Catalina Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Catalina 30 by Kevin

Year built	1993
Location of boat	Mobile, 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	2-4
Liveaboard?	No
Owner bought the boat in	99
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	I would buy either this boat, or a markIII c30. Tough little boat!
Gear that's been added	I am the third owner of Jubilee. She was originally purchased with a full nav package to include ST4000 autohelm, annanometer, depth/temp/knot,
Structural or complex improvements	None yet, but I don't like the stainless steel used on the boat. It appears to be rusting from the inside out. Looks like cost cuts got em here.
The boat's best features	The wide beam and sail plan. Great cockpit for a boat this size. LOW MAINT TOPSIDES! The newer boats use ss grabrails, YES!
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	Low Bridges--I mean head room. The newer boats lack ample headroom. I wish I could get the headroom of an 87 model with the 93 deck. The cheap Stainless used for stanchions and grab-rails.
Sailing characterisitcs	I like the winged keel, she's quick to respond and achieves hull speed without a fuss. Holds a firm foot and points well, but a little bumpy in a chop.
Motoring characterisitcs	The universal give good power, but I don't like the vibration in the mid-range. All linkages and bearings are good, alignment too, but there is a resonance virbration at 15-1800 prm. FIX IT BOYS!
Liveability	Cool cool cool, for the four of us, for about a week. Needs more cooler and storage space though. I like the tankage and range.
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any	I didn't like the broker we used. The other two brokerages we spoke with also had a slight, hum, what's the southern term, a way about them. I felt as if I were getting a new security clearance.
Other comments	I'm sure we'll enjoy our boat. It's sound, fun to sail, and has some great lines. I like her sexy nature.

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