'83 Catalina 30 problem areas?

[sgwright]

I am looking at an '83 Catalina 30 model tomorrow and am wondering what are the common problem areas for this boat? Catalina is not at the top of the list, but because they are so common, and the market around here has few boats for sale, I am checking it out. My preference is for a more classic boat, like Alberg, Nicholson, Spencer, and some older C&Cs, all in the 29-36' range, but with a limit of $20K CAD.

This will be a second look at this boat, and I've already noted the following:

1. Wheel steering - how can I tell if this is factory, or added later? Has a molded pan below cockpit to conceal steering mechanism, so I assume this is factory.

2. Has a newer Universal M3-20B, but the installer chose to mount fuel filters and coolant overflow tank is upper cabinet below sink for some reason. Engine looks and sounds ok, although I didn't check before starting to ensure it was a cold start.

3. No furler, and sails in unknown condition, current owner mostly motors. Cabin top traveller which looks original, along with winches. Standing rigging *looks* ok, although sealant around chainplates on deck is a sign of amateur repair.

4. Bulkheads show an odd black staining pattern on each aft side (in salon) where it looks like a chainplate, or backing plate, used to be, but the actual chain plates are on the forward side only, so just bolt heads appearing on salon side. Either new chainplates were installed of a different type, or a backing plate has been removed. No water marks above or below the backing plate outline though. (I'll try to add a few photos of these)

5. Some water in bilge, but keel bolts look ok.

I probably won't pursue this one any further, but would like to learn a bit more about this boat, since they are so popular. I know it's not an offshore boat, but how do they handle rough seas, such as found in coastal BC? I would like a boat that can take me to Haida Gwai, and around Vancouver Island, in safety, and with a reasonably comfort motion.

Thanks

[sgwright]

Here are some photos showing the coolant tank and fuel filters in the cabinet, the keel bolts/bilge, the engine, and odd chain plate stain.

Also, the first photo appears to show blue showing through the white gel coat (or paint) where the bumpers have rubbed. This is the same blue used on the accent lines. Did they use different coloured layers of gelcoat, or is this possibly the original hull colour?

[Stu Jackson]

They made 6,200 of them.


International Catalina 30 Association


There is also a new C30 wiki, might be on that site or Google for it.