I'm looking at a Cat 30. The owner says it is between 76 and 79. It has a much wider bulkier keel than the others I've looked at. It gets wider at the bottom. It is also flat on the bottom. It draws 5'2". Does any one know what year and model this would be. Also it has an atomic-4, is this something I should be wary of? And is there anything I should inspect before making a decision other than the basics?
looking at a Catalina 30
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some thoughts
to find the age, check the HIN, embossed on the transom. for lots of good information, go to the C30 site (http://www.catalina30.com/). check for leaks - especially on the upper shroud chainplates where they attach to the bulkhead in the main cabin. look at the keel bolts in the bilge and check for rust. they can be sistered with new stainless ones for added insurance. look at where the keel meets the keel stub at the forward end for signs of the 'catalina smile' which indicates that there may be a slight separation - easily fixed. the a-4 is a steady, reliable motor that takes a lot of abuse but keeps on chugging along. there are places to get parts and advice in case you have trouble. price should be very reasonable - in the neighborhood of 10 thousand +/- depending on the condition of the boat and the mindset of the owner. good luck.
to find the age, check the HIN, embossed on the transom. for lots of good information, go to the C30 site (http://www.catalina30.com/). check for leaks - especially on the upper shroud chainplates where they attach to the bulkhead in the main cabin. look at the keel bolts in the bilge and check for rust. they can be sistered with new stainless ones for added insurance. look at where the keel meets the keel stub at the forward end for signs of the 'catalina smile' which indicates that there may be a slight separation - easily fixed. the a-4 is a steady, reliable motor that takes a lot of abuse but keeps on chugging along. there are places to get parts and advice in case you have trouble. price should be very reasonable - in the neighborhood of 10 thousand +/- depending on the condition of the boat and the mindset of the owner. good luck.
All used engines require care. A decent A4 is nice cause of all the support. Check out Don Moyer's A4 discussion site (Google Moyer Marine). It is like have a free mechanic available 24/7.
I'm wondering if you are looking at a shoal draft model? I don't know too much about them, I own a standard Cat 30, but I'm new to ownership. The wife and I have made it our home away from home and spent at least a dozen weekends on her in the 5 months we've owned her. Their fun to sail, pretty well balanced, but I must say live up the the name of "mini van" of sailboats. I've been on faster boats but when we stay overnight I'm thankful for the width.
Paul
Paul
ive been power boating for many years bought my first catalina 4 years ago best thing i ever did i hav a 1982 the only problem was that the engine (11 hp) was salt water cooled and rusted out inside 16000 dollars later i have a new 20 hp fresh water cooled the 30s are wide and some say its like sailing a bathtub i love it for cruising
Thanks, Finally found a boat!
That Cat 30 deal fell through. Probably a blessing. He wouldn't take it out for a test sail and it sat at the mooring all year. In August I found a 78 with a Yanmar 2gm20. I got out sailing about 25 times since August. New stainless keel bolts, no smile, newer sails. Great price. Needs a little updating and Has some wiring issues, But sailing and motoring is Great!
Thanks for the help!
!!
That Cat 30 deal fell through. Probably a blessing. He wouldn't take it out for a test sail and it sat at the mooring all year. In August I found a 78 with a Yanmar 2gm20. I got out sailing about 25 times since August. New stainless keel bolts, no smile, newer sails. Great price. Needs a little updating and Has some wiring issues, But sailing and motoring is Great!
Thanks for the help!
!!
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