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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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Cat 30

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hinmo
Navigator

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USA
248 Posts

Initially Posted - 07/23/2010 : 05:15:58

I love my Cat 25 so much, I am thinking ahead a few years to retirement (if my 401K survives). Thinking the Admiral and I would go up a few feet for more of a cruising sailboat. I like the availability of the Cat 30s. Does anyone have any experience sailing one? I understand they are wider with more of a flat bottom which somewhat concerns me. I would sail her in Buzzards Bay - Newport - Marthas Vineyard.

Any opinions/first hand reviews?

Sorry if this is the wrong forum.

"Kukla" '83 FK,SR

Edited by - on

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9080 Posts

Response Posted - 07/23/2010 : 06:57:12

I've been on one in some pretty good Long Island Sound chop, which it seemed to handle nicely--it certainly was more comfortable in it than my C-25 was (of course). This one was an older Mark I with a tiller. These days, I'd look for a Mark III with the open transom...

I don't think it's for nothing that the C-30 became (I believe) the most successful boat in its category ever built. Its combination of accommodations, looks, sailing abilities, and price set the value standard.

Edited by - Stinkpotter on 07/23/2010 09:03:40

piseas
Former Treasurer

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USA
2017 Posts

Response Posted - 07/23/2010 : 08:56:46

John, I have only sailed them in the Pacific Ocean. Let me say they handled the big stuff very well. You dont get the up and down motion like our 25's. I had a hard time getting used to the wheel but loved the cabin with all its roominess in width and height. I am sure you expect much more maintenance with any larger boat which will take your time or cost you more than again our boats.
If all of that sounds good, go for it. Its a great boat as Dave says with a reputation that will not disappoint you. What year are you looking at?
Steve A

Edited by - on

TCurran
Admiral

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USA
588 Posts

Response Posted - 07/23/2010 : 09:10:52

Had one on the lower Chesapeake, kept it in Hampton VA and loved it. Loved the way it sailed, the classic Catalina look, the interior, the head-room, etc. The only reason I down-sized was I PSC'd back to FL and it wouldn't fit under the bridge near Patrick AFB, FL. The cost difference between the military marina ~ $4 per foot and public marinas $10-12 per foot convinced me to sell and down-size.

There are plenty Catalina 30s out there, do your research, get a survey, and it helps if you're mechanically inclined. They're older boats (just like the 25's) but have more systems (more complex) and have had POs that don't always "fix" or add things correctly. And... I would stay away from the Atomic-4, just don't need the hassle of a gas inboard when there are so many when diesels available.

You can't go wrong, they're good solid coastal boats.

Just my $.02

Good luck

Edited by - on

hinmo
Navigator

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USA
248 Posts

Response Posted - 07/23/2010 : 11:40:27

Nice Feedback folks....keep it coming. I probably will not do anything this year. My 25 is perfect for daysailing Buzzards Bay. I will try to hitch a ride on one here in New England b4 taking the plunge.

Steve - no particular year. I have been watching ads and it seems like right around 10K+ you can have a decent 1980s vintage.

I would definitely get a diesel.....have had plenty power boats, and dont want the hassle of internal gas tanks, and combustion fears.

Edited by - on

bigelowp
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1776 Posts

Response Posted - 07/23/2010 : 18:18:42

I have been looking at them for a couple of years. Regardless of line drawings, etc., they are heavier and will be more sea kindly than the 25. There appears to be less reported difference in performance between the tall and standard rig. My preference is the MarkII with the cockpit designed for the wheel but with closed transom and I like the fin vs wing version, but all that is personal. However the best deals appear to be with the Mark1 where a good condition boat with diesel, wheel etc., can be found for under $20k

Edited by - on

hinmo
Navigator

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USA
248 Posts

Response Posted - 07/23/2010 : 19:01:13

Pete - what years were the MarkII's?

Edited by - on

hinmo
Navigator

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USA
248 Posts

Response Posted - 07/23/2010 : 19:15:45

from sailnet.com

"As I've mentioned before, I've seen Catalina 30s broach on a run in a race situation in as little as 22 knots. To my mind, this is because their relatively small rudders and go-fast hull form can get tricky for the average helmsperson. While I agree that you can do a lot with active helming and sail trim to keep going in higher winds, I think this (and in higher, six-foot-plus waves) that the unsuitability of the Catalina 30 outside of its coastal haunts becomes clear

this is what scares me alittle. 20kts is not uncommon in Buzzards Bay.

