Underpowered?

[Andrew Gillan]

I'm looking at buying a Cat 30. The one I'm interested in has had its engine replaced with a 14HP - I think instead of a 21HP. Can owners of Cat 30's give me some advice - do you think this boat will be underpowered? It has a two blade prop.Thanks.

 

[Andrew Gillan]

Oops - it's a 15HP replacement

Oops - sorry - the boat has a 15HP replacement engine, not a 14HP. Thanks.

 

[Chip]

I like more power

My C-30 has the 21hp 3cyl, my friends has the 11 hp 2cyl. The 11 horse is ok, but we have tried to come in a gulf pass with a strong current and almost made no headway. A strong headwind and sea is also sometimes a problem. I don't have such a problem in my boat. People always say it's a sailboat, not a powerboat, but if you need the power, it's really nice to have!

 

[Doug]

More is better

I agree with Chip. I have a Cat 30 with the 21, and I don't think I would want less. The boat handles very nicely with the 21, but I think less HP would create prblems for me in strong tides and winds. Good luck!

 

[Ron]

Auxilary engine?

Can anyone remember when sailboats did just that? "Sailed". I wonder if the "old Salts" worried about horse power?I have the 5411 and agree with the others. More horses would be great "Sometimes". Check where you are going to sail. If the currents are swift, that might be a reason to opt for a boat with a bigger engine.BUT don't let horsepower sway you away from a great boat. If you find one you love and the price is right. By all means become a "sailor".

 

[LaDonna Bubak - Catalina Owners]

Why?

Did you ask the owners why they depowered? Seems strange, especially in San Diego where your winds are flukey to say the least. If you're truly in love with this particular boat, you *could* replace the prop with a 3 blade or, even better, a MaxProp. That would give you a little extra "umpf" but doesn't really replace HP.LaDonna

 

[Dave]

36% More Power!

I've got a 1983 Cat 30 with the 11 hp Universal 5411. I think it's a fine little engine. Yeah, un times of high wind/waves/current I could use more power...but you have the power I'm looking for. That 15 hp engine is 36% more powerful than my 11hp. If I'm happy with my 11, you should be fine with a 15. I'm still running a 2 blade prop, so with 15 hp and a 3 blade, you'll be dandy. Don't pass up the right boat at the right price just because the engine is "only" 15 hp...

 

[Larry Watkins]

Cat30 power

I had a C30 with the 5411, spinning a folding 2-blade prop for five years and never really needed more power. The 5411 is a great little engine, simple, reliable, economical. Don't pass up a boat you like simply because it has a 5411. Besides, you may want to move up to a 42 in a few years, anyway.