Jumping ship 28 vs 30

[Jan]

I am a power boater planning on buying a catalina sailboat. I know alot of the comments from my sailing friends...............! So I'll get to my question: to buy a 30 or a 28, between the yrs. 1988-93? We have narrowed the field to this point based on information from the web, a local dealer and in our marina but now need to get to the next level. I know there is alot of information missing in this question ( but then there's alot of information missing in my experience) so here's a bit of data: I live in the Pacific N W, would be sailing on bays, the sound and Gulf Islands. We are a family of 3+1 dog. Once owned a 14' Lido.I'm looking for feedback that would help this first part of our decision making process. Like year and size? I may be fooling myself but price will likely influence our decison but what the heck. This is a great web site! Thankyou for any and all feedback!

 

[LaDonna Bubak - Planet Catalina]

'87+ C30

Hi Jan!I live in Portland & sail occasionally in Puget Sound so I'm familiar with the type of sailing you're talking about. From the description of your family & type of sailing you want to do, I would suggest, without hesitation, a C30. I specify the year because that was the first year of the newer, fatter body style so it will give you the most room, but older C30s can be picked up for a song and would (probably) still give you more living room than a 28.Now, don't get me wrong, the 28 is a great boat but a family of 3 plus a dog in Puget Sound...you want a little more room, especially when you have to spend so much time "indoors" due to weather.Of course, any Catalina you buy will have decent resale value but definitely look for a good buy - you won't have a hard time finding a good deal up here. Check out this site, 48* North, NW Yachting, Seattle PI, etc. Keep an eye out at marinas & boat yards. Make note of prices & above all else, look at lots & lots of boats. This will give you a really good feel for the different options you have, ie: fixer-upper, 28 vs. 30, etc. You have to experience both boats with the whole family (minus the dog, probably) before making a final decision to make sure you're comfortable with it. Make a list of "options" you'd like to have & ones you need to have, ie: heat, headroom, etc. That way, you'll have an excellent guide for decision making. Good luck!LaDonna

 

[Hayden Watson]

Non better than C30

Being as we are a family of three + Lab I will put in my two bits worth. We just bought an '88 C30 which was moored on Whidbey Is. Wa. The first thing we did was cruise for a week in the San jauns. The boat is perfect for our family. Plenty of room. I also agree with LaDona. All Catalinas got much better in the 87 model year.Hayden WatsonS/V PapillonSpokane, WA

 

[patrick e. boole]

room

i just bought a 30 1987. the other night we had 11 for dinner and 7 sleep over. never triped over anyone and slep so good. the difference between a 28 and 30 is remarkable. happy as a clam.

 

[Bob Camarena]

C-30

The 28's have some nice features being a newer design, but I don't think you can beat the 30 for roominess and good design. Also, there are many more 30's to choose from to suit various budgets.