Cat 30 refit advise.

[Woodyapex]

I've purchased a cat 30 for myself and girlfriend to sail around in for a while .
At the minute it in the keys ( I'm in England )
Now in 2 weeks I fly out to get the best ready for a month sail.
We were inspired by some of the interiors at the boat show last week so I'm going to give ours a 21st century upgrade .
I'm not worried about increasing the value of the boat but is a c30 like a classic car once I've done the below repairs and made modern not worth as much .

Here's a list of parts I'm thinking and the advise I need .

Foam backed vinyl headliner ( best glue , ideally spray on )
New peel and stick vinyl floor (anyone used it in boats and on walls too?)
New cushions throughout ( best foam and material cover type )
New counter top
New full length glass window keeping the shape of the windows internal for strength. ( I can bond it just would like to know is it going to detract from the c30 sale price as it's going to look modern )
New lp hob and sink ( cheap place to get one from )
Best internal paint for on the fibreglass .

Please presume the work carried out is to the best standard as I'm a skilled tradesman and colour scheme should also be appealing to the masses .

What do you think ? Any tricks to make better please share too . Thanks in advance .

 

[hvbaker]

I've purchased a cat 30 for myself and girlfriend to sail around in for a while . At the minute it in the keys ( I'm in England ) Now in 2 weeks I fly out to get the best ready for a month sail. We were inspired by some of the interiors at the boat show last week so I'm going to give ours a 21st century upgrade . I'm not worried about increasing the value of the boat but is a c30 like a classic car once I've done the below repairs and made modern not worth as much . Here's a list of parts I'm thinking and the advise I need . Foam backed vinyl headliner ( best glue , ideally spray on ) New peel and stick vinyl floor (anyone used it in boats and on walls too?) New cushions throughout ( best foam and material cover type ) New counter top New full length glass window keeping the shape of the windows internal for strength. ( I can bond it just would like to know is it going to detract from the c30 sale price as it's going to look modern ) New lp hob and sink ( cheap place to get one from ) Best internal paint for on the fibreglass . Please presume the work carried out is to the best standard as I'm a skilled tradesman and colour scheme should also be appealing to the masses . What do you think ? Any tricks to make better please share too . Thanks in advance .

If you are attempting to increase the resale value and not for your pleasure alone remember the old adage: if you have a $3,000 boat and you want to make her a $5,000 boat go out and spend $10,000 on upgrading her. Boats are a state of mind not an investment.

 

[The Garbone]

Forget the headliner. The factory one is fine unless someone did a bad job painting it. It will get a little condensation in the winter (Florida) but is very easy to wipe down with clorox wipes and will look good as new.

I put peel and stick plank flooring in my C27, it went in real easy, cost under $30 at Lumber Liquidators. Felt good to stand on. I have not put it in our C30 as the floor space is much larger and the factory liner is fine on bare feet. (remember this is Florida)

Window, unless they are glued in with 5200 just rebed the frame and hull joint with Butyl and the caulk the glass to frame. If they still leak your probably need to redo some cabin top hardware as the water will travel down the liner and leak into the windows. Get them tinted. You can buy replacement window kits online, they are modern and nice, it is your money.

Cushions are nice as would be a new counter top. Galley sinks are stainless, I would leave them.

I would worry more about polishing your fuel, replacing filters and impellers, cleaning the bottom and making sure the stuffing box is in good shape. Lets not forget rigging and sails and your waste management system.

Good luck.

 

[Woodyapex]

If you are attempting to increase the resale value and not for your pleasure alone remember the old adage: if you have a $3,000 boat and you want to make her a $5,000 boat go out and spend $10,000 on upgrading her. Boats are a state of mind not an investment.

Thanks hvbaker I'm not doing it to increase it just don't want to decrease it .
The keel bolts are a priority but hopefully have all the info I need on those .
I've just services the engine and the tanks are on the list . I've just motored 40 hours from St Petes to the keys . It did run sweet .

At max I'm spending 1k to 1.5k on the refurb as the boat was a great deal imo .

Now garbone a point I did not consider about surface fittings causing window leak ( but I do now )
Windows would be tinted for sure and I work glass a fair bit . Sick of seeing plexiglass and acrylic that has failed on boat windows so as glass is so cheap I was going to bond a full length curved piece of glass on . If I was really daring I'd be having a piece of glass in the bottom of the hull. Seriously . And why not ?
Garbone the headliner ! You've got me thinking about that too.
I'm picturing nice vinyl done right will help keep a bit of that relentless heat out .
One thing for sure if not the headliner I will be sticking some foam backed and vinyl on somewhere so which spray on can I use .

I'm working on using propane for fridge , cooking and looking at the 359$ 4k propane geni too . For a month we are planning in the Bahamas new year .
We just want to be nice . Don't worry to much about the money I'm spending guy I'll not spend too much just would like on advice on how to do it plus any thoughts will be a great help . A wise man once said a refitted old boat is a lot better than most new boats .

 

[Stu Jackson]

New counter top

Consider this (I did it for my cousin's kitchen countertops in her house and it worked great) see Reply #3

Countertop Replacement - faux finishes

http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=173579

 

[Woodyapex]

Consider this (I did it for my cousin's kitchen countertops in her house and it worked great) see Reply #3

Countertop Replacement - faux finishes

http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=173579

The materials for thes are already in my shopping cart at Home Depot for this fix so great minds think alike .
Thanks

 

[mz4wheeler]

Foam backed vinyl headliner ( best glue , ideally spray on )
New peel and stick vinyl floor (anyone used it in boats and on walls too?)
New cushions throughout ( best foam and material cover type )
New counter top
New full length glass window keeping the shape of the windows internal for strength. ( I can bond it just would like to know is it going to detract from the c30 sale price as it's going to look modern )
New lp hob and sink ( cheap place to get one from )
Best internal paint for on the fibreglass .

