Seller says, "engine frozen". Huh?

[JulieMac]

I came upon a small boat that storm damaged at a marina. The mast is snapped, and the "engine is frozen". No apparent means of propulsion.

He said the engine was due for maintenance and repair. Not sure what type of engine, but it's on a older Catalina 30. Does this sound like a probable repower? That could entail replacing a 25 hp motor.

He wants almost nothing for boat, but it sounds like a possible money pit. True?

[skipmac]

It is often said that the most expensive boat is one you get for free.

Sounds like a joke but too often it is very true.

If you want to DIY and the boat is otherwise in really good condition (sails, interior, hull/deck, wiring!!!, plumbing, etc, etc, etc) then it might be a worthwhile project.

If you pay a boat yard or mechanic to do the engine, either a swap for new or used or rebuilding the one that's in it, it will almost certainly cost you more than the boat is worth.

[skipmac]

Here's Catalina 30 with a mast and (at least according to the ad) a not frozen engine for $5000. It is a long way from here (your signature says Florida) but I'll bet if you shop you can find one close to home.

If that one is in decent shape you could probably get it hauled to FL for a 3-4 boat buck.

1980 Catalina 30 Sail Boat For Sale - www.yachtworld.com

[Cheechako]

OP: Probably a Universal diesel or could be the Atomic 4 gas engine if it's old enough. I have seen older Cat 30's with running diesel engine for $8000 or so, so take heed to SKipmac, esp if it needs a mast and maybe some sails?

[Tetra]

If one is looking for a "project boat", this could be a good candidate. If one isn't really longing for a long project, it might be a good idea to pass. Unless you're pretty motivated, boat projects can wear you down. Trust me.

[Sailmonkey]

Broken mast and seized engine?!?!

Catalina 30!!

That's like going to the car dealer, buying the Camry with a blown engine and no transmission for $500. Meanwhile all around you are working camrys for sale for $1000.

The engine alone will cost more than the hull is worth, not to mention the stick and all the rigging.


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[Teknishn]

Tetra <----What he said +10

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by Teknishn

Tetra <----What he said +10

Oh what do you guys know. I just finished a 7 1/2 year boat project and it didn't wear me down.................................



much.




I did start with a boat that has a mast (all in one piece) and a running engine and it still took years. I also started with a boat worth a bit more than a Catalina 30.

Juliemac, where in FL are you? I'm in Gainesville, boat is in Green Cove Springs on the St John's River. If you're seriously boat shopping I'll be glad to help out.

[Tayana42]

Juliemac, if you are new to boat ownership and/or new to boat shopping take Skipmac up on his very generous and valuable offer. I don't know him personally but he is one of the regular contributors here who seems to know his stuff and to be a genuinely kind person.


S/V B'Shert

[Stumble]

Either the mast or the engine will cost more to replace than the boat is worth.

This hull is headed for the junk yard.

[JPA Cate]

JulieMac,

Yes, take up skipmac on his generous offer.

If you want a project to learn on, and you're just starting out, be aware that Catalina 30's, while popular, are not overly sturdy boats, therefore, I would expect more, non-disclosed storm damage than what you are aware of at this time.

Ann

[sailorboy1]

Originally Posted by JulieMac

He wants almost nothing for boat

Sounds expensive! If he were smart he would give YOU $100 to take it.

[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

Sounds expensive! If he were smart he would give YOU $100 to take it.

And, depending on the price of scrap lead at the time, you would likely still lose money on the transaction. Getting rid of junk boats is expensive!

Jim

[The Garbone]

Bad motor can be fixed, broken stick, not worth the time.

[jeepbluetj]

Speaking as a owner of my beloved 1980 Catalina 30 (with the A4 gas engine) - I would never buy a dismasted C-30. just gonna be too expensive to refit (unless it has a full suite of brand new sails.) With a bad engine AND no rig, it's scrap. (worth about $2K at the current price of lead, minus what it takes to chainsaw the hull and dispose of it)

I may take one for freeish with a seized A4, cause you can get a reman for 5K or so, and it's a easy boat to R&R the engine on. But it'd need a good rig.

You can get really decent C-30's all day long for around 10K. It's a great boat to learn how to sail, dock, etc.. and have alot of fun on. And they're cheap. Once you find out how much slip fees, maintenance, bottom paint, etc, are, a 10K boat is pretty much free too.