Edited by - on

bigelowp
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1776 Posts

Response Posted - 07/23/2010 : 19:47:34

1986 (late) into 1993 You may want to contact a member of the local (south coast) all Catalina Association to find C30 owners who can tell you about sailing them in the local waters

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5902 Posts

Response Posted - 07/24/2010 : 06:02:20

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by hinmo
 from sailnet.com

"As I've mentioned before, I've seen Catalina 30s broach on a run in a race situation in as little as 22 knots. To my mind, this is because their relatively small rudders and go-fast hull form can get tricky for the average helmsperson. While I agree that you can do a lot with active helming and sail trim to keep going in higher winds, I think this (and in higher, six-foot-plus waves) that the unsuitability of the Catalina 30 outside of its coastal haunts becomes clear

this is what scares me alittle. 20kts is not uncommon in Buzzards Bay.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">If you haven't broached your C25 on Buzzard's Bay, you aren't likely to broach a C30 on Buzzard's Bay. Why? Because it's not your habit to overpress a boat, as racers are inclined to do. Also, A bigger, heavier boat, like a C30, is generally more seaworthy than a smaller, lighter boat.

I'm a racer, and I can tell you that racers know how to make a boat go fast, but they do not generally practice good seamanship. They habitually overpress their boats. If you practice good seamanship, and reduce sail area early, rather than late or never, you won't have to worry about broaching a C30 in 22 kts. of wind.

Most C30 sailors are cruising sailors and don't fly symmetrical chutes in 22 kts. I raced in a big regatta that started downwind in 18-25 kt. winds, and would estimate that I saw 12-15 spinnakers explode in those winds. Needless to say, any wind that can burst a spinnaker can also broach a sailboat. If you don't fly a chute in 22+ kts. of wind, you aren't likely to broach, although it is certainly possible to broach a sailboat with white sails in that much wind, if you try hard enough.

From what I hear about the winds on Buzzard's Bay, I would not buy a tall rig C30 to sail there, but I wouldn't have any reservations about sailing a standard rig C30 there.

Catalinas were designed generally consistent with the standards of the era in which they were designed. If you intend to buy an IOR era boat, then IOR era boats tend to have similar limitations and characteristics.

Edited by - on

hinmo
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USA
248 Posts

Response Posted - 07/24/2010 : 08:06:57

Thx Steve - Buzzards Bay has chop. I have seen other post how C30s are rough in chop due to hull design.

I guess the only way to settle this is to talk to C30 owners who sail on BB and try to hitch a ride on a normal choppy day.

Edited by - on

Stu Jackson C34
Admiral

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844 Posts

Response Posted - 07/24/2010 : 08:46:20

Older C30s had the curved traveler, not a good thing. Garhauer makes replacement straight travelers.

Our C34s of older vintage have the M25 series engines, and we have tons of information about them here: http://www.c34.org/wiki/index.php?title=Diesel_Engine

We thought about a C30 when we wanted to move up. We decided to go "Big Time" directly to our C34 12 years ago.

Good luck in whatever you choose.

Edited by - Stu Jackson C34 on 07/24/2010 08:46:54

bigelowp
Master Marine Consultant

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1776 Posts

Response Posted - 07/24/2010 : 08:57:01

Don't be afraid to go to a yacht broker who has a 30 listed and take a test drive . . .

Edited by - on

hinmo
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USA
248 Posts

Response Posted - 07/24/2010 : 08:59:29

and then theres the C32..

Edited by - on

bigelowp
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1776 Posts

Response Posted - 07/24/2010 : 09:05:23

I think the 30 is the best bang for the buck -- the 320, 34, 36 are great boats -- all different. I know people with the 36 who love it -- one went from a 25 to 30 to 36 and commented the transition from the 30 to 36 seemed bigger than the going from the 25 to the 30 -- could be generation of hull designs, etc. Also, there is the 38 -- and there are some that are surprisingly affordable (close to a later version 30 or early 34) because they are less competitive on the race circuit (one is listed near you on CL). You should enjoy trying each out to see what "fits" the best with your sailing comfort, long term plans and budget.

