Catalina Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Catalina 30 by Chip Gregg

Year built	1984
Location of boat	Fairhope, AL
The boat is sailed on	Bays, sounds, or protected salt water
How the boat is used	Multi-week coastal cruising
Normal wind strength	10-15 knots
Average size of crew	solo
Liveaboard?	Yes
Owner bought the boat in	1998
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	Absolutly
Gear that's been added
Structural or complex improvements	None needed
The boat's best features	It's a huge 30 footer, a well built boat, and has very good engine access.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	The only design/materal problems I've had are leaky windows, which were an easy fix.
Sailing characterisitcs	Very stable, but it doesn't like a lot of heel. I usually reef early and she sails like a dream.
Motoring characterisitcs	She motors well. I have the Universal 25 which suits the boat well. I have a friend who has the 11hp diesel in his 30 and it is VERY underpowered. She also backs fairly well.
Liveability	I have lived aboard my 30 for almost 5 years, and have loved every minute of it. I'm 6'4 and actually fit well in the V and aft berths.I could use a little more hanging locker space during the winter for bulky clothes, but I could also stand to ditch a lot of old T-shirts. I do wish I had some opening ports when I'm away from the dock.
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)	I haven't dealt with Catalina, but hear they have excellent customer service.
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any
Other comments	Awesome boat. My next will be a Catalina.

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