Need owner opinions C30

[scea95]

Potentially taking the plunge on an 80 C30. The question I have for you all - given that condition is everything, how worried would you be about a about a boat that had an owner that clearly knew nothing and let the boat go for a year. The owners before him put a ton of money into upgrades through out. The kid that bought it from them had never had a boat and did basically nothing to maintain it - can that much go wrong in a year?

Engine has new heads and few pumps replaced (fuel / bilge) before I would even talk about a proper survey. Boat is listed under 17k and my guess could buy under 13k. I'm assuming néw bottom paint and used jib (the kid threw the old one away because it had a small tear - didn't even know how to get it off the furler - which worries me) Again the boat hasn't been surveyed and I was only able to get on briefly. Deck (visually) looks good, all canvas in good shape and more electronics than I would ever use.

Thanks for your thoughts,

Ron

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

In cold climates, all boats sit for prolonged periods with little or no maintenance. Yours is no exception.

 

[jrowan]

I already have a 1980 C 30. The big question is whether it has the original 5411 diesel or an A4 gas engine, or even a replacement engine? A diesel engine is more reliable & makes the boat worth a lil' more. I would stay clear of an Atomic Bomb, unless she has been really well maintained. Everyone asks questions about whether to buy or not, but without seeing at least some photos or a surveyors report documenting condition its really not a fair question to ask, or expect an accurate assessment from us. If you are not sure, then hire a surveyor. There is a good book by Don Casey, entitled "How To Inspect the Aging Sailboat" which is an invalualbe guide that helped me quite a bit in assessment. If your seller is green, then get him to come down in price due to lack of regular maintenance. Remind him of how much it will cost for the survey report, servicing the engine & sails professionally, having the rigging inspected, etc. The surveyor will definitely give you cannon fodder for lowering the price. But that's money that has to go right back into the boat again, if she has the typical Catalina Smile, rotted mast base post, rotting plywood under the keel bolts in the bilge, leaking portlights, worn out plumbing or thru hull valves, chain plate leaks, etc. The list goes on. Many of these ailments are typical of all boats that are 30+ years old. As a price comparison, I paid a green horn seller $9,500 for my boat with a rebuilt 5411 diesel, newer UK Halsey sails, newer rigging, all new electronice & breaker panel, etc. The girl that sold her to me had not taken her out of the slip in 2 years. When I unfurled the sails she actually said: "So that's what they look like!" WOW. I took down a thousand off my offer right there. The 2 cylinder diesel 5411 is a bit undersized for a 10K weight but it gets the job done & is incredibly efficient on fuel. Good luck & post some pics.

 

[Lost Parent]

Love my 1982 we purchased last year , we have changed windows , added fridge , fiberglass LP tank , more batteries , painted deck , restained interior , bought winter cover , new Sole diesel engine , moved throttle contols and engine panel ....great boat lots of fun to sail and as we have found out will sail good in 25 knt winds and still get us home

 

[Bold Rascal]

I would stay clear of an Atomic Bomb, unless she has been really well maintained. .

Good maintenance is important for any powerplant. The A4 is extremely reliable and very forgiving of abuse. The fact that these great running and very simple engines have been pushing boats around for so many years is a testiment to the design and quality of the engine.
Both gas and diesel engines require periodic maintainance to keep them running. More often than not, it's neglect of the engines/boats wiring, fuel system, pumps, filters, hoses, etc. etc. that are the culprit for poor performance, especially on older boats. Not the engine itself.
Spare and replacement parts for the venerable A4 are readily available from places like Moyer Marine, and talk about an awesome user forum.
If your going to be doing long distance cruising or motorsailing then by all means a diesel is going to be more fuel efficient for you. The worst thing you can do to a diese is short duration 10 minute runs out of and into the slip. Diesels like to run for long periods of time. The A4 has no issues with short runs. They typically run much smoother than a diesel, They for sure smell better.
I'm not interrested in hashing over the old gas vs diesel debate however, there are many great boats out there with good reliable gas powerred A4 engines that are not BOMB's.

Aren't the vast majority of older model inboard powerred recreational power boats running on gasoline?
If you perform the maintenance that a responsible boat owner/operator should do anyway, then you should have nothing to worry about.

To your question Ron:
Unless you are experienced enough to perform your own out of water survey or, you are privy to how well the boat has been operated and maintained then having a professional survey is very important. You will probably need a recent survey anyway, most insurer's will require a recent "out of water survey" before they will issue a policy.

How much can go wrong in a year?
Lightenning strikes, wind damage, chaffing, electrolisis, corrosion, rust, UV damage, Dumb PO tinkerring, etc. etc. etc.

 

[Stu Jackson]

http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=102541

And diesel engines shouldn't smell. No engine should smell. Means there's a leak somewhere that should be fixed.