I am looking at buying my first boat. A broker is suggesting at cat 30. Is this boat strong enough for off shore passage to th bahamas? it is a 1989 wing keel. It appears to be bristol condition. After reading some articles some surveyors do not recomend this boat as an off shore boat due to design and construction technics. Any body I have any ideas,advice, or warnings I would appreciate it. My email is markbaby1@hotmail.com. Thanks fellow sea dogs. Mark
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C30 - Great boat!
Hi Mark, Taking a boat off-shore is a big deal. You state this would be your first boat purchase but don't say how much sailing experience you have under your belt. I can tell you from making an '84 C30 my first boat purchase, after having sailed C15's for four years, it is a fantastic way to learn how to sail a larger boat. It's very forgiving and a real pleasure to sail. I would suggest an '87 or newer TRBS model. You may want to beef up the standing rigging, chain plates, etc., and make certain the mast support block in the bilge area has either been upgraded/replaced or is in excellent condition. Though I have to say it's not the first choice as an off shore boat in it's basic condition. It would need to be beefed up. One other thing: Many, many people have taken boats considered far less capable than a C30 much farther off shore. Check the archives here. I seem to remember just recently reading about someone taking their C30 off shore to either the Bahamas or Bermuda. Shoot, if a C30 can survive the dreaded 'triangle'...
Hi Mark, Taking a boat off-shore is a big deal. You state this would be your first boat purchase but don't say how much sailing experience you have under your belt. I can tell you from making an '84 C30 my first boat purchase, after having sailed C15's for four years, it is a fantastic way to learn how to sail a larger boat. It's very forgiving and a real pleasure to sail. I would suggest an '87 or newer TRBS model. You may want to beef up the standing rigging, chain plates, etc., and make certain the mast support block in the bilge area has either been upgraded/replaced or is in excellent condition. Though I have to say it's not the first choice as an off shore boat in it's basic condition. It would need to be beefed up. One other thing: Many, many people have taken boats considered far less capable than a C30 much farther off shore. Check the archives here. I seem to remember just recently reading about someone taking their C30 off shore to either the Bahamas or Bermuda. Shoot, if a C30 can survive the dreaded 'triangle'...
offshore or island hopper?
from Miami to the Bahamas is not exactly what I would call offshore blue water sailing. of course that's just my humble opinion. I plan to take my C30 cruising the Bahamas and beyond. But, I aint no fool. It is goin to be a weather eye trip all the way, one island at a time. I believe the C30 can handle heavier seas than I can.
from Miami to the Bahamas is not exactly what I would call offshore blue water sailing. of course that's just my humble opinion. I plan to take my C30 cruising the Bahamas and beyond. But, I aint no fool. It is goin to be a weather eye trip all the way, one island at a time. I believe the C30 can handle heavier seas than I can.
Catalina 30
I owner and sailed a 1983 C30 before buying a C320..I would be hesitant to take either for an off shore voyage due to their construction...Bay and coastal cruising seems more suitable......
I owner and sailed a 1983 C30 before buying a C320..I would be hesitant to take either for an off shore voyage due to their construction...Bay and coastal cruising seems more suitable......
Catalina 30 Offshore
I sailed a Cataline 30 for 9 seasons. 1986 wiht deep keel and tall rig. Took it from N.J. to New England many times and it proved an excellent coastal cruiser. For offshore the C-30 is not perfect, it is not designed as an offshore cruiser. but from Florida to Bahamas? Pick a good weatehr window and use caution and it would be fine. Bigger trips have been taken on workse obats. In the end, this is a great coastal cruiser. If your plans are for long offshore, then it is not the best choice.
I sailed a Cataline 30 for 9 seasons. 1986 wiht deep keel and tall rig. Took it from N.J. to New England many times and it proved an excellent coastal cruiser. For offshore the C-30 is not perfect, it is not designed as an offshore cruiser. but from Florida to Bahamas? Pick a good weatehr window and use caution and it would be fine. Bigger trips have been taken on workse obats. In the end, this is a great coastal cruiser. If your plans are for long offshore, then it is not the best choice.
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