Catalina Owners

DPS · #1 (**permalink**) 08-28-2003

I am currently researching Catalina 30s in the 1984 - 1988 range. I currently sail in the Great Lakes region. Cost is one of my main issues. I would expect in some cases a boat of this vintage would have had various upgrades along the way, but not necessarily. I intend to have a purchase survey done before I close on any deal.

My questions are with regard to the Catalina 30 known or expected problems for a boat of this age. What systems and structural elements, are most likely to become major projects on this boat and at what cost? I realize a survey may uncover some of this information, but I value anyone''s insight from past experience. IF fixes run into the thousands, I may be better off looking at a later model.

I have owned an Oday 23 for many years and with the exception of center board projects a rigging refit, and seasonal maintenance this boat has been solid as a rock. I realize a Catalina 30 has much more complex systems than my Oday, so your opinions are welcome.

Dennis

sailingfool · #2 (**permalink**) 08-28-2003

Dennis,

You need to take this subject to the Catalina 30 email group where I''m sure the Catalina owners can tell you everything you might want to know. You should also search/read the related archives to see what issues the owners have discussed in the past.

good luck.

tsenator · #3 (**permalink**) 09-11-2003

Definetly ask the question on the Catalina 30 Sailnet email list. There are a lot of C30''s over the years with potential issues.....but it really depends. I can say that I have never heard of any real serious issues.

Also take a look here http://www.catalina30.com/

sailnaway · #4 (**permalink**) 10-24-2003

The keel bolts can be a problem they may look ok but look very close at them. Also for some reason they built some with the rudder shaft welded to a steel plate not stainless like the shaft. sea water gets in the top where the shaft comes out of the rudder and gets down to the steel and it rusts away from the shaft and rudder failure is not far behind. The only fix is to cut it open save the shaft and build a new rudder with all stainless parts.

DPS · #5 (**permalink**) 10-27-2003

Thanks all --for the suggestions