diesel inboard question

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sunwindsea

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Mar 19, 2009
25
Catalina 30 Channel Islands Harbor, Oxnard
I am shopping for a Catalina 30. I have had a Catalina 25 which has been great, but I am ready for more space!

I am looking at a C-30 1983 which has had the diesel inboard removed and is running with an outboard. My goal would be to eventually put an inboard back in, and I am wondering if there is something I should be looking for which is not right...

Second, any ballpark estimates on how much a used rebuilt inboard would cost for this, and where are the best places to look.

Looking forward to sharing in this forum!

Thanks for your help!
 
Stu Jackson

Stu Jackson

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Feb 26, 2004
23,101
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
Uhm, you are asking a lot, and it usually costs a lot more than you think. It's hard to find a used M25. A friend recently did on eBay, but got a great deal and the engine was fine. Also consider your aptitude in both mechanical and electrical work. A diesel involves lots of wiring. I strongly recommend you find one with an engine already in place - you'll have enough learning to do that way anyhow.

If, however, you're staying on the lake, why not just leave it as is?
 
Don Guillette

Don Guillette

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May 17, 2004
2,110
Other Catalina 30 Tucson, AZ
My dock neighbor owned a Newport30 and when the diesel started developing problems he decided to add an outboard. A lot of structural change had to made to the transom because it is not designed to hold a 25HP OB. For what he spent on the OB and the transom change he could have had the engine rebuilt!! I thought the boat looked wierd with a OB hanging off the rear end but to each his own.

A new 25XP would set up back over $6000 and then there is the install costs. What is left in the engine compartment? Is the tranny and shaft still in place? If not, factor that extra into the cost.

Stu, is right. If you buy this boat just stick with the OB.
 
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Twice Around

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Dec 11, 2008
172
Catalina 30 Solomons, MD
If a 25 year old diesel on that boat is already shot (& removed), imagine the lack of attention & maintenance the rest of the boat has seen.

If it were me I'd find another boat.
 
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Bob4203

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Jul 1, 2004
398
Catalina 30 Atlanta GA
With the number of 30's on the market today you should be patient, shop around and find the one with a decent inboard with good maintenance records. Deals are great right now. The costs associated with a replacement merits your search for a vessel with a diesel already runing and well maintained.

I would take a pass on this one, because simply you will regret it as your pocket book gets drained! I have to wonder as well if the rest of the boat is sound.

My 2-cents

Bob
Mark II "88
 
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