Hey all,
I'm brand new to sailboats, having done just enough research to know what a Catalina 30 is. There is a local 1980 C30 I can acquire for under $5K, and I'm wondering if this is crazy scary or a decent deal.
The good:
It's a Catalina 30
The engine starts and runs with no problem.
The steering works.
The deck feels firm in all places except above the main berth.
The interior is in overall good condition with no signs of rot.
There are plenty of maintenance records from the previous owner who sold it in 2016.
I think working on the boat will be a fun thing to do outside with the kids.
My better half likes the idea.
The bad:
Deck paint and all woodwork need to be sanded and refinished.
The last bottom job was in 2016. I have been told a diver cleans it every month, but there is definitely algae growing at the waterline (3 inches long or so.)
The gear shift linkage is a little stiff coming out of reverse.
The mainsail has a 4-inch tear.
There is a problem with the jib, which he has been told may be the jib furler bearing.
The Garmin doesn't work.
There is water in the bilge (about 1.5 inches)
If the rigging has been replaced, it was at least 5 years ago.
My general sense is that the current owner is not using the boat, and now that he has a growing family, he no longer has time for the restoration. Fortunately, my kids are at the age where they can (and want to!) help with the restoration. I could see us reasonably doing the deck and would work. They have had sailing lessons for a few years and know more than me, but we are all still new.
I'm hoping to sail it around the bay initially - and if trust and skill levels grow - sail across the bay by the end of summer. Fully aware this will be our first boat, but not necessarily our last boat.
So here are my questions:
Are there any huge red flags here?
Is there anything I can/should check without a full inspection that would give an indicator of a red flag?
Assuming it will need a bottom job, rigging, and new sails in the next 12-24 months - is $8-$10K a reasonable ballpark for that work?
Reading this, what is your gut sense? Jump on it or run away?
Thanks so much for your help!
I'm brand new to sailboats, having done just enough research to know what a Catalina 30 is. There is a local 1980 C30 I can acquire for under $5K, and I'm wondering if this is crazy scary or a decent deal.
The good:
It's a Catalina 30
The engine starts and runs with no problem.
The steering works.
The deck feels firm in all places except above the main berth.
The interior is in overall good condition with no signs of rot.
There are plenty of maintenance records from the previous owner who sold it in 2016.
I think working on the boat will be a fun thing to do outside with the kids.
My better half likes the idea.
The bad:
Deck paint and all woodwork need to be sanded and refinished.
The last bottom job was in 2016. I have been told a diver cleans it every month, but there is definitely algae growing at the waterline (3 inches long or so.)
The gear shift linkage is a little stiff coming out of reverse.
The mainsail has a 4-inch tear.
There is a problem with the jib, which he has been told may be the jib furler bearing.
The Garmin doesn't work.
There is water in the bilge (about 1.5 inches)
If the rigging has been replaced, it was at least 5 years ago.
My general sense is that the current owner is not using the boat, and now that he has a growing family, he no longer has time for the restoration. Fortunately, my kids are at the age where they can (and want to!) help with the restoration. I could see us reasonably doing the deck and would work. They have had sailing lessons for a few years and know more than me, but we are all still new.
I'm hoping to sail it around the bay initially - and if trust and skill levels grow - sail across the bay by the end of summer. Fully aware this will be our first boat, but not necessarily our last boat.
So here are my questions:
Are there any huge red flags here?
Is there anything I can/should check without a full inspection that would give an indicator of a red flag?
Assuming it will need a bottom job, rigging, and new sails in the next 12-24 months - is $8-$10K a reasonable ballpark for that work?
Reading this, what is your gut sense? Jump on it or run away?
Thanks so much for your help!