Catalina Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Catalina 30 by Howard R. Whitaker

Year built	1984
Location of boat	Nashville,TN.
The boat is sailed on	Lakes
How the boat is used	Weekends and longer
Normal wind strength	10-15 knots
Average size of crew	solo
Liveaboard?	Yes
Owner bought the boat in	2001
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	Yes,Yes, and YESSSSS!!!
Gear that's been added	I have not really added anything to the boat as of yet. When I bought it the previous owner had just put alot in to it. I have alot I'm going to do to the boat simply because I'm going to get it ready for full time island living and island hopping.
Structural or complex improvements	none
The boat's best features	handling. The boat really hanldes well. It also takes alot to knock it. The 30 doesn't heel easy and when it does it still handles well. The shower is my favorite part of the boat though. I really like the roomy saloon and the layout of the galley.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	I really can't think of anything. I have sit here for at least 20 minutes thinking and can't think of anything.
Sailing characterisitcs	I love the handling of the boat. I am known around the area in which I sail as be a "STORM SAILOR" and the C-30 handles like a dream in foul weather conditions. I have had it out in 50mph stright line winds and she handled like a dream. The boat responds well and responds fast.
Motoring characterisitcs	Well I only had my boat a short time and the starter went out and I have yet to get it replaced (almost a year now)as I sail pretty much in and out of the slip. I used the motor very little when the starter was working so I just havn't been in a hurry to fix it.
Liveability	Well the C-30 is an all around great boat for 2 people to live aboard. It has plenty of room with the nice wide beam, spacious V-berth and the aft berth is also roomy. There is plenty of room in the head for his and her items and storage everywhere.
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)	Well I sent them an e-mail 2 days ago for the little "Catalina 30 " emblems and have not heard anything back from them as of yet but in all fairness to them they could be busy, may have not gotten it, who knows?
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any	n/a
Other comments	I think that Catalina builds about one of the best boats on the market. They hold thier value reall well and that is because of the quality in the construction. They have a nice layout, things appear to be thought through and well what can I say " Its's a CATALINA"! Happy sailing to all of you.Howard R.WhitakerMisty BlueNashville, TN.

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