Catalina 11 hp engine recomendations??

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hobbit

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May 11, 2007
9
Pearson p26 Sandusky
We are looking @ 1980 30 ft catalinas. Is the 11 hp engine sufficient?
 
J

Jack, La Paz, Mexico

Universal 5411 11 hp engine

If you search the Cat 30 and the Catalina forums, there was a discussion on the relative merits of the engine recently. Some like it, some feel it is underpowered. To each his own.

We have a 1983 Cat 30 with the 11 hp engine. We sailed it all over the channel islands off California, then down to La Paz, Mexico 11 years ago. Now we sail all over the Sea of Cortez. Nice thing about the motor is that it is easy to work on, uses little diesel, and just keeps going. We plan ahead for tides and weather and sometimes use the sails and engine together. Would we buy a boat with a larger engine? Probably, but it certainly would not be a deal killer. Other factors such as boat condition, electronics, anchoring, etc. are far more important.
 
Jul 1, 2004
398
Catalina 30 Atlanta GA
I currently own the 1988 Mark II model that came with the Universal M-18, two cylinder engine rated 14 hp. This engine replaced the M-11 for a brief time during the introduction of the Mark II model but was replaced rather quickly by the M-25, three cylinder engine with 22 hp. The M-25 was the workhorse on the 30 for many years.

As a lake sailor (Lake Lanier, GA) the M-18 is suitable, but if we cruise the eastcoast (ICW) I expect in the Carolina's and Georgia to have to run with the tides and currents as the M-18 might just not give us headway in strong currents and headwinds. Perhaps a three bladed prop might add some value, but in my opinion this engine will make for some real challenges. On that note, I have been on Catalina 30's with the M-11 engine as well and although it pushed us along, it did not have a great amount of reserve power. For lake sailing, the M-11 will be just fine for you, but in my opinion if your planning on east coast cruising or where strong currents and tidal fluctuations are present expect challenges.

Bob
 
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