Taking a Catalina 30 around the Great Loop

[Bob4203]

Big title........but we are strongly considering giving up the trawler idea and opting for using our 1988 Catalina 30 since fuel has gone through the roof!. We realize we will be in a mastdown status through the canals and may even have to raise and lower twice during the trip, but we see that as the biggest hassle.

Have any Catalina owners made the trip, regardless of size and care to share the experience?

Thanks

Bob
'88 Mark II

 

[adirondackbob]

Bob, never made that trip, but last year we took our C30 from Rhode Island to Lake Champlain, which required us to take her through the Champlain Canal. Dropping and raising the mast wasn't much of a hassle. Took a half day on either end. Costs were reasonable: averaged under $200. We found that costs could vary a lot from one marine to another, but there are many marinas along the Hudson River and the Erie Canal that do this work. We encountered many boats moving through either the Champlain or Erie Canal.

I have to say that the Canal got boring at times. I don't find motoring much fun in a sailboat. However, our fuel-sipping diesel engine was much cheaper to run than those big gas-guzzling powerboats we saw in the canal and on the Hudson.

Also, before making this trip, I was able to get a lot of great advice on this list and on the C30 listserv.

Good luck.

Bob

 

[Bob4203]

Thanks Bob.
We want to do the loop, but not fork out the hefty thousands we read about to feed those big diesels. Using a sailboat is becomming more popular now given the cost of fuel to do the loop. Although we have the M-18 Universal in our 1988 C30 it will be more challenging trying to get around tugs and barges and get out of harms way on the lakes in those mean summer storms. We know we willl have to have our mast lowered and raised at least twice (before the Erie Canal and entering Chicago).

Our original goal was to buy a 34-36 foot trawler (Mainship, Albin, Monk, etc), but we decided that the Catalina 30, despite lacking certain amenities will do just fine for a years voyage around the loop. It should be one hell of an adventure!

Appreciate the feedback and the info on the cost for the R&R of the mast. Several have suggested, taking it down before the canals and shipping to Mobile, Ala before the Gulf Crossing. I cannot see doing the Great Lakes without sailing! We shall see.

Regards,

Bob
'88 Mark II C30
Breezin II
Georgia