Catalina 30 Tall Rig or Newport 28s for Liveaboard ?

[ujk1976]

Hi There!
Currently am looking at 2 boats for liveaboard option! Location: Hudson River, NJ side...Anyone have any experience with either of these two & how they fare under cold winters? marina has FWC, Shore hookup for wet winter storage & liveaboard...to give you an idea: Newport has all the options. C30 has an engine that needs rebuilding at best...but overall they both are very clean & sound. C30 has soft spots on deck...Any advice/suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks to all in advance...K

[Steve W]

I have owned a 1986 Newport 28 MKII for 13 years and it has been a great boat for overnighting on weekends and daysails. Large cockpit, small galley, small head, very limited storage, fun to sail, easy to dock, sails well reefed, no structural issues, no port or hull to deck joint leaks, solid decks, nice interior, no electrical or engine problems However, I can't imagine living more than 2 weeks on it, much less living aboard. I'd go with a Catalina 30 if space is a concern, might look at the Newport 30 or a Cal 29 (similar price range) Our northern friends on this forum may have some suggestions that are a better fit for your climate. C30 will be easier to sell since they are popular boats. Good Luck with your search.

[ujk1976]

Hi,
Thanks for your input! Greatly appreciate this. Mostly are Hunters, Pearsons and some Cat's around here...i figure if i can get used to 28 or 30, a 40' upgrade would feel like an estate move....LOL

[Lowcountry]

Catalina 30s are lightly-built. You will have terrible condensation issues inside once the weather gets cold. Everything inside will get soaking wet on a daily basis if you're living on it in the winter.

[Sander Sternig]

I owned a C30 tall rig for 23 years. I have sailed it thru 15 breaking seas and 60 knot head winds. It was well built. The C30 has a large center salon and galley but a small head and small H2O tanks. I do agree with the condensate issue. The C30 has a solid glass hull and plywood encased deck which does provide any insulation. Good for a single person, 2 would be a little crowded.

[ujk1976]

Thank you for all your advice. The search continues...Will keep you updated on the progress. Have a great day!

[Steve W]

Heating my Newport 28 with a 1500 watt ceramic heater on at frigid 45 degree Florida winter night results in a salon temp of about 55 degrees, plus the moisture buildup. I think the water temp stays higher! A/C works great, though.

[ujk1976]

Hey Steve, thank you for sharing your information. 55 is fine inside as i love cooler weather.

[Ken Pole]

only drawback I can see in the cockpit (I have 4 friends with Cat30s; I sail C&C) is the slightly forward-sloping companionway. A dodger is almost a must if expect to keep the hatch open on rainy days.