inspecting a Catalina 30

[john6206]

Hi Everyone -

Quick background on me: I've been sailing 25 years or so, almost exclusively on trailerable boats. I've bought two sailboats in my life, and built one (11' dinghy), my current ride is a Capri 18.

My wife would like standing headroom, a galley and a head, etc. I am certainly not objecting to her wanting a bigger boat! We have two boats on our current short list. I've been looking at a cruising boat of years . . . more accurately decades, BUT I love sailing my Capri, so if the right boat doesn't present itself, I'm happy walking away.

One of the boats on the current short list is a 1983 Catalina 30 listed on Facebook marketplace in Port Sanilac MI.
Looking at pictures on the internet it appears well cared for and in good shape for its age. It has all the "stuff" we want, dodger, Bimini, cockpit cushions, nice spacious cabin that does not look 40 years old, new-ish sails, nice electronics package, etc, etc.

I'm a little worried about the 40 year old Atomic 4.

It looks like I'd need to modify the galley if we actually wanted to cook (no cooktop - they put a dorm fridge where the range used to be).

I'm going to take a look at it in person next week.
What are some specific "Catalina 30" things should I be looking for?

Thanks in advance,

John

 

[Justin_NSA]

I'm sure C30 owners will contribute. What I have gleaned from previous posts is; watch out for rotten support under the compression post. A depression in the deck around the mast base is a sign - not always. Is it in the water? The "Catalina smile" is another thing to look for. Is the A4 diesel or gas? Diesel is safer. Are you getting it surveyed, I hope?

 

[Project_Mayhem]

On that boat before 94 the most common issues are the Catalina smile, mast compression post block in the bilge and the mast step itself. Look for a depression around the keel bolts. It's an indication that the wood in the keel sump is degrading. There are few if any reports of keels falling off.

A head door that doesnt have an even gap all around can be a sign that the support under the compression post is shot

 

[DArcy]

I'm a little worried about the 40 year old Atomic 4.

There was a comment about diesel being safer. In theory it is but there are a LOT of boats with gas engines out there that do not spontaneously combust. Atomic 4 engines can be safe and reliable but they are getting old at this point so maintenance is very important. I had a C&C27 with an A4 for many years. I spent a lot of hours on that engine. When I sold the boat, it was 45 years old and the engine ran very well. They have sea water cooling unless converted so they do not last as long in salt water.

The big thing to consider is they are not very efficient. You will get much better range with a diesel on the same volume of fuel.

 

[john6206]

Thanks everyone -

@Justin_NSA - I wouldn't buy a boat without a survey. I know enough to know that I don't know everything.

@ . . . I think several people - the Atomic 4 in the Catalina is a gas engine, yes, I've read plenty about them. The other. boat on the short list has a Volvo Penta 2002 diesel, turns out a lot of people don't like those much either, call them, "The Green Grief." (2002 is a model number - not a year - year is 1989).

 

[Project_Mayhem]

Thanks everyone -

@Justin_NSA - I wouldn't buy a boat without a survey. I know enough to know that I don't know everything.

@ . . . I think several people - the Atomic 4 in the Catalina is a gas engine, yes, I've read plenty about them. The other. boat on the short list has a Volvo Penta 2002 diesel, turns out a lot of people don't like those much either, call them, "The Green Grief." (2002 is a model number - not a year - year is 1989).

I know someone that rebuilt their A4 in their 1968 boat. It's as quiet as a newer car. Very pleasant compared to other engines

 

[john6206]

@Project_Mayhem
Sounds like something beyond my skills - if it came to that I think I'd hire that one out.

 

[Straycat22296]

I would look at the tanding rigging, running rigging and the sails.
Making a guess the replacement of standing rigging could cost $4000+-, Sails could cast $5000 to $6000*- and running rigging ???
Being a sailboat I would want to be sure the mast does not fall down and I'm not hoisting bed sheets.
Just my 2 cents.