Hi, I'm a newbie to this forum, but have spent quite a bit of time researching what's available, and what my next boat might be and seem to be naturally gravitating towards either a Catalina 28 or 28mkII. Obviously, there can be a significant price difference, and the older model might require a little more TLC to be perfect for me. I realize that also the motor will have more wear on an older boat. Given that a boat's been maintained, and all options have new sails, and the electronics that are relevant to my planned use, what are the big advantages to buying newer (as opposed to older) to someone moving from a 23 w/outboard? Thanks, John
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The older the boat, the more chances of....
The big issue will be the condition of the fiberglass and decks. The older the boats; the more chances of cracks, osmosis, and water in the deck cores. Major deck or fiberglass repairs are more of a concern to me than engine, mechanical, or electronics repairs.
The big issue will be the condition of the fiberglass and decks. The older the boats; the more chances of cracks, osmosis, and water in the deck cores. Major deck or fiberglass repairs are more of a concern to me than engine, mechanical, or electronics repairs.
Dear "Considering"
You might be more satisfied with a Catalina 30 than a Catalina 28. Yes, all things being equal a Catalina 30 is more money. It depends on your budget and what you plan to do with the boat. The Catalina 30 is much more popular than the Catalina 28. The Catalina 28 is a fine boat, but you may find the Catalina 30 worth the extra money for the extra size and capability.
You might be more satisfied with a Catalina 30 than a Catalina 28. Yes, all things being equal a Catalina 30 is more money. It depends on your budget and what you plan to do with the boat. The Catalina 30 is much more popular than the Catalina 28. The Catalina 28 is a fine boat, but you may find the Catalina 30 worth the extra money for the extra size and capability.
I agree with Mark
If you are looking at a 28 or 30 footer go with the 30. You will probably keep it longer, find the extra space will give you that much more comfort for a week end cruise, and it will be slightly mor comfortable in rougher weather. That being said...older -vs- newer? let your budget and disposition be your guide. If you don't mind spending the time at the dock or yard fixing it up to save money get older. If you would rather be sailing, and want to take advantage of some of the newer inovations in equipment then get newer. Eithr way moving from a 23 to a 30 footer is like doubling the size of your boat. Good Luck!
If you are looking at a 28 or 30 footer go with the 30. You will probably keep it longer, find the extra space will give you that much more comfort for a week end cruise, and it will be slightly mor comfortable in rougher weather. That being said...older -vs- newer? let your budget and disposition be your guide. If you don't mind spending the time at the dock or yard fixing it up to save money get older. If you would rather be sailing, and want to take advantage of some of the newer inovations in equipment then get newer. Eithr way moving from a 23 to a 30 footer is like doubling the size of your boat. Good Luck!
Boats aren't like cars
Hi John, The years on a boat aren't the same as a car. I bought a 19 year old C30 11 years ago. 5 years ago I replaced the prop shaft. I have an Atomic 4 gasoline engine; it still runs great. That's about all the mechanicals I had to fix. Of course it was a fresh water boat, I think that makes a big difference. Good shopping to ya! Larry
Hi John, The years on a boat aren't the same as a car. I bought a 19 year old C30 11 years ago. 5 years ago I replaced the prop shaft. I have an Atomic 4 gasoline engine; it still runs great. That's about all the mechanicals I had to fix. Of course it was a fresh water boat, I think that makes a big difference. Good shopping to ya! Larry
Cracked fiberglass
Thanks to you, and all for your comments on the 28/28mkII/30 debate. Your advice about considering the condition of the hull was particularly timely. The '92 C-28 I was looking at had a spiderweb-like crack about a foot in diameter. It didn't create wide gaps in the gelcoat, but it was significant enough that I could feel each one when I ran my fingers over it. I assume that at this point the cracks are significant enough that water could get through, and potentially be delaminating the fiberglass underneath. Is this a fair concern? Given that I haven't bought the boat, and in my opinion it's not priced to be a "project," I might as well walk away now.... right?
Thanks to you, and all for your comments on the 28/28mkII/30 debate. Your advice about considering the condition of the hull was particularly timely. The '92 C-28 I was looking at had a spiderweb-like crack about a foot in diameter. It didn't create wide gaps in the gelcoat, but it was significant enough that I could feel each one when I ran my fingers over it. I assume that at this point the cracks are significant enough that water could get through, and potentially be delaminating the fiberglass underneath. Is this a fair concern? Given that I haven't bought the boat, and in my opinion it's not priced to be a "project," I might as well walk away now.... right?
Cracked Fiberglass
Is probably not a structural problem. It can be remedied with "Captain Trolley's Creeping Crack Cure. It is very thin, will fill the crack lines thru capillary action and will seal them. Wax over or polish later if necessary. Any boat you aquire will develope tiny stress cracks around points of stress over time. Freeze/thaw can generate the spider web cracks. Wax and shrink wrap will keep the water out of the surface cracks and so will Captain Trolley's. You can make a case for a lesser price. You should also invest in a surveyor who knows more than both of us and can find any real problems. He will also comment on the cracks you are concerned about. good luck Joe
Is probably not a structural problem. It can be remedied with "Captain Trolley's Creeping Crack Cure. It is very thin, will fill the crack lines thru capillary action and will seal them. Wax over or polish later if necessary. Any boat you aquire will develope tiny stress cracks around points of stress over time. Freeze/thaw can generate the spider web cracks. Wax and shrink wrap will keep the water out of the surface cracks and so will Captain Trolley's. You can make a case for a lesser price. You should also invest in a surveyor who knows more than both of us and can find any real problems. He will also comment on the cracks you are concerned about. good luck Joe
Cracked Fiberglass
Is probably not a structural problem. It can be remedied with "Captain Trolley's Creeping Crack Cure. It is very thin, will fill the crack lines thru capillary action and will seal them. Wax over or polish later if necessary. Any boat you aquire will develope tiny stress cracks around points of stress over time. Freeze/thaw can generate the spider web cracks. Wax and shrink wrap will keep the water out of the surface cracks and so will Captain Trolley's. You can make a case for a lesser price. You should also invest in a surveyor who knows more than both of us and can find any real problems. He will also comment on the cracks you are concerned about. good luck Joe
Is probably not a structural problem. It can be remedied with "Captain Trolley's Creeping Crack Cure. It is very thin, will fill the crack lines thru capillary action and will seal them. Wax over or polish later if necessary. Any boat you aquire will develope tiny stress cracks around points of stress over time. Freeze/thaw can generate the spider web cracks. Wax and shrink wrap will keep the water out of the surface cracks and so will Captain Trolley's. You can make a case for a lesser price. You should also invest in a surveyor who knows more than both of us and can find any real problems. He will also comment on the cracks you are concerned about. good luck Joe
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