Catalina 30, good deal?

dyamazon · #1 08-20-2006

I'm looking at a 1980 Catalina 30 in good shape with a rebult Yanmar diesel with only 40 hrs on it. Asking price is $9k.

Is this a good deal? Are there any suprises I should be looking for on this boat?

#2 08-20-2006

Dude, Get a survey. At $9,000 the owner is either an idiot, or there is something very very very wrong with that boat.

Seadart

sailingdog · #3 08-20-2006

I'd expect some really rude surprises on that boat. A re-built Yanmar is probably at least a grand..

camaraderie · #4 08-20-2006

Hell of a deal...somethings wrong! Get a survey of the boat AND a diesel mechanic to check out the Yanmar. In my experience most surveyors can't really tell you about the engine. If all checks out, you have a nice boat at half price...if not...you saved 10 grand!

sailingfool · #5 08-20-2006

FWIW I'd think it would take at least $5-6,000 to rebuild a diesel even in a Catalina 30. As to "good deal", I doubt it don't confuse low price with value. Whomever is selling this boat knows a lot more about it than you do (and more than you will even after a survey). If he's asking $9,000 its because he thinks $9,000 is a good deal, for him...Understand that with a boat that's 25 years old, almost everything and anything may need upgrading or replacement. The engine is just the most obvious item: sails, rigging, electronics, cushions, rigging, wiring, the list is long. If a PO hasn't paid the price, then it can fall to you...

I've cautioned before: the most you can hope for in buying a boat is to get what you pay for.

good luck.

seabreeze_97 · #6 08-20-2006

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Catal...QQcmdZViewItem
Note the price and the time left on the bidding.
You're gonna have some work to do on the one in question. You have to weigh if the deal you feel you're getting is worth it.

dyamazon · #7 08-20-2006

I will definately get it surveyed before buying! My second prospect is a Grampian 30, however that boat currently needs the bottom painted and has no jib, so I was still looking around.

I don't mind a project boat so long as it's sound structurally....

Valiente · #8 08-20-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by dyamazon

I will definately get it surveyed before buying! My second prospect is a Grampian 30, however that boat currently needs the bottom painted and has no jib, so I was still looking around.

I don't mind a project boat so long as it's sound structurally....

The Catalina 30 is one of the most popular production boats in history because so many people wanted and still want to do the type of sailing it does: 1) club weeknight racing, 2) light-stuff coastal and Great Lakes daysailing, and 3) entertaining at the dock. Catalina builds boats most people like. They don't build the best boats for any particular ambition, in my mind.

So on that basis, it's a decent boat. Offshore, the big cockpit, windage, huge companionway and light weight would get you in serious trouble.

So decide what you want the boat FOR. Personally, I like big air and passagemaking and the Grampian 30 is probably better and certainly more boat for the money, although they aren't in some eyes as pretty and their age means care should be taken with potential stringer/floor rot.

But under $10K for a Catalina 30 is quite good indeed. Suspiciously so.

sailingdog · #9 08-21-2006

Well, considering the poster of that e-bay auction has only 22 reviews, and the posting says:

Quote:

You are purchasing this vessel as is where is. This discription is to the best of my knowledge and is NOT guaranteed or warranted

I would be pretty sure that the boat has some serious issues. I don't know if the boat auction posted by Seabreeze97 is the same as the one the original post is talking about...

I would agree with Valiente, that which boat is better for you depends mostly on what you want to do with it. If you want a floating patio and place for your barbeque grill, that also sails, then the Catalina might be the way to go. If you want to do serious off-shore sailing and longer passages, the Grampian might be a better choice.

What sailboat you get, should be determined by what kind of sailing you are going to do with it.

cardiacpaul · #10 08-21-2006

ok, just some thoughts...
have you looked at the portholes in the pictures? leaky, leaky, leaky... and please notice the care and methodology of his temp repair. I would wonder about the rest of the boat just based on this observation.
its in florida, any chance is been banged around by one of the big blows?
why is he removing the documented status?

there are plenty of good cat 30's out there, if you are the winning bidder PLEASE MAKE IT CONTINGENT ON A SURVEY, if the current owner won't go for that, back away slowly... no, run away screaming like a girl. (smile)