CAL 30 as a live aboard

[Jayzooom]

Hello! First post.

Very seriously considering buying this sailboat as a live aboard. I live in Traverse city and plan to live on the hook. I think the galley style kitchen is absolutely ideal.

I am 5'10 so I will have some headroom. I am trying to figure out if I will be able to add a dodger/bimini. I have seen several CAL sailboats (29) with a bimini and I suspect that would require raising the boom. Anyone have any input on that?

This is a sailboat under 10,000. Is it the norm to do a survey with a boat this size? Do most live aboards carry insurance? Would a survey impact that?

https://www.yachtworld.com/boats/196...dard%20listing

Thanks!

[psk125]

Doesn't it get chilly up there, starting around October? Something to consider. Cored boats might be easier to keep heated. Don't mess with the boom, other than perhaps using a topping lift or swinging it off to the side when the bimini is up. A Catalina 30 would offer a LOT more room for a liveaboard. https://www.boats.com/sailing-boats/...dard%20listing
A survey is always a good idea- you could learn something you didn't know about the boat that might be important, and could save you from spending $10k on a boat that needs another $10k to stay floating.

[boatman61]

Nice tidy boat.. I love those style galleys as well.
I would opt for an insurance survey while mast is down and it and rigging is easy to check out.. beats the usual dubious binocular check..
Re a liveaboard.. for me she'd do just fine.
Stick to just a sprayhood, bimini's are for pussies, at anchor rig a boom tent..
Welcome to CF.

[evm1024]

Just a quick not to say that I lived aboard a Cal 2-29 for 4 years. I was on a dock so shore power helped keep it warm in the PDX winters. I had a force 10 heater as well.

I'm 6' - you learn how to walk and after a short while never hit your head.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Jay.

[moctrams]

Great looking Cal30. Encapsulated keel, new Yanmar engine, great price. It looks well cared for. Ditch the curtains.

[Zzmeyer]

Great looking engine. I'd get a survey. As previously said you may find a fatal flaw. The couple used boats I bought the survey allowed me to adjust the price for the third party analysis. Maybe not enough in this case, but still worth it, I think. As I recall. The Cal 30 you are looking at the main sheet leads from the end of the boom to the transom at an angle which eliminates a bimini. A boom cockpit tent while in port would work fine. Good luck!

[moctrams]

You can always move the end boom sheeting forward.

[Jayzooom]

first thing to go! haha

[Jayzooom]

It is my impression that Cals are much more heartily made than Catalinas. Is that based on any factual evidence? Plan would be to redo all rigging - maybe move/reinforce chain-plates and do extensive cruising.

[NYSail]

Originally Posted by Jayzooom

Hello! First post.

Very seriously considering buying this sailboat as a live aboard. I live in Traverse city and plan to live on the hook. I think the galley style kitchen is absolutely ideal.

I am 5'10 so I will have some headroom. I am trying to figure out if I will be able to add a dodger/bimini. I have seen several CAL sailboats (29) with a bimini and I suspect that would require raising the boom. Anyone have any input on that?

This is a sailboat under 10,000. Is it the norm to do a survey with a boat this size? Do most live aboards carry insurance? Would a survey impact that?

https://www.yachtworld.com/boats/196...dard%20listing

Thanks!

Great boats..... this one looks well taken care of. I learned to sail on a 1969 cal 2-30. Spent many summer nights sleeping in the aft quarter berth! Sails like a dream, fast, powered by the main. Hull is a similar design to the legendary Cal 40. My uncle converted to wheel......

Good luck!

[Stu Jackson]

Budget some $$ for a new head. Those HeadMates were great, but they don't make them or repair kits anymore. A Raritan LBA gives you a new pump assembly and you use your old bowl.

[Ita]

I lived aboard my Cal 2-29 for 9 years in Florida ( AC instead of heater). Bimini is a must have. The problem is the shower drains into the bilge, you have to clean it after every use to prevent smell. I’m getting close to retirement now, so I moved to a Cal 36 for more extended cruise. Geico doesn’t require surveys for liability only insurance

[Jayzooom]

Originally Posted by Ita

I lived aboard my Cal 2-29 for 9 years in Florida ( AC instead of heater). Bimini is a must have. The problem is the shower drains into the bilge, you have to clean it after every use to prevent smell. I’m getting close to retirement now, so I moved to a Cal 36 for more extended cruise. Geico doesn’t require surveys for liability only insurance

So how do you clean that? Is it a huge pain? I would plan on showering inside while on the hook.

[NYSail]

Just make a sump with a pump. My uncle had one made. The deep bilge gives some good options. Then no shower water �� in bilge. Be creative!

Greg