Old Style Mast

[foolproof]

Hello All:

I am considering buying a 1976 C30 that of course has the old style mast, with the welded spreader brackets. My questions are 1) Is it bad to have the old, wood spreaders instead of the aluminum? 2) Is the old style mast with the external sail track a bad set-up? 3) Should I keep looking for a boat with a newer style mast?

Any comments will be welcomed!

Mike

 

[Stu Jackson]

1) Is it bad to have the old, wood spreaders instead of the aluminum? 2) Is the old style mast with the external sail track a bad set-up? 3) Should I keep looking for a boat with a newer style mast?

1. Yes, all C30 folks suggest replacing them with the new style from CD.

2. Huh? External sail track? Don't understand, they all come with slots for sail slugs. If you have an external track, that's good, means you have sail cars instead of slugs. Please explain more.

3. Your boat, your choice, your wallet. Doesn't a newer mast usually mean a newer boat???

 

[foolproof]

The mast has welded spreader brackets, and Catalina Direct says that the spreader retrofit kit they sell won't work with this style mast (standard through hull #232). I think that I have to stay with the wooden spreaders in that case, unless anyone knows of a different kit that can accomodate the really early mast.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Why not ask the C30 guys at their website? www.catalina30.com They're "specialists" on their boats.

 

[Bad Obsession]

Here is the thing, what is your budget for the new boat? There are a ton of C-30s on the market and I am sure that you can find one that fits your needs and fits your budget. Check out yachtworld for Catalina 30s.