possible C-30 owner

[bvos1@cox.net]

I'm considering purchasing a early 80' C-30 and would appreciate any imput in regard to areas of concern. From research ,the standing rigging is one area and the cabin top might be another. I'm not sure what I should look for on the cabin top and deck. Are there other areas which are not easily seen that I should be aware of. I will appreciate any and all imput.

thanks

bill

my e-mail is bvos1@cox.net if that would work better since I'm not a present owner.

 

[gpd955]

Get a survey.

In an uncared for boat of that age, a wet deck may be an issue (as it is with any boat) so make sure the boat was maintained.

What enigne?? Again, make sure it was well kept and maintained. If it's an Atomic 4, check with moyermarine.com for info on that particular engine. It's a workhorse if well cared for!

Is it the original traveler?? Not a big issue but it would be nice if it was upgraded to a newer one.

Do you have a particular one in mind or just one from the early 80's?? Send some pics if you are looking at one.

If it is a cared for Catalina 30 you almost can't go wrong. There are so many still in use and the support from these (and other C30 forums) is probably better than any other production boat out there. The factory is even responsive to owner issues...still. The big question would be whether or not the owner kept it up.

Scan the forums and check out the C30s for sale on this site's classifieds.

 

[Coriolisbc]

Hi Bill;
Welcome to the forum, X2 on the Survey. What is the # of the C 30?

 

[jimmcgee]

Hey Bill welcome.

My feeling is there are a LOT of C30's out there. Buy one that is well loved and cared for and you'll have fewer problems. I know some here have done amazing jobs on basket case boats, but if you're new to sailing that kind of project can be overwhelming.

+3 on the survey. It's worth every penny.

Jim

 

[jrowan]

Read the forum on the C 30 & U will quickly realize the same issues that keep appearing & are consistent problems. Soft core in the decks around fittings, leaking chainplates, possible wet rot in plywood in bilge around keel bolts, compression post rot at base of post in bilge. Check to make sure the keel bolts are s.s. & upgraded chainplates (Made after 1979). You must have a boat hauled out to verify whether or not it has a Catalina smile crack at the hull to keel joint. Check standing rigging for frayes, bad solid type turnbuckles must be replaced. You have to go aloft to verify whether there is rot in the original wooden spreaders which have hopefully been replaced with aluminum type by now, (but mine are still original.) Make sure the original crappy gate valves have been replaced at all thru hulls with proper marine sillcock ball valves. A surveyor is expensive & only worth it if they conduct a proper sea trial & test the boat under sail & power. Otherwise it is worthless. Find a surveyor who knows the C 30 well & can actually examine the engine. Since the engine is one of the most expensive components, I would not buy a boat without having a marine diesel mechanic perform a thorough compresion test to verify the health of the engine, which is big bucks to rebuild. Check the sails thoroughly for wear, the second most expensive item to replace. Good luck & enjoy the hunt, & don't settle on the first boat U see, as there are many fish in the sea.

 

[bvos1@cox.net]

Thanks for the replies, all info will be used. Looking at 3 boats ,82,83 & 85. It's a web search at this time. Hope to see the first this week. May have questions after.
I really appreciate the imput

Bill

 

[Don Guillette]

Bill: Jrowan is right that you should not jump at the first one you see unless you're the luckiest sailor on earth and you stumble on a real beauty right out of the gate. I looked at probably 15 C30's from San Diego to Ventura. Most looked great on paper and the seller or brokers description made them "must see boats", but when I actually saw the boat the description and the boat didn't match. One in particular was located in Ventura, which was a long drive for me, and so filthy it needed to be cleaned with a fire hose. Another one, which a young guy had lived on, was painted BLACK inside. You need to look at each boat with a critical eye and don't be fooled by cosmetics. In other words, just because it has 'lipstick" doesn't make it a good buy. Here's some high ticket replacement items - engine, sails, rigging just to name the most important ones.

Don't believe most brokers. When I decide to sell my boat I started out with a broker because I thought he'd have a large customer base, which he didn't. He said he did but he didn't. He didn't know crap about sail boats and asked me to help him with the sales presentation!! When he said that I thought why do I need this guy, who's getting a commission, and I sold it on my own.