Catalina Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Catalina 30 by Kirk Jockell

Year built	1980
Location of boat	Lake Lanier, GA
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?	No
Owner bought the boat in	2004
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	Yes. She has been a pleasure to sail. Bought her primarily as a comfy cruiser for me and my wife, however she is quicker than I expected. The 11hp Universal Diesel leave a lot to be desired, but here on the Lake that's all that is needed [After all, it is a sailboat].
Gear that's been added	Nothing yet. The boat was already well equipped with new North Sails, Harken Mainsheet Traveler, Harken 44 Self-Tailing Winches, Harken Roller Furling, Forespar Line Control Whisker Pole, and New Standing Rigging, Pressurized Water, Water Heater, New Cabin Sole [Cork Composite], and a 12,000 BTU reverse cycle Air Conditioning [my wife's favorite].I will replace the Alcohol Stoev and Oven with a propane unit in the very near future.
Structural or complex improvements	Not at this time and I certainly hope I never do.
The boat's best features	THE ROOM. You would hard pressed to find a 30 footer with more space below and in the cockpit. Quality construction for a production boat. A nice turn of speed with well behaved sailing characteristics.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	Nothing has really given me problems yet.
Sailing characterisitcs	Tall Rig. She likes a blow, but she likes it in conjuction with a proper sail plan. Reef Her, Keep Her On Her Feet, Keep the Wife Happy, Sail Her Like Dinghy, and Go Like Hell!
Motoring characterisitcs	Sluggish and Underpowered [11hp Universal Diesel]
Liveability	Very Spacious for a 30 footer. Very comfortable for a couple on short cruises. Great for long weekends and the like.
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any
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