Catalina 30 Limits ?

[caribcruiser]

How is the Catalina 30? I was wondering if it is reasonable trip from North Carolina to Bermuda, or Miami to The Caribbean. Is it a reliable boat? How far can I take it? If I did take it to the Caribbean, I would stop in the Bahamas and then Puerto Rico. Is this pushing my luck?

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha Carib,
In my humble opinion the Catalina 30 would be fine for your intended sailing area. It does depend on the condition of the boat though. I have a friend who is taking his to the Bahamas in a couple months from Florida.
kind regards,

[caribcruiser]

Interesting. Thanks. I may give it a try.

[Cotemar]

Caribcruiser.

Catalina 30 is a fine sail boat and should be fine for your cruising.
The Catalina 30 was our first boat and that boat was the one that hooked us on sailing.

Mark

[gwp]

A properly maintained C30 will take you there and beyond. A very stout legendary vessel. Watch for wet core around chainplates, actual chainplate integrity and attachment to bulkheads. These boats are a bargain hunters treasure. Good luck

[night0wl]

Maybe I'm not as hearty as y'all, but I dont think I'd take a C30 offshore to Bermuda.

To me, a Catalina 30 is a boat I'd sail coastal in sight of land or the Great Lakes, even take to the Bahamas and down through the island chains. But Bermuda is a serious offshore passage...no thank you.

[caribcruiser]

Thanks everyone. Mark, that is a beutiful vessel, and by the way it sounds, the catalina 30 seems like a great first boat (it would be mine). I am also on a little bit of a budget, so it sounds like my kind of boat. Thanks for all of your input.

[Pblais]

How is the Catalina 30?

I believe it is the most popular all time boat with hull numbers quite high. They fill a large niche. You could also consider the 34 MK II or the 32 as both of those boats are quite popular too for a first boat for coastal cruising. It's also a popular one design race boat. Since there are so many you can get a good idea of what they sell for used.

[Bash]

I wouldn't hesitate to do Bermuda in a well-found Catalina 30. Although I prefer a boat that can carry a bit more beer than the C30, it's not difficult to develop a taste for rum once you reach warm water.

[marc2012]

Thought about buying one several times,just never did.Think they are fine boats.marc