looking at buying a MK1

Bob4203 · Aug 15, 2013

Value? Difficult answer without knowing what year it is. Wood spreaders are no big deal as they can be upgraded to the metal ones that too with the mainsail and electronics. Whats critical is the engine, compression post, corrosion, etc. Either way you will require a survey.

Biob
'88 Mark II

Bob4203 · Aug 15, 2013

Mark I models ran from 1975 to 1986.

Bob4203 · Aug 15, 2013

Dan,

With respects for owners of the Mark I you will find significant improvement in the Mark II model. If you find a decent Mark II that will pass a rigid survey I recommend it. You can to the International Catalina 30 Association website and compare the models regarding improvements/upgrades. Either way, you are way ahead with a freshwater boat.

Bob

Stu Jackson · Aug 15, 2013

Yup, given that description, I'd keep looking. The issue you may face is: fixer upper vs great shape. Of course, price does matter, but unless you want to keep working instead of sailing, the general consensus has been that it's worth a tad more initial price to get a sailaway than a project boat. Your pocketbook, in the long run, as well as your sanity, will be in much better shape.

Unless, of course, you're into boat work and not sailing.

We bought a pristine 12 year old boat in 1998, but i still had to upgrade the electrical system. I could sail it, just not anchor out a lot which is what we like to do. Took a few months, not really hard. But even though it was pristine otherwise, there is always something that needs to be done.

As you look at more of them, you'll find the obvious issues and some new ones. You sound knowledgeable about the C30.

Good luck.

Happy hunting.

Team118 · Aug 17, 2013

Stu's point is spot on. MK I's tend to be the result of an owner comfortable with being a fixer or they are in need of being a fixer upper.

If you can become an electrician, plumber, wood worker, fiberglasser, laborer, cleaner, engineer and maybe even sometimes a sailer then some of these are gems in the rough.

I have a 1977 and he wanted $19,000 about 5 years ago. Since it had been on the hard for 2 years prior to me seeing it, the price went down to $15,000. I offered $9,500.

It had all the issues an old boat of this series had. Old wiring, old plumbing, etc. I took the time, read this board and other religiously, received a ton of advice, including some expert one on one from some of the posters on this very sight and I've turned the boat around.

Would I do it again? Not sure, I'm 5 years older and I don't know if I my 6'5" body could spend 6 hours down in the port sail locker running wire and plumbing now. Love the boat though and while the original price was $9,500, I've easily spent another $6,000 redoing everything over the years. Could I get $15,000 today for her?

Someday I'll find out, I'm starting to get 'feet' issues and I see myself wandering to the for sale pages!

Good Luck!
Chris

jrowan · Aug 18, 2013

Dan, I also have a 1980 C 30.

I paid around $9500 for mine as well, & if the boat has never had
any significant upgrades or refit that's about what she's worth.

As a comparison though, My C 30 seller was kinda desperate to sell, being transferred across country. Her loss was my gain as the previous owner has installed new UK Halsey sails, new electrical panel, rebuilt diesel, wheel steering & a host of upgrades. The cabin looked tired, & she needed a haul out, which gave me the ammunition to get the price down. Remember that most boats that have been sitting in a slip for 2-3 years are in need of a haul out to clean & repaint the bottom. You cannot perform a decent haul out & bottom job for less then about a grand. It also makes it a lot easier to determine the condition of the keel join to inspect for the Catalina smile separation crack which is common. Also inspect the condition of the rudder tube & bearing for excessive play or damage from groundings, etc.

I always recommend to new prospective buyers to buy a copy of Don Casey's "Inspecting the Aging Sailboat" which has an invaluable lists of items that need to be checked that the novice will never think of. Take a rubber hammer with U to sound out decks for delamination around deck fittings. Take a good flashlight to inspect the engine, trans, bilge post for rot, thru hull fittings & tanks for corrosion. etc. I work as a professional building inspector, & my number one tool are a flashlight & my eyes & ears. Good luck on the hunt, one of my favorite endeavors.

rbmcintire · Aug 21, 2013

Congratulations! And Welcome. You will find this forum (current discussions and historical searches) extremely valuable. We want pics!

Rob

Nahart51 · Aug 21, 2013

Ten years ago we went from a Catalina 22 to our Catalina 30. It seemed huge. Ten years later, it seems as small as a 22.
I'm refurbishing a Catalina 22 and now it seems as small as a bathtub. I can't believe I ever went sailing in a boat that small.

That being said, I can't wait to get the 22 wet. It seems so close to the water.

gpd955 · Aug 22, 2013

dan8152 said:
well we got a boat today!

Very cool! Take care of her and she'll take care of you!

Cayennita · Aug 25, 2013

dan8152 said:
Ok been looking in my area and there are quite a few mark ones. All are listed in around 20K asking price

One closest that I have looked at and taken on a sea trial has some issues that may not be that big of a deal.

things that concern me is that the spreaders are wood, has no idea how old the rigging is, the mast is painted white and looks in need of at least a touch up as it's missing paint in spots. Main sail is old and looks original though genoa is new. Keel stub has been repaired though. Also the electronics have some issues such as bad displays and depth not working.

What is a good price to offer?

I got my Cat. 30 for one dollar. I would Probably offer ten grand.