I guys, went to look at this boat the other day. What do you C30 owners think?
http://www.sailboatlistings.com/view/24745
http://www.sailboatlistings.com/view/24745
What do you think about this C30?
- Thread starter wind4power
- Start date
- Status
I like all of the upgrades over the past 5 or so years. Looking at the pics on my iPhone (so not full size) she looks like she was well cared for. We know she will sail well and most of the "issues" with that age boat (electronics, engine, etc.) have been dealt with.
You're new here so what is your sailing experience? Do you currently own something? How does this compare to others you've looked at?
You're new here so what is your sailing experience? Do you currently own something? How does this compare to others you've looked at?
Jack, thanks for the reply. I've been sailing for about 30 years, on and off. Mostly off since I never live in a decent sailing local. Currently own a McGregor 25 that's sat in the yard for the last 6 years or so and also a windrider 16 trimaran which I have been sailing this summer. I have sailed coastal UK waters (I'm a Brit) and in 2007 sailed from Florida to Maine with another guy (Tartan 37). This is the only boat I have looked at and the price is good (can have it a lot lower than asking price). I'm going to look at a 1977 C&C 29 in a day or so that can be had for $12,000
Not a lot to look at in this area and transporting a boat is too costly.
Not a lot to look at in this area and transporting a boat is too costly.
So you know what you're looking at/for. I had a '79 and other than the fact that my Atomic 4 gave up the ghost, I loved the C30. You will not be disappointed in performance and the amount of resources out there (for all Catalinas) far surpasses any other boat out there.
I have friends with Hunters, an Ericson, a Morris, O'Days and Irwin and all love sailing on my Catalina (which is a 310 now but you get the point).
There's a post a little further down in the Catalina 30 section here called "Why a Catalina". Take a look.
I have friends with Hunters, an Ericson, a Morris, O'Days and Irwin and all love sailing on my Catalina (which is a 310 now but you get the point).
There's a post a little further down in the Catalina 30 section here called "Why a Catalina". Take a look.
Nice boat, and the old portlights have been replaced. That's a plus.
You will have to replace the curved traveler with the newer straight Garhauer 6:1 system. Budget for it. Call Garhauer, they'll give you the $ right away. Just tell Guido, Mark or Bill that you have a C30 and need the traveler upgrade.
Which diesel engine?
You 'll find the C&C pretty cramped in comparison.
You will have to replace the curved traveler with the newer straight Garhauer 6:1 system. Budget for it. Call Garhauer, they'll give you the $ right away. Just tell Guido, Mark or Bill that you have a C30 and need the traveler upgrade.
Which diesel engine?
You 'll find the C&C pretty cramped in comparison.
If you want to use it properly. Read Don G's Sail Trim forum. A curved track messes up the intent of a traveler.
Some believe the straight traveler is critical, an absolute must but that opinion is not universal. I can speak only for myself that it's not that big of a deal for me. I'm not a racer, don't need to tweak every last tenth of a knot out of her and don't worry too much over maximum efficiency in turns. I sail for relaxation.
For those who feel she can't be sailed well without a straight traveler I offer the following: The 2009 Newport to Ensenada race, the world's largest international yacht race, was won by a vintage Catalina 30, they really cleaned up.
And for the record, check out her traveler
For those who feel she can't be sailed well without a straight traveler I offer the following: The 2009 Newport to Ensenada race, the world's largest international yacht race, was won by a vintage Catalina 30, they really cleaned up.
reference: http://www.sail-world.com/USA/index.cfm?SEID=2&Nid=56221&SRCID=0&ntid=20&tickeruid=0&tickerCID=0
And for the record, check out her traveler
Last edited:
W4P,
The feeling here by all the posts seem favorable so far.
I checked the link. It would have been nice to see some more pics though. And of course what size engine?
The quality of the surveyor you use is of the upmost importance here if you decide. Make sure you find a specialist in sailboat surveying, not a general all round guy.
One thing I saw that I am not crazy about is the wooden bowsprit. The wood can look great on top but eaten from the bottom. Also, have the surveyor check the installation bracketing from inside the anchor locker.
I had this type of bowsprit and it failed twice, the second time, in medium winds. The whole piece snapped, took out alot of my bow nose (top & sides), and sheared the side brackets.
The mast almost came down (4 ft. seas), but luckily was able to do a quick turn downwind to keep the main full. That was the only thing holding the stick up. By the time I was able to secure the forestay with an emergency tie-up, My 155 had shredded.
I got a newer style fiberglass bowsprit from Catalina for a decent price, and re-did the entire nose glass with a strong mud mix and good backing plates thru out. Make sure you really check this area pal.