Edited by - on

hinmo
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USA
248 Posts

Response Posted - 07/24/2010 : 09:46:45

Pete - I have to consider that I store my 25 in my yard, and I have limited space. I think the 30 would be about the max.

I'll hitch a ride on one this season and contact owners

Edited by - on

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 07/24/2010 : 13:06:20

I might l let you know, I am having an 82 surveyed Monday. Diesel (all reports say underpowered in its initial HP), wheel, hot and cold pressure water, and tons of space below deck. The C-30 website isn't as cool as this one, but there is a list of when changes were made.

Edited by - Dave5041 on 07/24/2010 13:06:47

hinmo
Navigator

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USA
248 Posts

Response Posted - 07/24/2010 : 14:57:49

Dave - keep me informed. I definitely want diesel, wheel and short (std) rig.

Edited by - on

redviking
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1771 Posts

Response Posted - 07/24/2010 : 17:34:30

There is a 309 in our marina and I swear it has the livability of a 40 footer. Actually, the couple on it are living aboard.

sten

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Stinkpotter
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Djibouti
9080 Posts

Response Posted - 07/24/2010 : 21:28:41

The C-30 had the livability of a lot of 40-footers in its time. The 309 is its successor--no doubt it leans somewhat toward the current market trend, which is livability over seakeeping ability. But aside from Frank's good "handhold" point, when looking at newer Cats at shows, I've been impressed with their hardware, organization for sailing, and basic quality. Move on down the dock to the cheap Beneteaus and slick Hunters and the contrasts are clear--at least to me, and heck, I'm a $+!nkp*++er! (...yearning for a Valiant!)

Edited by - on

hinmo
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USA
248 Posts

Response Posted - 07/25/2010 : 04:20:14

I blindly sent inquiries out last nite, to several C30 owners in my area (owners list/email on C30 website) and got one response from a past owner so far. BLUF - he LOVED his C30 and highly recommended for cruising on Buzzards Bay.....Case closed.

Edited by - on

bigelowp
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1776 Posts

Response Posted - 07/25/2010 : 05:14:15

Keep in touch with any of the C30 owners who may respond. It has been an interesting boat market. I have half heartedly been looking -- a lot of clunkers or over priced boats out there and a few sweet deals. One I missed this winter was an 82/wheel/diesel -- looked like new -- two owners since new and the current owner (owner for 15 years) had two kids in college and had lost his job -- he needed cash fast, offered it for $10k. Before I could line up a surveyor it was sold! I was also looking at one through a dealer, who claimed that "all offers were encouraged" as the market was "soft" -- both were in spring of 2010. Now the broker tells me he has no inventory as people are in a buying mood -- go figure. So look at everything so if/when you are ready you know what to expect for the version with features, etc and what the best "value" is.

Edited by - on

OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 07/25/2010 : 05:21:52

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Stu Jackson C34
 . . . Older C30s had the curved traveler, not a good thing. Garhauer makes replacement straight travelers . . .
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">Stu, our new-to-us C25 has the straight travelers - can you elaborate?

Edited by - on

Stu Jackson C34
Admiral

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844 Posts

Response Posted - 07/25/2010 : 08:25:06

OJ, I was referring to the C30, which has the traveler on the coachroof. The older boats had a curved track which rose in the middle. Not good for maintaining constant mainsail shape when you moved the traveler because the height of the boom changes - think about it.

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Stinkpotter
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Djibouti
9080 Posts

Response Posted - 07/25/2010 : 08:36:37

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by OJ
 <blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Stu Jackson C34
 . . . Older C30s had the curved traveler, not a good thing. Garhauer makes replacement straight travelers . . .
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">Stu, our new-to-us C25 has the straight travelers - can you elaborate?<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">Assuming he means curved vertically (like an arch), I've heard the problem is the pull from the boom against the car becomes more upward (relative to the bar) and the sheet needs to be eased as the car moves to leeward, so it can be hard to even yank the car fully to leeward under load, much less let the boom pull it over.

Edited by - Stinkpotter on 07/25/2010 08:38:00

bigelowp
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1776 Posts

Response Posted - 07/25/2010 : 10:14:57

I would think (a problem right there) that converting to a straight/flat vs curved traveller would be pretty easy to do . . . or??

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