We are considering purchasing a 1985 Catalina 30 Tall Rig. I am a little concerned that it has a universal 11HP diesel which seems undersized for the boat. Any advice or insight would be appreciated. Marc POtkin mpotkin@prodigy.net
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BW
I would look for a larger engine...
I have an 88 C30 TR and the 23hp engine. Sometimes I wish I had more hp. 23hp can get me up over 6 knots depending on wind and current. I sail on Lake Erie and on days when the wind is too light to sail I wish I had more power to navigate the chop. Most of the 30s that I saw during my search for a boat had the smaller sized engines. I don't know what 11hp will do, but I would opt for the largest engine I could find.
I have an 88 C30 TR and the 23hp engine. Sometimes I wish I had more hp. 23hp can get me up over 6 knots depending on wind and current. I sail on Lake Erie and on days when the wind is too light to sail I wish I had more power to navigate the chop. Most of the 30s that I saw during my search for a boat had the smaller sized engines. I don't know what 11hp will do, but I would opt for the largest engine I could find.
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Jack Swords
Little engine that could
We have the 11 hp engine in our Cat 30. First of all it is a sailboat and the engine is primarily used in getting in and out of the slip/harbor. Our boat has been used in the Pacific coast of CA out to the Channel Islands and all over the Sea of Cortez in Mexico. It will push the boat 5 - 6 knots and with wind chop it is assisted by the sails to achieve the same result. As a sailor, we're never in a hurry. In Mexico, with long distances in cruising, the 5411 engine barely sips fuel. It doesn't occupy much room, easy to work on, and could be carried by two people off the dock if you had to pull the engine. If potential "sailing" means headwinds, hurry to get back, lots of fuel sources, then go for a larger engine. But, don't sell the little guy short. Size is not everything! JSwords
We have the 11 hp engine in our Cat 30. First of all it is a sailboat and the engine is primarily used in getting in and out of the slip/harbor. Our boat has been used in the Pacific coast of CA out to the Channel Islands and all over the Sea of Cortez in Mexico. It will push the boat 5 - 6 knots and with wind chop it is assisted by the sails to achieve the same result. As a sailor, we're never in a hurry. In Mexico, with long distances in cruising, the 5411 engine barely sips fuel. It doesn't occupy much room, easy to work on, and could be carried by two people off the dock if you had to pull the engine. If potential "sailing" means headwinds, hurry to get back, lots of fuel sources, then go for a larger engine. But, don't sell the little guy short. Size is not everything! JSwords
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Chris Gonzales
It's a sailboat...
I have a '79 C30 with the little Universal diesel. Under power in choppy and windy conditions on San Francisco bay the boat does not move along quite as fast as I would like. Maybe 3-3.5 knots. In moderate conditions she will move along at 4-5 knots. In calm/flat conditions up to 6.5 knots. The little motor runs like a top and as mentioned, sips fuel to the point that you may only fill the tank once all season (that may be a concern regarding possible fuel contamination). All considered, though, I would only replace it with a larger diesel if it broke down with no option to repair. In most cases it is possible to fix and relatively cheap to fix, too. For many of us 5411 owners we remind ourselves that we sail, not motor our boats. The 5411 does fine for what we need. For me it is moving in and out of the slip and motoring when becalmed or extra tired sailing in rough conditions. But, the fact is that our boats sail better than motors in those (rougher) conditions and it's best to keep some sail up anyway. More sailing, less motoring if you ask me! Chris
I have a '79 C30 with the little Universal diesel. Under power in choppy and windy conditions on San Francisco bay the boat does not move along quite as fast as I would like. Maybe 3-3.5 knots. In moderate conditions she will move along at 4-5 knots. In calm/flat conditions up to 6.5 knots. The little motor runs like a top and as mentioned, sips fuel to the point that you may only fill the tank once all season (that may be a concern regarding possible fuel contamination). All considered, though, I would only replace it with a larger diesel if it broke down with no option to repair. In most cases it is possible to fix and relatively cheap to fix, too. For many of us 5411 owners we remind ourselves that we sail, not motor our boats. The 5411 does fine for what we need. For me it is moving in and out of the slip and motoring when becalmed or extra tired sailing in rough conditions. But, the fact is that our boats sail better than motors in those (rougher) conditions and it's best to keep some sail up anyway. More sailing, less motoring if you ask me! Chris
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Gary
11 hp
I have a 1977 with the 11hp Universal in it and I have no problem with the power it has. More might be better but this engine runs like a top and is very quiet and smooth. We usually can get 5 knots with a folding Martec prop.
I have a 1977 with the 11hp Universal in it and I have no problem with the power it has. More might be better but this engine runs like a top and is very quiet and smooth. We usually can get 5 knots with a folding Martec prop.
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Chip
11 HP
I own an '85 SR with the 23HP, and I have a friend with an '81 SR with the 11 HP. Most of the time the 11 HP is fine, but we have been cought trying to get home in a stiff head wind and steep waves and could barely make headway, when my boat could chug along much easier. I also spend a lot of time in the ICW where the higher HP came in handy. I guess it really depends on how you use your boat. IMO the 11 HP is good for daysailing and racing. It is a sailboat, but the engine can save your butt. I want the power when I need it.
I own an '85 SR with the 23HP, and I have a friend with an '81 SR with the 11 HP. Most of the time the 11 HP is fine, but we have been cought trying to get home in a stiff head wind and steep waves and could barely make headway, when my boat could chug along much easier. I also spend a lot of time in the ICW where the higher HP came in handy. I guess it really depends on how you use your boat. IMO the 11 HP is good for daysailing and racing. It is a sailboat, but the engine can save your butt. I want the power when I need it.
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Bob Camarena
Mine is Fine
I was concerned as well, but after 4 years with my '81 with the 11hp 5411 engine, I'm satisfied. That includes some fairly long motors of up to 12 hours. If you've found a boat you like at the right price I'd go for it with the 5411. If you were trying to choose between two fairly equal boats, I'd say go for the larger engine even if you pay a little more.
I was concerned as well, but after 4 years with my '81 with the 11hp 5411 engine, I'm satisfied. That includes some fairly long motors of up to 12 hours. If you've found a boat you like at the right price I'd go for it with the 5411. If you were trying to choose between two fairly equal boats, I'd say go for the larger engine even if you pay a little more.
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