder than necessary because of the water resistance. If you do decide to power up go to a 18 h.p. With this motor you have make the least amount of modifications. (change the prop, motor mounts, eghaust, seat alterations).
Your C-30 has a maximum hull speed of 6.7 knots. When you go any faster than this you are 'pushing water'. In other words, your motor is having to work harder than necessary because of the water resistance. If you do decide to power up go to a 18 h.p. With this motor you have make the least amount of modifications. (change the prop, motor mounts, eghaust, seat alterations).
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Bob Camarena
Not Worth Re-Powering
Either buy a boat with the bigger engine or live with a little inconvenience. It's not economically feasible to buy the older boat and re-power. The expense is more than the price difference between and older and newer boat. I have the 5411 and it does fine here in the CA Delta and SF Bay. If you often fight a current or heavy headseas your experience might be different.
Either buy a boat with the bigger engine or live with a little inconvenience. It's not economically feasible to buy the older boat and re-power. The expense is more than the price difference between and older and newer boat. I have the 5411 and it does fine here in the CA Delta and SF Bay. If you often fight a current or heavy headseas your experience might be different.
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