Catalina 28 MkII vs 30 MkIII

[vf84sluggo]

Hey folks,

My boat search continues, and has narrowed. There are two boats that look like good candidates: a 1996 Catalina 28 MkII and a 1995 Catalina MkIII.

Problem is this: the 30 is local, and in pretty good shape for her age, but is starting down that slope of neglect. Not much right now, but starting. There is also evidence of some leakage around the port forward chainplate.

The 28 is a fresh-water boat, and looks above average. But, it will need to be shipped. That's going to add a good bit to the total cost.

Any thoughts on how these boats compare? There isn't a lot of size difference that I can see.

Thanks in advance!

[WindwardPrinces]

The 30 is a lot bigger boat than the 28.

As soon as you buy the 28, you will get 2-foot-itis, so maybe you should just go there now.

Have you looked at both boats? There is insufficient data here to give you much in terms of advice.

[jeepbluetj]

Originally Posted by WindwardPrinces

The 30 is a lot bigger boat than the 28.

I'll echo that.

The 28 is a newer design overall, but the C30 MKIII has some very nice features. I'd pick the 30 over the 28, particularly if it was good in terms of $$$. (But I'm a little biased.. ) A C34 would beat em both by a long shot.

You could get a very good price if it's starting on that neglected stage. The chainplates are actually quite easy to replace and Catalina direct has the parts. It's overall a reasonably simple boat and pretty easy to fix.

[Cheechako]

the 30

[vf84sluggo]

I looked at the 30 today. It's a 1995 that is in MUCH better shape than a 1999 C30 I looked at last week. Absolutely no contest. And tHe asking price on the 1995 is $14000 less.

I have not looked at this particular C28. It's a 1996 MkII, "fresh-water" boat, and looks to be very well maintained. But it would have to be decommissioned, shipped, and recommissioned, adding a few thousand to the cost of the boat.

So that's where I am in my search. The local boat, the 30, would certainly be the least hassle transaction.


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[vf84sluggo]

Oh, I have looked at three C34's, a 1988, 1994, and a 1996. Man. They all were rough, just gave off the vibe that big-$$$ work could be lurking.

Too bad, because yes, a C34 would be nice!




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[sardinebreath]

Originally Posted by vf84sluggo

Oh, I have looked at three C34's, a 1988, 1994, and a 1996. Man. They all were rough, just gave off the vibe that big-$$$ work could be lurking.

Too bad, because yes, a C34 would be nice!

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Leaking around chainplates is common and often not a big deal. The seal around the tang needs to be redone every couple of years to avoid that leakage into the cabin and it appears that probably wasn't done in this case. So long as the deck cut out where the tang comes through was well sealed so that the deck core isn't compromised, there isn't much to worry about. Still, if you point it out as an issue of concern you might get a few more dollars knocked off. There are so many advantages in going for the local boat that it seems like an easy call to me.

[vf84sluggo]

Good info. Yes, the concern will be the core condition. I'm hoping there is none.

You know, I agree, the more as I think about this, the more the local boat just makes sense. The more I think about the logistics of the distant boat, the more of a red-ass it seems...not to mention the $$$ saved from no "shipping and handling", money that could better be held for fixing any issues with the local boat.


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[No_Agenda]

3 years ago those boats were on my short list. A 94 C28 and a 92 C30. We ended up with the C30 because of the extra space. The C28 seemed as small or smaller inside than the C27. On a smaller boat the sugar scoop transom eats up a lot of space inside the boat. On long weekends the C30 seems to get pretty small with 4 people on board.

[vf84sluggo]

As I've looked at them again (I found a local 28mkii that the owner let me look over), the 30 did seem roomier even though the boats are almost the same LOA.

I think in the long run the 30 will be a better fit, so I'm planning on making an offer, see if a deal can be made, and then go forward with the survey.

Thanks for the input!


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[David Sandowich]

You made a good choice... it's been said many times but true.. they didn't make as many as the did if sailors weren't over all satisfied with the design. Wish you the best

[vf84sluggo]

Thanks much, David!

I did end up reaching a deal on a 1995 Catalina 30 MkIII. The plan is to close the deal late next week. She's a good boat with good 'bones.'

Randy

[David Sandowich]

Randy.. good news..I forgot to mention I had a 30 for 7 years . If the family hadn't enlarged and grandkids came along I'd still have her veers moving up. A lot of boat for the price.
Enjoy

[vf84sluggo]

Yes indeed, the 30 MkIII will be a good fit at this point. I'm looking forward to it

BTW, I see you're in Kent Island. I spent 4 years in that area many moons ago. Learned to sail on the Severn and Chesapeake Bay, Luders yawls and S&S Knockabout 24's. Good times for sure...at least the sailing part!