Well, an earlier deal on a 1984 C-30 "de-materialized" so I am on the search again. I am wondering what year you experienced c-30 owners might recommend of the earlier ('76-mid 80's) vintage as this is what my budget will allow? Any items to be aware of/stay away from in these older models ?
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Bob Camarena
Engines
Other than overall boat condition, the main variable is going to be the engine. Older boats will have an Atomic 4, or a small diesel. I'm not sure exactly when, but sometime around '83 they went to the larger diesel that most prefer. The 5411 (like on my '81) is somewhat underpowered but not as much as some of the earlier ones. The Atomic 4's have plenty of power but are gasoline powered and are getting pretty old.
Other than overall boat condition, the main variable is going to be the engine. Older boats will have an Atomic 4, or a small diesel. I'm not sure exactly when, but sometime around '83 they went to the larger diesel that most prefer. The 5411 (like on my '81) is somewhat underpowered but not as much as some of the earlier ones. The Atomic 4's have plenty of power but are gasoline powered and are getting pretty old.
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Bob Camarena
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don rubin
old boats
we bought a 1976 Cat30 #285 last year, we knew it needed work and that of course helped duirng negotiations on the price. it has an atomic 4 engine which had been rebuilt several years earlier (there is a real good atomic 4 group on line that knows everything you need to know and more- parts are also available for maintenance and repairs). old boats can be in good condition or bad depending on the deferred maintenance program. newer boats can be in good or bad shape also. it depends on how much work or money you want to spend to get the boat equipped and looking the way you want it. we are doing most of the work ourselves- and it will take at least another season to take a chunk out of the "to do" list. we are also sailing while the work continues.
we bought a 1976 Cat30 #285 last year, we knew it needed work and that of course helped duirng negotiations on the price. it has an atomic 4 engine which had been rebuilt several years earlier (there is a real good atomic 4 group on line that knows everything you need to know and more- parts are also available for maintenance and repairs). old boats can be in good condition or bad depending on the deferred maintenance program. newer boats can be in good or bad shape also. it depends on how much work or money you want to spend to get the boat equipped and looking the way you want it. we are doing most of the work ourselves- and it will take at least another season to take a chunk out of the "to do" list. we are also sailing while the work continues.
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Rick
New vs Old
One of the unique features of the Catalina30 line that now has around 7000 boats made, is that they have evolved over time as knowledge and experience has been gained. Not only have there been major changes for the MKII, MKIII and the C310 but also more importantly, the factory incorporated minor changes in the middle of production run years. You can save money buying an older model but as you get to know the boat and learn more about how later models have been improved you will want to incorporate the improvments into your boat. So you will end up spending more later and if you are like me you will try to save some money by doing the upgrades yourself. Instead of sailing you find yourself at the dock installing upgrades. Of course, the newer boats will cost more upfront but will not need the mods that the older ones need. (As an example of a couple of recommended mods to the early boats: chainplate attachment upgrade kit, available from the factory, tabbing the bulkheads to the sole, straight traveler instead of curved, storage areas behind settees, etc.) Personally, I chose a MKII (an '89)that I am very happy with. Nearly every time I've heard someone recommend an upgrade for C30's (alternator bracket that doesnt crack the timing cover, or larger, 3" heat exchanger to prevent overheating, etc) I've been pleasantly surprised to find that the factory had already made the changes on my boat. In summary, I say go with the newest boat you can afford. I decided early while shopping for mine that I didn't want anything older than the '87 (thats when they introduced the MKII). I liked the larger T shaped cockpit and all the features that weren't included on the old MK1. When (if) I move up to the C36 I would only consider an '87 or newer.
