Catalina Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Catalina 30 by Mike

Year built	1983
Location of boat	Marina Del Rey
The boat is sailed on	Bays, sounds, or protected salt water
How the boat is used	Weekends and longer
Normal wind strength	10-15 knots
Average size of crew	2-4
Liveaboard?	No
Owner bought the boat in	1997
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	Yes
Gear that's been added	Chartplotter, heavier anchoring system
Structural or complex improvements	I installed stainless steel plates over the keel bolts. This placed the load over a larger area and has helped the problem Catalinas have with the"Catalina smile"
The boat's best features	It is a great first boat. It is a very forgiving boat and has allowed me to learn about all the systems and how to maintain a boat on a relatively maintanance free boat.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	My traveler lifted up and had to be resealed and bolted. For the most part, the changes I have made were just upgrading old systems. I have really had no problems with the boat.
Sailing characterisitcs	The boat handles light air (6-10 kts) extremely well. I am usually pulling away from most people in thos conditions. I can hit hull speed as long as I have 10-12 kts of wind. I have had the boat in 25 kts and 6-8 ft. seas in the Channel islands and have had no problems aside from getting a little wet. Of course, that is what foul weather gear was made for.
Motoring characterisitcs	I have an 11 horspower engine which is to small for the boat. I would like at least an 18. The boat, as with most, hates to back to starboard until I have some way on.
Liveability	Livibility is OK. The interior is huge for a 30 footer, but the aft berth is really only big enough for 1 person. It is also the best place to sleep. The v-berth is great for 2 people, but that usually is the rockiest part of the boat.
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)	My experience with Catalina has always been very positive.
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any
Other comments	It is a great all around boat. I am looking to purchase a larger boat and newer Catalina 34's remained an option. I would not feel comfortable with blue water cruising in this boat. I have sailed on the 36's and 42's and I felt the 42 is a much more solid boat. For local coast cruising it is great. I have sailed from Redondo Beach to San miguel island over a weeks period of time with 3 people on board and had absolutely no problems.

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