Good luck,
CR
The feeling here by all the posts seem favorable so far.
I checked the link. It would have been nice to see some more pics though. And of course what size engine?
The quality of the surveyor you use is of the upmost importance here if you decide. Make sure you find a specialist in sailboat surveying, not a general all round guy.
One thing I saw that I am not crazy about is the wooden bowsprit. The wood can look great on top but eaten from the bottom. Also, have the surveyor check the installation bracketing from inside the anchor locker.
I had this type of bowsprit and it failed twice, the second time, in medium winds. The whole piece snapped, took out alot of my bow nose (top & sides), and sheared the side brackets.
The mast almost came down (4 ft. seas), but luckily was able to do a quick turn downwind to keep the main full. That was the only thing holding the stick up. By the time I was able to secure the forestay with an emergency tie-up, My 155 had shredded.
I got a newer style fiberglass bowsprit from Catalina for a decent price, and re-did the entire nose glass with a strong mud mix and good backing plates thru out. Make sure you really check this area pal.
Good luck,
CR
The old curved travelers are a 4:1 purchase, which makes them difficult, at best, to use. "The Admirals" usually hate 'em. I upgraded ours, and it was like night and day from a 4:1 to a 6:1 and I had the straight track to begin with.
Sure, folks have sailed C30s with curved tracks for years and have been successful.
But if I had a choice, I'd drive a Corolla over a Yugo any day.
Sure, folks have sailed C30s with curved tracks for years and have been successful.
But if I had a choice, I'd drive a Corolla over a Yugo any day.
Is that 6:1 mainsheet purchase or the control lines for the car?
$900 to $1300 (depending on if you get the rigid vang) is a big pill to 'have to' swallow. I'd suggest it depends on wind4power's sailing style as to whether or not the expenditure is worth it.
In my case, it ain't. No way, no how. If his standing rigging is original the money might be better spent there.
edit:
Rereading the listing I see the 'stays' were replaced 2 years ago. I assume that includes the shrouds as well. FWIW, it looks like a pretty good boat, well maintained and cared for.
I still advocate spending according to your sailing style though.
$900 to $1300 (depending on if you get the rigid vang) is a big pill to 'have to' swallow. I'd suggest it depends on wind4power's sailing style as to whether or not the expenditure is worth it.
In my case, it ain't. No way, no how. If his standing rigging is original the money might be better spent there.
edit:
Rereading the listing I see the 'stays' were replaced 2 years ago. I assume that includes the shrouds as well. FWIW, it looks like a pretty good boat, well maintained and cared for.
I still advocate spending according to your sailing style though.
Interesting take on the wood bow sprit Ron, I've never heard of a failure of one on a Catalina 30 until you posted that.
It's very easy to inspect though, top or bottom, I wouldn't let it be a deal killer for me personally if I liked the boat.
DanM.
It's very easy to inspect though, top or bottom, I wouldn't let it be a deal killer for me personally if I liked the boat.
DanM.
As a side note, what's a reasonable fee for a survey?
I've been quoted $540 and $15/ft so far????
I've been quoted $540 and $15/ft so far????
15 to 20 a foot is pretty standard, and I recently was quoted 35 a foot (yikes). Make sure it includes a haul out inspection and an underway inspection. Usually (read: always), you will have to pay for the haulout and usually a bottom wash/zinc change at the same time in addition to the survey.
Ron,
I haden't heard of the wooden bow sprit breaking either - but I guess its just wood & subject to rot. Guess I'm glad to just have the standard rig - may be slightly slower, but it has a lot less stress on the rigging for a 30 year old boat!
I haden't heard of the wooden bow sprit breaking either - but I guess its just wood & subject to rot. Guess I'm glad to just have the standard rig - may be slightly slower, but it has a lot less stress on the rigging for a 30 year old boat!
By the way, I looked at the pics on the flika link, & this C 30 looks well kept. But buyer beware on the engine - its a 2 cylinder Universal 11 HP model like my 1980 - & while it gets the job done in calmer waters, it will always be lacking the ummf needed in a real stiff chop. Mine has been rebuilt as well. These engines are tuff as nails, but a lot of sailors like the extra power of the M25- - twice the horses means less full throttling in harsh weather. Although the 5411 diesel does have excellent fuel economy. Takes me all summer to burn a full tank of juice. Check the sails hard for excessive wear - that's the real source of power & worn out sails will cost big bucks to replace. Make sure that jib has a U.V. cover installed. I had an older C 25 on a furler with no UV strip & it will eventually rip at the leech. Good luck.
On the subject of curved track, straight track. Is the one from Catalina Direct for $610 a suitable replacement?
- Status