Poll: Would U trade your C-30 for a newer model?

[jrowan]

Hello,
I wanted an opinion poll from other fellow C 30 owners,
as I have the opportunity to trade my recently, completely refitted
1980 C 30 for a newer 1984 model C 30. The primary reason being that I could upgrade to a 3 cylinder universal 21 Hp engine model, from my rebuilt & well running, albeit underpowered 5411. My boat has newer U.K. Halsey sails, wheel steering, mid boom sheeting, the rebuilt diesel, all new electronics, electrical panel, new upholstery just replaced, & even a nice flat screen T.V. etc. She is as tricked out as a 1980 could be.

The question is, is it worth trading for even money, my restored boat, against a slightly newer '84 C-30 which has been on the hard for 4-5 years. I would have to preform a thorough examination of this boat, rigging, & engine, & perform yet another bottom job, but if the slate is about even, what would you do?

We've worked very hard restoring our '80 model to about as nice as she could be, but a bigger engine is tempting. My lil' 5411 has always done the job for me, & is great on fuel, but the bigger is better theory.... The '84 model has a roller furling jib & main as well, & similar setup, wheel with mid boom sheeting, etc. So what do y'all think? I'm going down to see her tomorrow for my first "exam." Boat shopping & restoration is in my blood, I reckon. Cheers.

 

[Joe]

Why does the 84 owner want to trade for your older boat? I can't see trading for larger motor that you say you don't even need.... you just think it might be cool to have a larger one.. when it's accompanied with a lesser boat.

I say no.

 

[Old Skool Neil]

It depends on whether you're driven by resale value or are happy with the boat you currently own. If present, stainless keel bolts might be a factor too.

For me, I don't give a damn about resale value. My boat is just about the way I want it. I couldn't imagine trading her for another project.

 

[LuzSD]

I'd say no, your 80 is not that far from the 84 and you know your 80, and all of it's quirks......... If you had lots of specific things to gain I would say maybe or even if you had issues with your 80 but it sounds like you really like her still......if it were me, the anwer would be no.

 

[jrowan]

Neil, my '80 does have stainless steel keel bolts already.
Joe, It would be a tuff call for me, cause I've put a lot of work & $$
into my C 30. Luz, you're right about knowing my boat well by now.
It's just that trading up from a 11 HP tiny motor to the well respected M25
3 cyl. Universal diesel is a temptation. 21 horses is a great upgrade, but not if the motor is shot & needs rebuilt. I'll let y'all know what I find when I examine the 84' model. It probably won't be up to snuff. I imagine all the lines will be rock hard or dry rotted after 4 years on the hard. No knowing what the cabin will look & smell like! I'll post some comparison pics to help decide.

 

[Mike1956]

If the only issue is the engine, why don't you price out the cost of an upgrade, then after taking a look at this "newer" boat, price out how much you;d have to spend on fitting her out to be equal to what you already have. Even if the cost of a new motor is slightly higher, the time lost sailing while fixing the "newer: boat has to be worth something. Are you retired and bored and just want to have some work to do?

 

[Twice Around]

NO way...no matter what, you would be starting over with a new project.

I know my boat better than anyone else now..why would I want to hop in another one and have to learn her all over again, just for a few more HP on a sailboat?

My $0.02

 

[LuzSD]

Not only would we not trade up the same boat ie: Cat. 30 for a newer one, but I fear we will never be able to go bigger or change boats in any way! The more we do to our '88 the better she is and the more invested in her we are. She is now like a family member and the only way we'd part with her now would be to give her to one of our kids! If moving up is the goal, I think there is something to be said for the guy who has "a boat" and enjoys it alot but doesn't get to invested.. then when another catches his eye, he can entertain the idea of a change.

hmmmm, the more I write the more this sounds like some folks and their spouses...

 

[Kermit]

Sounds like you're itchin' to trade. Also sounds like none of us can talk you out of it. I doubt any of us here would even consider that trade.

Think about it. Somebody wants to talk you in to trading an old boat that is completely restored and tricked out for an old boat that needs work. Yep, sorry to call your boat old, but it is 31 years old. (My boat is 25 years old. Yes, it's an old boat, too.) And his boat is 27 years old. Will a 27 year old boat really be better than a 31 year old boat? I would wager that yours is far more desirable to the average person than his.

I think you're nuts for even considering this trade. I strongly recommend that you read what you wrote about your boat. Sounds like a great boat that I'd never want to trade. Here's what you wrote about the engine. " My lil' 5411 has always done the job for me, & is great on fuel, but the bigger is better theory.... " There's a quote from a Harrison Ford movie that says, "More isn't always better. Sometimes it's just more." I think that applies to your "bigger is better...." theory.

Kermit

 

[DanM]

I have the M18 in my '85 and would love to have the M25. That being said, it would take a really, really, really nice boat for me to trade for. I know my boat is very mechanically sound, I know the M18 is solid, I know the rig is solid, she's laid out just how I like her. I think I would price out the engine change before I'd ever consider getting rid of this hull, this rig, this keel, this interior, this wiring, this ground tackle, all the canvas I've rebuilt, etc. for something unknown.

As one of the salty old timers used to say though... JOSO... (Just One Sailors Opinion).

Good luck, let us know how it goes!

DanM.

 

[jimmcgee]

No way I'd make that trade. By the time you do all the projects to make this boat as nice as yours you're probably half or more the cost of a new Beta Marine 25XB.

If you really want the bigger engine, drop a line to Catalina. They has some brand new "leftover" 25XPB's going for something like $5k back in December if I remember correctly.

Now if the restoration is as much fun for you as the sailing that's a whole other thing.

Jim

 

[Bob S]

Not only would we not trade up the same boat ie: Cat. 30 for a newer one, but I fear we will never be able to go bigger or change boats in any way!

I agree with Liz on this one. I've put so much effort in all the upgrades to my boat that it might be impossible to ever change boats. It's amazing how much more I love my boat now than 3 years ago.

 

[jrowan]

Well, I'm glad to see that the consensus is to keep the C 30 that I have. I think all of these points are valid, and I have to say that I agree. The results are in from my first exam of the 84 C-30: she looks like a dud. I didn't even get the combination for the cabin lock from the owner, but I didn't need to. The hull to keel joint had the BIGGEST crack I've ever seen. It brings new meaning to the Catalina smile: this was more like a Catalina grimace! A huge chunk of fiberglass was completey gone at the front of the joint, 3" wide by 18" long on both sides of the keel. It was so bad, that I could see big areas of the lead of the keel completely exposed. This boat hit something really hard, or all of the plywood beneath the keel bolts must be completely rotted away. Major surgery needed. No deal. I admit that I was tempted to buy it for maybe 5k, swap engines with my boat, strip all the best fittings on the '84 model & patch her up & sell her. But I don't really have the time or money. Although I am a bottom feeder for good boat deals, this one it too far gone. The owner lives a state away, and the yard said she hadn't been moved in 6 years off jack stands! Oh well, I couldn't disown my baby for the sake a few more horses anyway. Cheers.

 

[LuzSD]

Oh well, I couldn't disown my baby for the sake a few more horses anyway. Cheers.



Exactly...........