Looking at two C30s This Weekend!

[veprjack]

Hi,

I KNOW it's next to impossible to judge or recommend just based on a few pics and/or stats, but I'm going to look at two similar C30s this weekend and just wanted some initial opinions based on a) a few pics and b) the specific stats. For instance, one is 11hp and the other 22hp, etc. Maybe comment on those types of differences?

Being a noob, if you can think of any questions specific to these two boats OR in general, that would be helpful too. Again, I'm not necessarily looking for someone to be able to recommend one over the other, just maybe pointing out things based on your own knowledge/experience!

1980 Catalina Standard Rig sailboat for sale in Massachusetts

http://tinyurl.com/3lvmcvd


Thanks in advance,
Jack

 

[gpd955]

Based on the 2 ads only and without knowing anything about how the enigne and other systems are working, the 1980 seems to be the better deal.

New main Stack Pack, new roller furler, inflatable with outboard, the engine looks like it has been cared for better than the other (recently rebuilt), belowdecks seems to be in a little better shape as well. Depending on where you sail, you may like the shallower (is that even a word) draft.

I would ask if there are any issues with water in the bilge, would bring a mallet along and do a quick assessment of the integrity of the deck (obviously a survey would tell you more but you can gt a general idea) especially around the mast> Look in the fresh water tanks (v-berth and SB settee) and make sure that they are not slimy, look at the thru-hulls and make sure theres no evidence of water leakage around them. Compare owner modifications. The 80 and 81 were basically the same so whatever modifications suit you ,and the area you plan to sail, better should be considered.

Don't know if the sails on the 80 are new (the ad makes it sound like just the furling/flaking systesm are) but compare the conditions/ages of the sails.

Neither boat has any good photos on deck but I would definitely also look at the winches. Not sure when Catalina started putting self-tailers on the boats (my 1979 had non self-tailing) but self-tailing winches would be on the plus side in my opinion...especially if you plan to single hand.

Take plenty of pictures on both boats so you can make a comparison when you're at home and not with brokers/owners. Feel free to post them, too.

Good luck!

 

[BillyK]

I agree with Jack.. i found during my Catalina 30 hunt that just looking at the engines can tell you a lot about the care of the overall vessel. If the engine is in good shape, there's a chance the rest of the boat has been maintained well also.. you'll like the power of the larger diesel too...

 

[CCHer]

I agree as well. 11 HP seems kind of light for a C30 as do the group 24 batteries. The dinghy and outboard would be close to $2K to replace and the stack pack certainly makes life easier. But the real money is in the hull, deck, rigging, sails and engine. A survey by an experienced sailboat surveyor is a must to determine you're buying a sound boat.

 

[Stu Jackson]

I agree as well. 11 HP seems kind of light for a C30 as do the group 24 batteries.

Depends on where he's sailing and what kind of sailing he's doing.

I agree, do a survey.

 

[LuzSD]

I like the sounds of the '80 and it sounds like it was owned by people who sailed, vs the other seems like sailing was more of an after thought. Agree, there is not much information listed so personal inspecition, loads of questions and a survey is needed. But what fun to be boat hunting!!

 

[shipwreck66]

My only question was concerning the brand of the 22hp diesel. Not familiar with it but I'm guessing that boat originally had an Atomic 4 and someone repowered. Otherwise, hell yes, the 1980 model looks like an awesome deal. Nice dodger and Zodiac, those two items really add a nice touch and seller is practically tossing them in as sweeteners.

 

[DanM]

If I were to be in the market for a C30 (and I'm happy with the one I've got now!) I'd be looking for a later model that didn't have the plywood in the bilge issue (post 86ish?). I had to do the compression block repair to my '85 and it was no small task and included removing the mast to complete. I'm still left with the plywood in the bilge issue which isn't quite so pressing but still not something I'm looking forward to dealing with.

I could see spending four or five thousand dollars pretty easily with the rotten compression block and plywood in the bilge issue if you are going to pay the yard to attempt to fix them, and even at that price, given that I know how much labor goes into the compression block fix I'd really want to keep an eye on how the yard fixes it. Both of these issues would really make me lean toward a newer boat (I'm sorry I can't give you a hull number that doesn't have the plywood in the bilge issue but you might try checking the IC30A website for the info or posting to the C30 yahoo group for it). For me that would be a deal breaker unless I was willing to do the work myself (which I have) since I can't afford to pay yard prices for the fix.

