Looking at 1983 C30 TRBS.. what upgrades should I look for?

Bikerbob

Bikerbob

.
Aug 20, 2009
21
Catalina C30 Oakville
Hello all,

As the title says, looking at one to buy.

I know the bad things to look for... but wont refuse your suggestions if you have any.

More what I want to know, what things SHOULD have been upgraded or SHOULD be considered must haves.

Aka - Spreader upgrade for sure. Mast base plate. Lower chainplate upgrade. This one I am looking at has pedestal, engine controls, split backstay, does not look like it has the port for the q-birth, no deck hatches, OH I think I want that Spinnaker cap for the masthead.. any other suggestions please?

James
 
JohnVTX

JohnVTX

.
Jul 14, 2015
840
Catalina 30 Stillhouse Hollow Marina
Upgrades are a personal thing. Look for good rigging, good motor, no soft decking. Compression at mast base. So compression post should be upgraded or solid epoxy repair to original. Catalina smile if it is a fin keel. Get a survey.
 
M

mortyd

.
Dec 11, 2004
952
Catalina 30 easy living
a good way to start is the international catalina 30 site which as a list, almost boat by boat, of the upgrades catalina itself made over the years.
 
Bikerbob

Bikerbob

.
Aug 20, 2009
21
Catalina C30 Oakville
Thanks for the replies people, I agree its a personal thing, but I know there are some that are pretty much gimmies.
Agreed - smile ala wood in bilge is #1 and 83 still deals with that. (This is something I may have to deal with on this boat, but the price reflects it - and I have access to services where I am)
The front hatch.. this one still has the old solid FG hatch.. I want light in there.. Anyone know of an article where someone took the original hatch - cut out a good portition of it and put in acrylic? It is not as nice as the replacement hatch.. but wow that is pricey for a replacement hatch.
Would an 83 still have the wooden spreaders? Those have to go.
Survey was done by the last person looking to buy and I am going to see if I can buy a copy from him. I think the repairs scared him even though the price is in the ballpark considering its age and what needs to be done, maybe he was more a turn key sailor.
I am going to see the boat this week.. so would still love more suggestions contributions. Yes mortyd I have been on and am looking through the site.

James
 
JohnVTX

JohnVTX

.
Jul 14, 2015
840
Catalina 30 Stillhouse Hollow Marina
Change to an oberdorfer impeller. Keep an eye on the alternator bracket if upgrade not done there. I do not know when they stopped the wooden spreaders. My 86 does not have them.
 
Bikerbob

Bikerbob

.
Aug 20, 2009
21
Catalina C30 Oakville
Well it looks like I am getting a MKII 1987 shoal draft fin keel. I think it looks great, except it is in the water and I cannot see the keel and shaft and rudder.

On the mkII is the smile still an issue? I know SS keel bolts are now used.. Anyone know an issue with the Shoal Fin?

James
 
JohnVTX

JohnVTX

.
Jul 14, 2015
840
Catalina 30 Stillhouse Hollow Marina
It is either a shoal or a fin, not both. If shoal, I do not know of any issues with smile.
 
Bikerbob

Bikerbob

.
Aug 20, 2009
21
Catalina C30 Oakville
JohnVTX said:
It is either a shoal or a fin, not both. If shoal, I do not know of any issues with smile.
Click to expand
Oh, I was under the impression that in 87 they went from a full fin to a shorter fin and then to the wing in 88?
 
Bikerbob

Bikerbob

.
Aug 20, 2009
21
Catalina C30 Oakville
K, the one I have the offer in on has the shoal short fin I think. I think it will be better than the wing for pointing but worse than the full (obviously)

James
 
JohnVTX

JohnVTX

.
Jul 14, 2015
840
Catalina 30 Stillhouse Hollow Marina
Get the hull number. Call Catalina, they will tell you exactly what you have. (818) 884-7700. Very friendly folks
 
G

gfroch

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Jun 5, 2004
76
Catalina 30 Rochester, NY
Hi Bikerbob-

Congratulations! I can't tell you what to do, only suggest what we did...

Get a survey! Have in your mind what you would pay if the boat was in perfect shape and then work backwards. We knew we wanted this boat, it was clean, well kept, new(ish) canvas, and we really liked the Cat 30 TRBS. The survey showed a VERY wet deck, but no leaks. Everything else was solid. We negotiated down the price to cover most, not all, of the deck work (after all, when done we would have a 2016 deck on a 1987 boat). We got the boat we wanted and have a new plastic honeycomb core and brand new deck. It's been fun over the last year learning about this boat and we're thankful for this forum!
Having just been through buying a Cat 30 on L.O., feel free to reach out. My free advice is worth everything it costs!
 
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