Catalina 30 for Caribbean cruising

[maui]

My wife and I have been bitten by the cruising bug. We are in a great position to do this and we are boat shopping. Do sailors cruise the Caribbean on 30s? Are they strong enough for off-shore(Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean)? We have looked at Allied, Albin, Ericson, Endeavor, Pearson, etc. but my wife would like something more pleasing to the eye if you get my drift. I have found many good articles on 30s but not much in the way of cruising. As far as most boat for the $$ they can't hardly be beat. Any comments? Dave

 

[Rob]

Abacos

My wife and I have a Catalina 30 that we take to the Abacos every June for 30 day's . We watch the weather window and have never had a problem making the crossing . We have added things over the years to make the boat more confortable and now have it set up pretty well .There are things that we consider a must that other people might not . We have a refigeration unit that works off 120 volt's at the dock and 12 volt's when we are out . We also installed and inverter to run small appliances . We know other sailors that have a T.V. , no way on our boat. We like to read books nothing like a good book at anchor. If you have any more questions just ask . Rob

 

[maui]

Cruising upgrades

Rob, Thank you for the reply. I am interested in changes/upgrades you have made, mainly reenforecments on mechanical things(preventer, lifelines, etc.). Also are the cockpit seats long enough for sleeping? How is the engine space(preventive maint.). Many questions I guess. My Email maui@socket.net Thanks. Are you a HAM? My call kc0lfw.Dave

 

[roger marshutz]

crusing

I have a boat in Marina Del Rey, CA. A couple of years ago I met a sailor who was spending a week or so at our doc. He was from San Francisco and he was sailing a Cat. 30. He told me he had sail the boat to Hawaii and back and also twice to Cabo San Lucus and back. And he was leaving to sail down the Mexico coast. He has just sailed from SF. single handed. He did have radar with a warnig system. So I assume the boat is quite sea worthy....Roger