Now if the difference in price between an early 80's boat and a late 80's boat is more than four or five thousand dollars... well... that is a question to ponder. How handy are you, and how much time do you have?

DanM.

 

[veprjack]

Thanks for the GREAT advice here and for your patience with a newbie. I'm leaving right now to look at the 11hp boat and will post my observations.

Thanks again,
Jack

 

[jrowan]

I have the 1980 model that you're comparing, and while I love my boat, I wold think hard about the bigger engine boat, unless the upgrades to the 1980 are worth more than the price of the bigger engine. U can always upgrade a basically sound C 30, but an engine is the biggest investment. While my 5411 does the job, if I had the choice of two boats of similar price, I'd take the bigger engine. But that said, condition & maintenance are everything.

 

[gpd955]

Welllllllll???? What's the verdict? Did you buy anything??

 

[Anonymous 121765]

Vep,

Sorry, a little late with my post. The guys all supplied good advice on these boats and their opinions are solidly based.

A little of my boat buying history:

I bought a 1980 C30 on the hard for 2 years.
It took 2 years of constant fixes/change outs.
The theory I used back then was to buy a fixer-upper.
Less money to buy and you can fix as you go.

Moral of the story:

I will NEVER go that route again. There are many well-cared boats around 1980, but you will find that is it is still an old boat (30+ years). A 1990 C30 is a hundred years advanced in construction and maintenance availability from that of the 1980 model.

Therefore, you need to decide what is best for you, to pay more up front for a boat needing less in initial fixes or an older boat having more wear. Remember also that quality control was not a factor issue in 1980. My boat is full of examples. It is all about economics, but I would first look around and compare these boats to some newer ones. View all of your options pal.

Also I know that what works for some do not apply to all. When looking at both boats, the engines are still old. The 5411 too underpowered. On the 1980 model, the interior looks cared for but what was he thinking with that wiring job on the STBD side?

These are just some personal thoughts, but I feel the more info you have the better your decision. Remember the seller NEEDS you more than you need him. There is always another boat for sale around the corner. Good luck, good hunting pal.

CR

 

[Dream Chaser]

I would have to agree completely with Captnron...I purchased a 1984 C30 Tall rig for a song a few months back and I am now paying the price for this.
While I really like the layout and overall features of this boat...I already know I will never do this again and will look for something much newer and in sail away condition.
Best of luck on your search!

 

[Stu Jackson]

+2 and +2

We looked for an entire YEAR to find our boat, saw some distressing neglect. After experiencing buying a fixer upper, no one should ever do it unless they are more handyman than sailor. The verdict is in on this issue. Really.

Our boat was in pristine condition when we bought her. I still had a lot of work to do: stereo (none on board and I like baseball games and music), engine stuff, electrical system - replace ancient charger and major wiring... You get the drift?

On older C30s they had a curved traveler track, costly replacement to a straight new Garhauer.

Check out the C30 Association website: www.catalina30.com

Good luck and happy hunting.

 

[Team118]

CaptRon and Stu are right...fixer uppers a lot of work.

If I have to do it again (and I will), my next boat will definately be a LOT newer and a lot less 'needy' of me!

I certainly liked the yellow motor....plus the boat in the top link had a bottle of margarita mix tucked away there....always a good start!

Good luck!

 

[Old Skool Neil]

In contrast to those who said they would NEVER buy a fixer again, I'd do it in a heartbeat. I thoroughly enjoyed the refit but then I'm one of those guys who's nutty that way. And this wasn't my first project. The previous boat was much more involved.

 

[DanM]

I think I would go a bit newer next time but only for some of the major problems, and I'm spend more time with group like this to figure out what those major problems are beforehand. For instance, had I went a few years newer than my '85 I wouldn't have had the plywood in the bilge, and that's something I worry about a bit. Plus, my gelcoat is old, I painted the deck (to small expense in time and money!) and that has been a nice upgrade, but I'm sort of in maintenance / repair mode with the gelcoat in many other areas, particularly the cockpit.

I do like having a boat though that I've done the work on. I wouldn't want to put it on the hard for a year or two to work on it, but I've really enjoyed fixing up my boat while it's in the water and still available for sailing throughout most projects.

Of course, JOSO... DanM.

 

[redhead78]

buy that new catalina 35, they look sweet!! Red