Catalina Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Catalina 30 by Joe

Year built	1988
Location of boat	St. Petersburg
The boat is sailed on	Bays, sounds, or protected salt water
How the boat is used	Day sailing
Normal wind strength	less than 10 knots
Average size of crew	2-4
Liveaboard?	No
Owner bought the boat in	2006
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	Yes.
Gear that's been added	I replaced the bimini and mainsail cover, replaced the original 130 genny with a 150 from Doyle. I want to have the 130 cut down to a 100% for close quarters sailing.
Structural or complex improvements	I replaced the dolphin stiker, which I guess develops a crack or two every three or four years.
The boat's best features	When I am sailing a beam reach or closer in less than 10 knots of breeze, the boat will sail itself. I do have an Autohelm 4000 autopilot, which is beautiful, but I seem to be able to go for 15-20 minutes at a time next to the wheel without having to adjust her. It's the best balanced boat I've ever had. When motoring, the boat turns around on a dime. I don't know if that's because of the three blade prop or the design of the boat, but I like it. Many have said the boat is slow in light wind, but it doesn't take much to move mine.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	The area of the steering quadrant is troublesome for me. Occasionally, the drains get clogged and I have to clear them. Recently, the steering has begun to squeak when making major adjustments. I have had to apply motor oil to the steering cables, which temporarily stops the noise. I had a local yard inspect the system. They found nothing and suggested a look at the rudder stock next time she's out of the water. While the big companionway is nice at anchor and in the slip, it is hard to keep dry in the rain, so when I replaced the bimini, I ordered one that is over 10 feet long. Next year I'll get a dodger or windshield.
Sailing characterisitcs	See above.
Motoring characterisitcs	See above.
Liveability	It has the largest interior room on a thirty footer, that still maintains great sailing ability, that I have ever seen.
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)	They don't seem too interested in parts or information for boats of my vintage.
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any	Bought it from a private owner, who kept the boat in beautiful shape.
Other comments

Contact
About
Terms of Use