Catalina 30 Offshore

[LongWay]

I know that a Catalina 30 is not a bluewater cruiser. However, is this an acceptable boat for a 30 mile offshore race in the Gulf of Mexico?

No intentions to cross oceans or even the Gulf of Mexico, just 30-35 miles out and back off the Texas coast.

I would appreciate anyone's opinion on this.

[smackdaddy]

Long - much more knowledgeable dudes will come along to give you real advice - but my take is that it wouldn't be a problem at all if the boat's in good shape. If the weather's favorable, it should actually be a blast.

As long as the motor is in good shape, you'd be able to get back in pretty quickly if need be.

The Catalinas are designed as solid coastal cruisers - and 30 miles out still counts as very coastal as far as I know.

[JohnRPollard]

Properly equipped, in decent conditions -- no problem. Just my opinion.

[johnshasteen]

Thiry miles out isn't a problem with your boat - if you hear of bad weather coming, you've got plenty of time to get back. Where are you starting from?

[night0wl]

Bluewater has many definitions, but for me it has always been about being far enough from land or safe harbor that you're weather forecasts have run out and you have to make do no matter what the elements throw you. By what you've provided about your journey, I wouldn't consider this truly bluewater...simply offshore for a stretch of time.

That being said, if I was out there with a stock Catalina 30, I wouldn't go out far enough to run out of weather forecasts

[Valiente]

Given a moderate weather window, this is only an extended daysail, so you're good to go...

I would consider harnesses and tethers and maybe installing a couple of padeyes and a jackline for going forward, however. It's a pretty light boat with a relatively small rudder and a good swell is going to make it rolly. Not unstable, but more rolly than inshore sailing will generally provide, so it's a question of keeping the crew low and attached to the boat.

I would also consider positive locking with barrel bolts for the dropboards. One of the things I dislike about the Cat 30 is that gigantic companionway, and out of sight of shore, I would very much want at least the first board locked in place if a big 'un came in over the stern.

Other than that, just watch your weather forecasts. You probably know better than me that a Catalina 30 can get a little squirrelly to steer on a run past 22 knots or so.

[bobmcgov]

Originally Posted by Valiente

You probably know better than me that a Catalina 30 can get a little squirrelly to steer on a run past 22 knots or so.

Whoa -- a Cat30 will do 22 kts downwind? Schweet! Much cheaper to campaign than a Mumm/Farr 30.

Nice thing about the Texas Gulf Coast -- thirty miles offshore, the water is still only five feet deep. If it cuts up you can always walk home! (Kidding.) It can get a little choppy out there and shake your teeth loose upwind, but a thirty-footer should come thru fine. I'd bring seasickness treatment if anyone is at all prone. Enjoy your adventure!

[LongWay]

Thanks all for the insight.s I have owned her for two years and she is kept in good condition. Most sailing so far has been in the protected waters of Galveston Bay or near shore. Now looking to venture out a bit further.

I am very consistent about tying off on the boat, especially in bad weather or outside the Galveston jetties, as it does get choppy out there.

Good thoughts on locking one of the drop boards.

Thanks all, keep any other suggestions or insights coming!

[bluwateronly]

If you are asking then you want to go for it. Make sure you the boat and crew are in order and do it if you want. Damm it man, the freeway would be more Dangerous

[mccary]

The recent Newport to Ensanada race (last April, 125 nm)

Cleve Hardaker on his Catalina 30, Sojourn, from Silver Gate Yacht Club in San Diego...made the most of conditions favorable to smaller boats to win (1) the President of Mexico Trophy for first place overall in the race on corrected handicap time, (2) first among PHRF boats, (3) first in PHRF-K class for the highest-rated boats, (4) first Catalina boat and (5) a $5,000 Corum watch for first overall.