C-30 Survey Points
Pat -- Several points to look at on the C-30s: * Check the deck under the mast for any depression. Practical Sailor Magaizine noted up to 1/4" deflection on every used C-30 they examined. If there are no signs of cracking or delamination evident, any deflection probably isn't too critical (but see below re: compression post and mast step). The Catalina factory has a good guide to repairing deflected deck if and when the time comes. * Below deck, check the entire mast "compression sandwich" from the overhead to the bilge. Look for any signs of cracking, softness or rot; generally you won't find any from the overhead to the sole, but it pays to look. Pay particular attention to the wooden mast step at the base of the compression post at the forward end of the bilge -- make sure there's no softness/rot, which is more common due to either leaks down the mast or from the shower drain in the head (which drains into the bilge past the mast step). Again, the factory has a good guide if the mast step needs to be replaced; if it's not too far gone you can treat it with penetrating expoxy and then seal it with regular epoxy (I've done this repair and so far it's holding great). * Check the shroud chain plates, particularly the lowers -- the older style eyebolt should have been upgraded to the more secure "u" bolt configuration. Check attachments below deck in the cabin overhead for signs of stress, cracking the fiberglass, etc. * Check that the forward cabin bulkheads in the main cabin are securely tabbed to the hull, particularly to starboard -- this is known as a possible weak point in older boats. You may want to invest in the Practical Sailor report on the C-30 as it's quite useful -- be warned that PS is down a bit on all Catalinas, but this report is the most positive of theirs I've read which leads me to believe they really liked the boat. We've had our '82 C-30 for a year and just love her -- a great boat for coastal crusing and daysailing. Good luck! Mike Turner S/Y Amity Long Beach, CA