One of the unique features of the Catalina30 line that now has around 7000 boats made, is that they have evolved over time as knowledge and experience has been gained. Not only have there been major changes for the MKII, MKIII and the C310 but also more importantly, the factory incorporated minor changes in the middle of production run years. You can save money buying an older model but as you get to know the boat and learn more about how later models have been improved you will want to incorporate the improvments into your boat. So you will end up spending more later and if you are like me you will try to save some money by doing the upgrades yourself. Instead of sailing you find yourself at the dock installing upgrades. Of course, the newer boats will cost more upfront but will not need the mods that the older ones need. (As an example of a couple of recommended mods to the early boats: chainplate attachment upgrade kit, available from the factory, tabbing the bulkheads to the sole, straight traveler instead of curved, storage areas behind settees, etc.) Personally, I chose a MKII (an '89)that I am very happy with. Nearly every time I've heard someone recommend an upgrade for C30's (alternator bracket that doesnt crack the timing cover, or larger, 3" heat exchanger to prevent overheating, etc) I've been pleasantly surprised to find that the factory had already made the changes on my boat. In summary, I say go with the newest boat you can afford. I decided early while shopping for mine that I didn't want anything older than the '87 (thats when they introduced the MKII). I liked the larger T shaped cockpit and all the features that weren't included on the old MK1. When (if) I move up to the C36 I would only consider an '87 or newer.
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LaDonna Bubak - Catalina Owners
Try for an '87
Catalina made some serious design changes in the '87 version. They run around the $30K range, so it shouldn't be too far out of your range. Rick made a good point about the upgrades for older boats. Unless you can find one that already has had most of the upgrades, it might be worth the few extra bucks now to buy a newer boat cuz you'll have to spend more than you think on those upgrades. Have fun with the search! LaDonna
Catalina made some serious design changes in the '87 version. They run around the $30K range, so it shouldn't be too far out of your range. Rick made a good point about the upgrades for older boats. Unless you can find one that already has had most of the upgrades, it might be worth the few extra bucks now to buy a newer boat cuz you'll have to spend more than you think on those upgrades. Have fun with the search! LaDonna
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Chip Wallace
1987... a very good year indeed!
I agree with LaDonna. I looked at earlier models circa 1985's and the rigging & cockpit improvement(s) is what sold me to go for a 1987 C-30. The flat/horizontal main traveler and the steering "hump" along with putting the emergency tiller coupling below deck.. to name a few. In fact I'm getting ready to sell mine to upgrade to a bigger cat. Interested???e-mail:<chipwa@pacbell.net>
I agree with LaDonna. I looked at earlier models circa 1985's and the rigging & cockpit improvement(s) is what sold me to go for a 1987 C-30. The flat/horizontal main traveler and the steering "hump" along with putting the emergency tiller coupling below deck.. to name a few. In fact I'm getting ready to sell mine to upgrade to a bigger cat. Interested???e-mail:<chipwa@pacbell.net>
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JB
Thanks for the Great Feedback!
The Good Old Boat article hit it on the head...the Catalina owners are truly a family!!! Thank You! JB
The Good Old Boat article hit it on the head...the Catalina owners are truly a family!!! Thank You! JB
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Steve
Cat 30 #123
As owner of one of the earliest boats, a few thoughts. 1) Condition matters a lot. A new boat can go bad in a hurry with poor care. 2) The newer the boat the more bugs will be worked out just like a car. My boat lacks a lot of basic design features, both structural and conveneince that the newer boats come standard with. Stainless keel bolts, chain plates, rudder, split stern pulpits, aluminium spreaders, etc 3) It's a lot cheaper to buy the boat with it than to buy it later, so cosider carefully what you will want and shop for a boat with it. 4) You probaably can't afford to maintain the most expensive boat you can afford to buy. Boat parts are expensive and you couldn't design a more hostile environment for machinery than the combination of vibration and salt water. You can defer the maintenance cost with a newer boat, but sooner or later, it will catch up.
As owner of one of the earliest boats, a few thoughts. 1) Condition matters a lot. A new boat can go bad in a hurry with poor care. 2) The newer the boat the more bugs will be worked out just like a car. My boat lacks a lot of basic design features, both structural and conveneince that the newer boats come standard with. Stainless keel bolts, chain plates, rudder, split stern pulpits, aluminium spreaders, etc 3) It's a lot cheaper to buy the boat with it than to buy it later, so cosider carefully what you will want and shop for a boat with it. 4) You probaably can't afford to maintain the most expensive boat you can afford to buy. Boat parts are expensive and you couldn't design a more hostile environment for machinery than the combination of vibration and salt water. You can defer the maintenance cost with a newer boat, but sooner or later, it will catch up.
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