Nav/Chart Table - Simple Newbie ?

[veprjack]

Hi,

I'm in the beginning stages of research and came across the C30. In looking at pics, they have a nice nav/chart table, but I don't think the designer meant for someone to stand up while plotting, etc.

Although I've searched quite a bit, I can't find a pic of a chair in front of it; perhaps one slides out from that cabinet in front? The couch on one side and the "cabin" berth on the other side don't seem to have any leg room for someone to slide into and use the chart table, as with other boats. I'm sure that, as long as I wasn't underway, a "conventional" stool would work fine but...

Sorry for the noob question - but thanks in advance. Believe me, if I start negotiating with the seller on the one I'm interested in, this won't be the last question frome me! But, with patience, luck and more research, I may become another proud Catalina owner!

Jack

 

[gpd955]

From the previous thread:

Try a rolling office chair! Adds a little bit of challenge to navigation! Catalina did not put a chair for navigation in the 30.

In smaller boats, clear spaces for navigation are always sacrificed for more living space. My 310 "nav station" isn't even big enough to put a book chart, let alone a paper chart unfolded enough to see the edges. At least I can sit down on the aft berth to navigate though.

Most of the time I'm using charts in the cockpit anyway, or spreading them on the dinette table.

In my 30, i would use the sliding companionway hatch as a chart table but it was a bit difficult to plot since it is curved. in my 310 I can spread out on the hatch with it almost closed and step into the companionway and use it like a desk.

Don't let a chair, or lack thereof, dissuade you from the Catalina 30. Most likely you won't find one with any kind of nav chair. Catalina's sail very well and you will not be disappointed!

Welcome and ask away! We've all been there, Catalina owners and everyone else as well, and are happy to put our 2c in!

 

[Stu Jackson]

Look at it as a positive. Most 30 foot boats didn't even recognize the need for a "center" for navigation inside the boats. The nav station on a C30 performs many other functions than just the "desk." It houses the "electronics" center above it and has voluminous storage below it, which a lot of skippers have used with creative ideas, i.e., extra battery for electrical systems, additional storage for the galley, etc.

When navigating on a boat, you usually don't sit down unless you're in the cockpit!

Many C30 skippers, both on the C30 International Association website and on this board have shared descriptions and photographs of the great work they have done on the nav stations. I personally think that the best thing most have done is to change the top from slanted to horizontal.

When I do nav planning, whether on our old C22 and C25 or on my current boat, I sit at the saloon table, even though my nav station has a pretty darned good setup. Jack is right about how you navigate once you're moving.

I would recommend that you reconsider your concern, and do some more research on the other great things about the C30 and learn about what great things others have done with the C30s and their nav stations. You'll find that the space that was designed into that boat is great, and that the C30 nav station is a pretty handy thing to have on board. I think Frank Butler was way ahead of his time when he designed that cabinet work.

Good luck in finding "your" next boat.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Serendipity - or aren't you glad you asked?

Here's an older thread that just popped up again this morning. Thanks to Jack, no doubt.

Have at it, 'cuz there are lots of nav station pictures for you:

http://forums.catalina.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=129489

This site is a great resource.

Also make a great backrest for the quarterberth! :dance:

 

[veprjack]

Thanks guys! I didn't mean to imply that I'd pass on the C30 just for lack of a chair. Besides, I've been wondering what I'll do with my expensive rolling office chair once I DOWNSIZE to live aboard! lol... 20knots winds, following sea, and I'll be having a better ride in the chair than I would topside - NOT...

Anyway, if all goes as planned, I have an appointment to "take a spin" next weekend on a C30 that's up for sale. If she's THE ONE, I should be a proud member of this awesome club by the fall. Now about that DOWNSIZING thing - whew - maybe THAT is the forum I should be asking ?????? on! See, I'll be living aboard within a few months after the purchase, so I have a double learning curve - after the assessor, insurance, repairs, transfering essentials to the boat, spending $$$$$$ at the marine stores, Craigs List and who knows where else. etc. etc. etc.

 

[veprjack]

Why is it that people named Jack make the best comics? No, make that wiseasses! Hey, thanks for those pictures of the Nav/Chart setups. As someone who can barely screw in a lightbulb, those electrical panels were just gorgeous, if not a bit overwhelming.

Thanks again - I think I'll have to buy a boat just so I can HANG with you guys!

Take Air,
Jack

 

[gpd955]

Why is it that people named Jack make the best comics? No, make that wiseasses!

Ironically, that's not the first time I've heard someone say that! Apparently you've heard it before, too!

Keep us up to date and send along some pics. Everyone loves boat shopping, even when it's not for us and even when it's just virtual shopping!

Good luck in your search!

 

[jeffmacdonald]

I have found myself buying stuff! Stuff that is now to point of overwhelming! I am either lucky or unlucky to have the Catalina plant next to one of my best customers so when I have a sucsessful appointment I find a need to buy a "new project" for Le Reve! Last big sale to my customer I stopped and bought a circa 2007 electrical panel with push in type fuses from the Catalina parts dept. Now I say again my best customer so I have alot of items that need to be installed, I just need to move Stu neer me so I can get started! I talked them down from $550.00 to $400.00 for the panel you see on Catalina direct. It should be sweet when I get it installed after I install the new traveler after I install the new radio after I install all the upgraded LED fixtures Oh! and after I paint the house I promised my wife I would do this summer! I seem to have more talent in buying than in installing! Good luck and if you need I will talk with them and see if they have anymore OEM panels because I love to hagle with them it kinda feels good messing with the people responable for my obsession.

 

[jeffmacdonald]

Guys, my sincerest apologies for doing the unthinkable. I posted this in the wrong string! At 6:30 a.m. I was going in and out of the topics and I somehow posted a comment in the wrong string. There is a little relevance but still I put it in the wrong place.