Catalina Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Catalina 30 by Paaul Dobson

Year built	1989
Location of boat	Palmetto, Fl
The boat is sailed on	Bays, sounds, or protected salt water
How the boat is used	Weekends and longer
Normal wind strength	10-15 knots
Average size of crew	2-4
Liveaboard?	No
Owner bought the boat in	1999
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	Yes
Gear that's been added	No - it was faily well equipped when we bought it
Structural or complex improvements	No
The boat's best features	Roominess, stability, comfort
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	Leaks through bolts in the cabin roof
Sailing characterisitcs	It's not fast and light airs it's pretty hopeless (at least with beginners like us) but it is stable
Motoring characterisitcs	Very reliable - it motor sails very nicely with just the jib
Liveability	For the size and for two people for extended weekends, it's very comfortable.
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any	We used a broker and were pleased with the experience. As this is our first boat, we were looking for some help and guidance and we felt the broker helped with that.
Other comments	It is what it is - a comfortable coastal cruiser - ideal for extended weekends and for one or two couples. We are very pleased with it.