Catalina Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Catalina 30 by Wallace Hammons

Year built	1984
Location of boat	Redondo Beach, CA
The boat is sailed on	Bays, sounds, or protected salt water
How the boat is used	Weekends and longer
Normal wind strength	16-22 knots
Average size of crew	solo
Liveaboard?	No
Owner bought the boat in	Sout
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	Yes. If properly maintained, this is a great boat. The available parts, and tech support that are available from Catalina Yachts, as well as other Catalina owners online is unbelievable.
Gear that's been added	New bottom paint � 4/2005; New Catalina UV protected rub rail installed (October 2005); Interior teak completely re-varnished in high gloss in September 2005; Exterior teak completely re-varnished in high gloss in September 2005; New teak interior lighting installed September 2005; New tan (neutral) sunbrella interior cushions (October 2005); New tan interior curtains and tracks from Catalina Direct installed October 2005; New stainless steel exhaust flap professionally installed on stern of the boat October 2005; New Garhauer deck organizers installed October 2005; New Garhauer double rope clutches installed on port and starboard cabin top; New Zocor Stern Pulpit seats installed (September 2005); New 15 amp 3 bank battery charger with 3 bank volt meter installed October 2005; 2 new Westmarine 12V deep cycle house batteries & 1 new 12V dedicated starter battery (installed October 2005); 750 watt Sea Volt Power Inverter installed October 2005; New Force 10 2 burner Propane Stove with Microwave installed January 2006; new exhaust manifold; new Raycor fuel filters; new Raycor water separator; New Dodger and Bimini top with 1� steel with window (to view main sail) (new October 2005).
Structural or complex improvements	Other than new re-enforced chainplates, and some hull blister repairs - no. None have been needed.
The boat's best features	The best features on the Catalina 30 are: (i) the headroom in the cabin; (ii) the storage space; (iii) the boats handling under diesel power - I can easily manuever the boat single handed in and out of my narrow slip with no assistance; (iv) its handling under sail. The boat handles well in light and/or heavy wind. I have never worried about the boat's capabilities, even under sail in 25+ knot winds;(v) the lay out of the rigging. My boat was easily set up for single handing; and (vi) the lines of the boat are more sleek than that of a Newport or other similar boat makes.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	The biggest issue that I have encountered is minor hull blistering issues that I have had to repair. In addition, I have had few window leaks that have since been resolved. Other than the above, any deteriation has been the result of salt water exposure.
Sailing characterisitcs	I sail my C-30 standard rig 2-3 times per week in normal winds ranging from 15-24 knot winds. I have found that this boat is remarkably easy to sail singlehanded, or with my wife and kids. The most memorable moments that I have are when I was out in 25+ knot winds and 10 ft seas. The boat handled the winds and seas with no problems.
Motoring characterisitcs	I haven't done alot of motoring so I don't have alot to add here. What motoring I have done is mostly to/from the slip, and that experience has been pleasant.
Liveability	I do not live aboard my boat, however I do spend weekends aboard my boat with my family (wife and 2 small children). The boat is comfortable for the weekends, but would definitely be to small for a liveaboard for a family of 4.
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)	I have never personally been able to call Catalina Yachts and speak to anyone other than the operator. Catalina will call you back if you leave a message for customer service. The one time I spoke with Catalina (when they called me back) they were extremely helpful with regard to the issue I was calling about. In fact, the customer service rep had a copy of the original invoice for my boat and was able to tell me everything about my boat when it was purchased.
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any	Didn't use a broker. The prior owner refused to deal with brokers. As such, I have no comment one way or the other.
Other comments	It's a great family and/or starter sail boat for those persons either getting back into sailing, or just getting into sailing.

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