Catalina Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Catalina 30 by Chris Toole

Year built	1977
Location of boat	Rochester, NY
The boat is sailed on	The Great Lakes
How the boat is used	Day sailing
Normal wind strength	10-15 knots
Average size of crew	solo
Liveaboard?	No
Owner bought the boat in	2008
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	Maybe not this boat, but definately a Catalina 30!
Gear that's been added	I added a panel box above the nav table. Adding Blue Seas Panels for AC, DC and a Batt Switch. I also bought a used Xantrex 40amp charger. Rewired everything in the boat with the exception of the mast. I installed 2 house batteries under the nav table and 1 battery as a reserve in the engine bay. I didn't like where the engine gauge panel in the cockpit was so I moved it aft by the stern cockpit seat. I created a new panel with gauges. It is much nicer back there. A lot of work learning DC wiring and how the engine wiring works. Worth it though!
Structural or complex improvements	No structural changes except through hulls. I replaced the engine intake, and 2 others. One for a sink drain and the other for the toilet intake. It was harder than it should have been, but it's done!
The boat's best features	I had a Catalina 22 for 6 years. I love the ease of sailing on the 30, I love how much BIGGER it is! I love how high I sit and I love that it sails itself once I trim her out.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	Since she's a '77 she has some leaking issues. The jib car rails leak and this spring I'm going to have to remove 100 screws and reseat it...sigh. No leaks from below, just rain related leaks. Oh well. I also have had some issues with the bolt holding the rudder in the steering wheel system shearing off. I'm not too happy with that.
Sailing characterisitcs	I need to install a reefing system. Once I do that, there shouldn't be a condition I won't be able to handle. Love the boat.
Motoring characterisitcs	Motors great. Engine has been very reliable. The only issue I had was the gas tank is original and some gunk clogged up the carb. I installed a fuel filter system and this spring I'm going to look at replacing the gas tank...
Liveability	Haven't tried it yet. This summer!
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)	Nope. But I did extensive help from Sailboat Owners websites for the rewiring work...
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any	It was fine.
Other comments	I want a BIGGER BOAT!!! Who doesn't?

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