I own a 1985 30 ft. catalina and I am thinking about taking it from New Orleans to the Bahamas next year. Some say that the catalina is not sea worthy enough for this trip. What do you think? I have sailed her to the Fla. panhandle before with out any problems.
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Tim Schaaf
No problem
I know lots of people who have taken their Catalina 30's from Northern California all the way down to Mexico and back, which is a fairly good shakedown. And I know of one guy who took a Catalina 27 around the world. It might not be the ideal boat to do that in (!) but the challenge is more to the crew and their preparation and abilities than it is to a well maintained boat such as you have.
I know lots of people who have taken their Catalina 30's from Northern California all the way down to Mexico and back, which is a fairly good shakedown. And I know of one guy who took a Catalina 27 around the world. It might not be the ideal boat to do that in (!) but the challenge is more to the crew and their preparation and abilities than it is to a well maintained boat such as you have.
Mummah's in the Abacos now.
Bob: Roger & Susie Mummah are now cruising in the Bahamas. They are aboard a 1983 H'31. Pick your travel windows and be prepared for the worst. Roger and Susie waited for about 3-4 weeks before making their crossing. Of course you want to get things checked out. Once you get to the Eastern Fl. coast it's only about 60-90 miles. They have a book that they wrote on their first passage and will probably update it when they return from their present trip.
Bob: Roger & Susie Mummah are now cruising in the Bahamas. They are aboard a 1983 H'31. Pick your travel windows and be prepared for the worst. Roger and Susie waited for about 3-4 weeks before making their crossing. Of course you want to get things checked out. Once you get to the Eastern Fl. coast it's only about 60-90 miles. They have a book that they wrote on their first passage and will probably update it when they return from their present trip.
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Dave
ocean passage or coastal cruising?
if you are hugging the coast of florida most of the way and then shoot over to freeport then your trip will only have you about 50 miles offshore at any given time. this is only about 10 hours maximum and is what I'd call coastal cruising. the catalina 30 is an excellent coastal cruiser. this is no worse then for someone in mystic ct. to sail to marthas vineyard or nantucket (maybe a little worse). have a great trip dave
if you are hugging the coast of florida most of the way and then shoot over to freeport then your trip will only have you about 50 miles offshore at any given time. this is only about 10 hours maximum and is what I'd call coastal cruising. the catalina 30 is an excellent coastal cruiser. this is no worse then for someone in mystic ct. to sail to marthas vineyard or nantucket (maybe a little worse). have a great trip dave
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Dave Abt
Bahammas Bound
Hi Bob, This sounds like a great trip. I see no problems so long as you observe good prudence such as watching the weather, etc. Most people hold up on the east coast of FL until they get a evening weather shot across. Gooing at night typically means a quieter gulfstream & a day light landfall. Good luck & have a great trip. dave
Hi Bob, This sounds like a great trip. I see no problems so long as you observe good prudence such as watching the weather, etc. Most people hold up on the east coast of FL until they get a evening weather shot across. Gooing at night typically means a quieter gulfstream & a day light landfall. Good luck & have a great trip. dave
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Les Murray
Check out the article in Cruising World
Bob, Check out a couple of articles in this month's Cruising World (July, 2001). They have a couple of reports on the Bahamas. One is on the various cruising boats that are in George-Town this year and another is about a 15 year-old who sailed a 15 foot day sailor to the Bahamas in the 1930s. Les Murray s/v Ceilidh 86 C-36 #560
Bob, Check out a couple of articles in this month's Cruising World (July, 2001). They have a couple of reports on the Bahamas. One is on the various cruising boats that are in George-Town this year and another is about a 15 year-old who sailed a 15 foot day sailor to the Bahamas in the 1930s. Les Murray s/v Ceilidh 86 C-36 #560
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Bryan C.
No problemo
If you are up to it the boat can be. You are basically talking about day trips in well travelled areas.
If you are up to it the boat can be. You are basically talking about day trips in well travelled areas.
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LaDonna Bubak - CatalinaOwners
Caution is the key
Just play it safe, don't take chances and you'll be fine. Most likely you'll wear out before the boat does as it's not the seakindliest design! Talk to lots of folks who've done the trip, buddy boat and watch the weather. You'll have a great time! LaDonna
Just play it safe, don't take chances and you'll be fine. Most likely you'll wear out before the boat does as it's not the seakindliest design! Talk to lots of folks who've done the trip, buddy boat and watch the weather. You'll have a great time! LaDonna
Cruising Endless Summer-Exumas
You can find the Mummahs book at www.1stbooks.com Then search on Mummah.
You can find the Mummahs book at www.1stbooks.com Then search on Mummah.
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Dick Vance
See This Site:
Bob, Take a look at Jon Trunz' site with pictures and descriptions of his trip to the Abacos. http://localsonly.wilmington.net/~jt/ Dick Vance H-25.5 "Honey Bear"
Bob, Take a look at Jon Trunz' site with pictures and descriptions of his trip to the Abacos. http://localsonly.wilmington.net/~jt/ Dick Vance H-25.5 "Honey Bear"
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