1978 Catalina 30 advice

[Sailorman4009]

I bought a used Catalina with 18 inches of water in it. Freshwater. I bailed it out took it to a work alone yard. And spent four months renewing it, changing it from rusty red to Perfection white. New paint on non skid and cleaned the sails. Replaced running rigging and sail her for five years with nearly zero capital expenditures. I did however pull the Atomic 4 and strapped an outboard on a heavy duty mount aft. Ran fine and the motor is just for docking and doldrums anyway.

Great investment but my keel was solid. I would be very wary of any boat of any kind with a smile and or delamination of any sorts.

I never regretted buying it as Catalina is a solid boat from the layup to shredding.

[DeValency]

Originally Posted by fireant

Hello folks.
Been reading the forum and trying to learn as much as I can from everyone.
Also been looking for a boat but not much out there that I liked.
We are looking for a boat to learn to sail see how we like it. Before we take the plunge to go sailing and cruising. Its even more of my wife dream then my.
..

Apart from all other good suggestions here, I can recommend joining a local sailing club for a season or two before you even go to buy (or get a free) boat.

[billcrowley]

When I moved up from a 23' trailer-sailor in 2016, I narrowed my choice down to either a Catalina 30 or a Newport 30. After looking at several boats, I went with the latter because (1) I had much more confidence in the kneel attachment system, and (2) I didn't care for the engine on an angle in the salon of the former, rather than in-line under the cockpit of the latter. I have not regretted that choice. I too recommend avoiding a gas inboard; go with diesel. Look for a boat that has big-ticket items that you desire (like roller furling headsail, dodger/bimini) already on board; they are much less expensive second-hand.

[Drew-]

Originally Posted by fireant

Hello folks.
Been reading the forum and trying to learn as much as I can from everyone.
Also been looking for a boat but not much out there that I liked.
We are looking for a boat to learn to sail see how we like it. Before we take the plunge to go sailing and cruising. Its even more of my wife dream then my.

I came across this Catalina on craiglist

https://ventura.craigslist.org/boa/d...138275416.html

I text the guy and basically the boat is in dry storage for a long while on a trailer.
when they but it there the engine worked. maybe needs paint and new lines. sails are old but no tears or rips. It has the catalina smile but its "only 5in nothing like the keel will fall off" his exact words.
Is it something that even worth to consider? it been up for sale for a very long time.

I have learned that all boats need only a little TLC to make them perfect again according to every owner when asked. That is until you drive there to look at them and all you can see is a wreck that needs. Major interior repair bottom paint, electrical work, sails and engine that been dead for the last few years. Some that been lived in and they look it and smell it.
Come on people the least you can do is clean it somewhat............

Fireant,
I am a new cruising boat owner who did something exactly like you are talking about.
I purchased a Hunter 34 that I had no idea about off craigslist. I spent 100s (not joking) of hours on CF and other forums absorbing information quietly.
I have done so many repairs I cant even count them.

Thru hulls(all of them with correct groco flanges)
Core rot repairs.
Compression post replacement (I used 1/4 inch x 2 inch stainless tube).
New ports last month.
(just to mention a few)

I still have a rig of unknown age and the smile to fix myself, among other things but I am on track to leave for florida in 2 months. God willing the caribbean after that.

My advice is that if you have the will power and an undying love for the water and this boat... BUY IT AND DONT LOOK BACK!
Here is the link to my first post a while back.
https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums...ks-232079.html

I bought a production boat from craigslist with no survey. So can you...
Take the advice here but also know what you can do.
-Drew

[capt jgw]

Originally Posted by ferrailleur

trailerable Catalina 30?????
No way!

All but the very largest boats can be put on a semi trailer. How do you think they get them to the dealer? You'd need permits and maybe escort cars to go down the highway, but that doesn't prevent the boat from being on a trailer.

[fireant]

Sorry I'm late to answer.
I thought about joining a sailing club. First covid-19 puts a big damper on it. Only so many people are allowed on the boat at one time, more rules to follow, to stay safe. Second and its a big problem is with my work.
Things can change for me with one phone call. Like yesterday I got a call at 4pm and I'm at work this morning. Joining the club I would get a reputation of someone that bails out at the last min. People would hate me and I cant blame them.

Another big thing is that I want to go places and see how we like the staying on the boat for a few days. Sail to the islands hang around for 2-3 days. See what living on a boat feels like.
Only way we can do that is by getting our own boat.

Drew I defiantly don't want a fixer upper, don't have the time to spend months on it.
Work while sailing is no problem. work for months before even sailing nope.

[Jim Cate]

Drew I defiantly don't want a fixer upper, don't have the time to spend months on it.
Work while sailing is no problem. work for months before even sailing nope.

The above seems quite clear to me, and quite reasonable.

So, Mr Ant, hang in there and you will find a suitable boat to accomplish your plans.

Jim

[Drew-]

Originally Posted by fireant

Drew I defiantly don't want a fixer upper, don't have the time to spend months on it.
Work while sailing is no problem. work for months before even sailing nope.

I have sailed my boat in almost every month I have owned her I really worked hard to get her back to usable condition between the jobs.
I just figured with the purchase price you needed to understand how much work these boats can, and often need. I hope you find one that needs less than mine did but I knew most of what was needed. Sorry if it came across wrong.
Another guy at my marina had a survey and needs major engine work in the first months of ownership. Major work happens to even the best of them.
-Drew