I'm looking at an 86 tall rig. The boat has been in fresh water until about 6 months ago. I have been advised that I should make certain the boat has the "big" diesel. I know there is an 11hp option on early cats and this boat has the 23hp. Is that the largest, or should I be looking for another engine model? Also, Is the 23hp enough to effectively manuever the boat. (I am a sailor, however, there are times when I am forced to motor into a 15knot headwind due to channel restrictions). Thanks!
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Trevor
Plenty big
I have the 21hp in my 1986 C36 and have no trouble reaching 6.5k with a 3 blade prop. Larger engine, smaller boat? I suspect you'll be more than satisfied with engine power. Trevor
I have the 21hp in my 1986 C36 and have no trouble reaching 6.5k with a 3 blade prop. Larger engine, smaller boat? I suspect you'll be more than satisfied with engine power. Trevor
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Pete
Engine size
I have an '84 C30 with the 23 HP Universal. To my knowledge that was the biggest engine available. I do 5.5 kts @ 1800rpm. That seem to give me the best ballance of speed and fuel flow (.5 gph). Good luck with your search Pete
I have an '84 C30 with the 23 HP Universal. To my knowledge that was the biggest engine available. I do 5.5 kts @ 1800rpm. That seem to give me the best ballance of speed and fuel flow (.5 gph). Good luck with your search Pete
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Keith
cat 30 engine
I had a 88 catalina 30. I ordered the boat with the optional 3 cyl. engine. (M25XP) I believe it was a 23 hp engine. The standard one was the two cyl. M-18. A friend of mine had the M-18 on his boat and we tried several tests to see which boat was faster, quicker from a dead start, etc. We were about the same in every respect except I was a tad bit faster off the line. (Probably would slow down faster because of more power in reverse) I think that if we were in a strong head wind or large waves from the bow, the bigger engine would come in very handy but I would not let either engine stop you from buying a boat if every thing else is fine.
I had a 88 catalina 30. I ordered the boat with the optional 3 cyl. engine. (M25XP) I believe it was a 23 hp engine. The standard one was the two cyl. M-18. A friend of mine had the M-18 on his boat and we tried several tests to see which boat was faster, quicker from a dead start, etc. We were about the same in every respect except I was a tad bit faster off the line. (Probably would slow down faster because of more power in reverse) I think that if we were in a strong head wind or large waves from the bow, the bigger engine would come in very handy but I would not let either engine stop you from buying a boat if every thing else is fine.
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David
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Rod Worrell
Since You Asked
David, since you asked, I noticed your Kemah address. We have a Catalina 30 with the 30 hp Atomic 4. My experience has actually been positive on power - including several Galveston Bay shallow water discoveries. What I wanted to mention, though, was that several Catalina 30's in the area are trying to organize a local fleet. As you become part of the "family", I would encourage you to contact Denny Fegan, email is SdennisF@aol.com. I don't know your background, but Catalinas are popular worldwide and there are lots of them right here on Clear Lake. Let us know what you decide.
David, since you asked, I noticed your Kemah address. We have a Catalina 30 with the 30 hp Atomic 4. My experience has actually been positive on power - including several Galveston Bay shallow water discoveries. What I wanted to mention, though, was that several Catalina 30's in the area are trying to organize a local fleet. As you become part of the "family", I would encourage you to contact Denny Fegan, email is SdennisF@aol.com. I don't know your background, but Catalinas are popular worldwide and there are lots of them right here on Clear Lake. Let us know what you decide.
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Joe Luciano
Beyond the engine
No problem engine wise. I agree with the other responses. However, if you're looking at an '86, recognize that beginning in '87 the Catalina 30 was revised in many respects to improve the boat further. Mast step and rigging improvements were a couple of significant improvements. Also, a flat main traveler to replace the curved one that didn't work so well. Numerous other things represent the evolution of learning from the first several years of manufacture. Also, the tall rig is great for light air sailing, but a Cat 30 can quickly be put on its ear in strong winds. This happens even sooner with a tall rig. I used to race out of Kemah a few years back. In the light air of summer, the tall rig would be great. When the wind pipes up to 25-30 knots, less so. Best of luck.
No problem engine wise. I agree with the other responses. However, if you're looking at an '86, recognize that beginning in '87 the Catalina 30 was revised in many respects to improve the boat further. Mast step and rigging improvements were a couple of significant improvements. Also, a flat main traveler to replace the curved one that didn't work so well. Numerous other things represent the evolution of learning from the first several years of manufacture. Also, the tall rig is great for light air sailing, but a Cat 30 can quickly be put on its ear in strong winds. This happens even sooner with a tall rig. I used to race out of Kemah a few years back. In the light air of summer, the tall rig would be great. When the wind pipes up to 25-30 knots, less so. Best of luck.
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cole
engine envy
I was looking over your post and some things come to mind, IE, hull speed. I have a 1981 30 with a 5411 two blade, and have no problem making 5.5-6.0 kts hull speed. As anything else with increased load, start subtracting speed. Buy the 30. you wont be unhappy.
I was looking over your post and some things come to mind, IE, hull speed. I have a 1981 30 with a 5411 two blade, and have no problem making 5.5-6.0 kts hull speed. As anything else with increased load, start subtracting speed. Buy the 30. you wont be unhappy.
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Dave
PHILLA IS RIGHT...
I've got an 83 with the 11 HP Universal 5411, and it's enough to get to hull speed on flat water. I cruise at 5.3-5.5 and top out at 6.0-6.3 knots. Where the extra HP would be w4elcome is when powering into heavy chop or high winds....
I've got an 83 with the 11 HP Universal 5411, and it's enough to get to hull speed on flat water. I cruise at 5.3-5.5 and top out at 6.0-6.3 knots. Where the extra HP would be w4elcome is when powering into heavy chop or high winds....
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david
Thanks
Thanks. Upon further inspection, the boat has a model 25 Universal, which is 21 hp. Sounds like this should be plenty. After all, I'm a sailor at heart & The engine is an "auxilary" anyway!
Thanks. Upon further inspection, the boat has a model 25 Universal, which is 21 hp. Sounds like this should be plenty. After all, I'm a sailor at heart & The engine is an "auxilary" anyway!
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Jim Stocks
Cruising Range
Does anyone know the best estimate or guesstimate of the engine only cruising range of the various diesel engines in a C30 vs the Atomic 4? I've heard that diesels sip fuel, but where does the A-4 stackup for mileage? Thanks, Jim
Does anyone know the best estimate or guesstimate of the engine only cruising range of the various diesel engines in a C30 vs the Atomic 4? I've heard that diesels sip fuel, but where does the A-4 stackup for mileage? Thanks, Jim
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