Well, you fly out in 2 weeks for a month, and this is your list of to-do's. If you have not physically seen the boat there will most likely be surprises (costly+time) in your future.

For instance, it took me 2 months to get my cushions re-done, and your list has lots of large ticket (cost+time) items that will surely chew up your sailing time.

My advise: Get someone who is already in FL to look and fix all the seaworthy basics BEFORE you arrive so you'll actually have time to sail. For instance, does the engine start [grin].

Otherwise you'll vacation will consist of sitting at the dock working while your girlfriend is tapping her feet with her arms crossed.

Good luck!

 

[Woodyapex]

Well, you fly out in 2 weeks for a month, and this is your list of to-do's. If you have not physically seen the boat there will most likely be surprises (costly+time) in your future.

For instance, it took me 2 months to get my cushions re-done, and your list has lots of large ticket (cost+time) items that will surely chew up your sailing time.

My advise: Get someone who is already in FL to look and fix all the seaworthy basics BEFORE you arrive so you'll actually have time to sail. For instance, does the engine start [grin].

Otherwise you'll vacation will consist of sitting at the dock working while your girlfriend is tapping her feet with her arms crossed.

Good luck!

I've seen the boat ! I sailed it ( motored ) from St Petes to big pine 2 weeks ago . ( grin )
I am flying out in s short while yes and with a bunch of pre ordered materiels can see 2 weeks work . ( I've done a full service on the engine when I bought it ) I'm also flying out a week before the mrs to do bits . And then in December before her to finish bits
Cusions!! ?? The sewing machine (singer4431) or something like that is ordered and I reckon I can knock them up in one day graft . I can't wait to show you all photos but answers to my questions would be greAt

 

[jrowan]

"If I was really daring I'd be having a piece of glass in the bottom of the hull. Seriously. And why not ? " I hope you are not really serious about installing a glass pane in the bottom of the hull, & if you are then please don't risk someone else's life other than your own, on your folly. If someone needs to tell you why you don't install a glass pane in the bottom of a sailboat hull, then you need more help then any of us can give you. Good luck, as it sounds like you're going to need it.

 

[Woodyapex]

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. But what ever you do don't put glass in your hull.

I install toughned , laminated glass 31mm thick ( 1 1/4 ) in my loft floors to walk on and jump on ( if that's your thing ) so why not in the hull of a boat ! Done right it will work as I'm not the first person to think of this cos it's been done before ! Oh yeah glass bottom boat trips .

So tell me why not instead of doing the " if you needs to tell you why not to install glass " speal
.

 

[hvbaker]

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. But what ever you do don't put glass in your hull. I install toughned , laminated glass 31mm thick ( 1 1/4 ) in my loft floors to walk on and jump on ( if that's your thing ) so why not in the hull of a boat ! Done right it will work as I'm not the first person to think of this cos it's been done before ! Oh yeah glass bottom boat trips . So tell me why not instead of doing the " if you needs to tell you why not to install glass " speal .

Most glass bottom boats have the glass in a walled off compartment with the walls higher than the waterline. If the glass breaks the water is contained in the compartment. If you want to modify your boat go ahead and do it. I would suggest a navel architect so that the job is done properly.

 

[Woodyapex]

Thanks hvbaker I'll post the pictures

 

[Siamese]

I think a glass window in the bottom is a terrific idea. Just don't forget the screens!

With regard to your question about whether interior improvements will decrease the value of the boat, the simple answer is no. That's assuming it's done tastefully and appropriate materials have been used. Unlike classic automobiles where buyers can be ultra critical about originality, sailboats are not held to that standard.

Put a window in the bottom, and you will certainly effect it's value. Negatively and dramatically.

 

[jrowan]

Siamese, You make me laugh. The window screen is of course, mandatory to keep out the critters that want to get into your boat & examine the head of a person who wants to install a giant hole in a perfectly good hull. LOL.

Woody, I would indeed enjoy seeing pics of you "modifying your boat" with all of your very original ideas.
But if you're only going to keep this boat for a few weeks as you state, why not just leave this poor boat alone, & butcher something that deserves it, like a Hunter or a Macgregor. Your money would be better spent & likely much more enjoyable if you just rent a charter boat in the location that you wish to sail, instead of wasting it on folly.

 

[Jackdaw]

Siamese, You make me laugh. The window screen is of course, mandatory to keep out the critters that want to get into your boat & examine the head of a person who wants to install a giant hole in a perfectly good hull. LOL.

Woody, I would indeed enjoy seeing pics of you "modifying your boat" with all of your very original ideas.
But if you're only going to keep this boat for a few weeks as you state, why not just leave this poor boat alone, & butcher something that deserves it, like a Hunter or a Macgregor. Your money would be better spent & likely much more enjoyable if you just rent a charter boat in the location that you wish to sail, instead of wasting it on folly.

Guys!!!

Its not like he's painting a mustache on the Mona Lisa, for chrisakes.

Its an old fiberglass boat. Let him have a go. I saw a teenager driving an absolute mockery of my cherished Audi Coupe GT yesterday, but I'm sure he loved it. If he DOES manage to get a window in the bottom and it still floats, I'm coming down for a sail.

PS Woody - Sikaflex 291