help!I have alot of questions

[pat garrett]

What is a 1981 catalina 30 worth? Boat is in good shape with a 11 hp universal diesel.knot,depth,wheel ,auto helm.Boat hasn't had many up grades,nothing has been done to the boat except basic upkeep.How many diferent engines were avaliable for the 30. Is the 11hp enough power?They are asking 22,500 I'm thinking of offering 18,000.What should the water temp be for the engine when motoring? Owner states previous owner said engine over heated a couple of times. There isn't a rpm guage ,how many knots should this boat go for say 10 hr's of motoring Will this harm the engine?.Present owner of 4 years hasnt had any problems.He clames he has only run the engine around 6 hours .My guess ,because there isnt a raw water screen or strainer for the engine perhaps sea weed or other foreign material got sucked up into the engine restricting the water flow? What do you think? Manifold was taken off and cleaned, wasn't restricted.If I buy this boat where can I get an engine and catalina 30 manual ?How about a web site for engine parts and catalina 30 parts.thanks

 

[Bob Camarena]

A Couple of Answers

1. The 11hp is OK but not great in terms of power against headwinds and headseas. It is great in terms of fuel economy. There are numerous postings in the archives on the 5411 engine abd engines in general. I have an '81 with one and do fine, including SF Bay. I think the newer Diesels are 23hp. Older Diesels were smaller than 11, and another common engine in older boats is the Atomic 4 gas engine (most power of all).2. Temp should be 145-150 or so. It will tend to fluctuate, especially until the engine heats up and stabalizes. You won't see tons of water coming out of the exhaust like some boats. The 5411 recirculates the water through a mixing tee, so exhausts less than other boats. I'd try backflushing by connecting a hose to the outlet and pulse the water to get a "water hammer" effect. Also, check the water pump impeller. If it hasn't been run much, the vanes can harden and take a set.3. Flatwater cruising speed with the 5411 is about 4.5 - 5.0 knots. Ten hours of motoring won't hurt the engine as long as temp is OK. High temp in itself isn't bad since Diesels like to run hot. The problem is that the salt will precipitate out of the cooling water at higher temps (could be why engine is clogged if it was run hot).4. Instead of manuals, buy Dick Dickens' Tech Talk manual from the Catalina 30 International Association's website. It has everything you need to know. 5. I haven't been pricing boats lately but $22,500 sounds high, especially if there's not much on the boat like a dodger, etc. You might want to start a little lower and try to stop at $18k.

 

[Rick]

I agree

I agree with topping off at 18K. You fill undoubtedly find several things in need of fixxing within days or weeks. These might cost only a little or may be expensive. They may take only a little time to fix or might take the rest of the season. I have seen an 81 in very good shape with an everything from an A-4 to a vcr for $22,500.00.Haul it for a full survey and see what they tell you.my .02

 

[Dave]

With right prop, you can get more

I think the 5411 is fine for average conditions (you can't punt into the seas well). My boat conistantly gets 5.3 knot cruise and 6.3 knot top speed with a 5411 and 2 blade prop. So, I wouldn't say a 5411 is a problem...

 

[sbrass]

GREAT BOAT

I HAVE AN 81 WITH 11HP I BOUGHT 2 YEARS AGO FOR 15K. I THEN REBORED AND OVERHAULED THE ENGINE. I REPAIRED AND ADDED SOME FEATURES. ENDED UP SPENDING 10K IN ADDITION. BOAT IS FANTASTIC, CLEANED UP LIKE NEW WITH SOME ELBOW GREASE. ENGINE CAN PUSH 6 KNOTS, BUT CAN'T FIGHT HEAVY CURRENT WITH FACING WINDS.