What to look for when considering a C-30

[Bungalow Bill]

Hi All,

I am considering purchasing a Catalina 30 (late 80's or early 90's). I am wondering if there are any specific areas to take note of or watch out for with these models. (Is the 1989 way better than a 1985, or don't get the 1990 model because they were lemons...) If I am being redundant I am sorry, but your experience is very much appreciated. Thanks.

 

[JIM B]

I am very pleased with my 89'

Willie,
I have a 1989 C30 MKII. I am very pleased with it and prefer it to a MKI. For the most part Catalina has changed and improved over the years. The newer the boat - the more improvements - less wear and tear - the more it costs. I am glad mine has the Universal 25MXP. I wish it had a walk through transom. Probably more important than the year is it's overall condition. What a great time to buy a boat! Good luck and consider seriously getting a survey before buying.

 

[Maine Sail]

I would

I would advise bumping up to at least an 88 or 89 as this is about the time Catalina stopped laminating plywood into the keel stubs. I would call Catalina and ask when they stopped installing plywood into the keel stubs of the C-30. I vaguely remember it being late 1987 early 1988 but that could have been in other models.

If you can avoid one with the plywood keel stub, during the buying process, why not.. Other than that issue they are fairly reliable and will need the typical used boat upgrades and such..

 

[Bob4203]

Look up the International Catalina 30 Association and check out the ton of information on the 30 model from improvements by model and hull number over the years to downloading an Owners Manual. Its all there!

To date over 7,000 hulls have been produced and improvements in power, electrical packages, interior arrangement, keel changes, standing and running rigging, etc, are all in the 30's evolution. I own a 1988 Mark II and through my reserach found that the Mark II model came with big improvements that I was seeking. I am very pleased with this model. It really gets down to what you want to spend and how you plan on using the vessel. With Great Lakes sailing you may find a Mark II model with the two cylinder M-18 diesel that replaced the M-11 and came standard for a short time before the M-25 was introduced. Less power in tidal and current situations, but sufficient for your needs on Lake Superior. Tall rig versus Standard rig? Do you plan on racing or cruising? Wing keel for gungholing or deep keel for more open water cruising?

I can write pages on this vessel, but briefly, YOU MUST get a survey done after you find the model you like. Two big 30 issues are: compression post deterioration and rusting keel bolts and the "catalina smile". It was not until late in the 1988 Mark II model line that the compression post support unit was replaced with a metal stand. Stainless keel bolts might have been used prior to the Mark II model. For me the Mark II model is a better choice, but then folks love the older models that make up the workhorses of the Catalina fleet. Which ever 30 model you choose, they are sound investments, excellent sailors and as roomy as a 30-footer can get. You cannot go wrong with a Catalina 30. Do you homework and best of luck.

Bob
Lake Lanier, GA

 

[Bad Obsession]

I have a 1990 Catalina 30 MK II with the wing keel, bow sprit, and tall rig. If you are sailing in areas notorious for light winds, this is a good configuration. Also, try to find one with the Universal M25 XP engine.

The inside space in this boat is GREAT for a 30 foot boat. You have plenty of room (in some cases more room then 34+ foot boats).

Other things to look for....Delaminated rudders, blisters (I have some on my boat and the rudder was replaced as part of the purchase deal). Check the engine out and make sure that the maintenance has been kept up with and that the hours aren't too many.

A good survey is a must.

You didn't mention your budget. I know that if you are buying a 1990 Catalina 30 MKii in good shape you can expect to pay around $35000 for the boat. You can find the MKi models much cheaper (some 70's models for around 10K).

THe main improvements in MKii is the T shaped Cockpit for the wheel steering, the windows, the Nav Station, and I am at a blank for the other improvements. Some of the later models Mkii had the walk through transom but not a sugar scoop transom like MKiii.