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i just came across a 1983 catalina sailboat for 18000. It is immaculate, and i wanted to know from some of the more experienced ppl what ya'll think about catalinas, and how they do in the ocean. thanks and any other advice would be welcome
99% of this forum is about powerboats.
You didn't give her length so it is hard to offer advice. But I would not consider putting my family into any plus 20 year old boat unless I was a maintenance freak, and $18K is a lot to pay IMHO. Check the So. California trades and boatraderonline to get a better overview on pricing, and try to stay with something that is 7 years old or newer, buying after you rent and like handling the same hull and rigging. Good luck.
We have an 83 Catalina 22' that is an awesome little sailboat. Tons of room, easily trailerable, sleeps 4 (very close), retractable keel. We just don't get the time to use it. For $18K I assume you're talking about a much larger boat, or you meant $1,800, which is very reasonable for a C22 in good shape.
Catalina's are nice boats for use inshore and in large Bays. I would not take one far offshore. They are very well designed for coastal cruising but not for blue water cruising.
mahogany boy is right....nice for cruising if you keep an eye to the weather.....any kind of a blow would be scary...too much glass is a good tip off....also, for serious offshore stuff, i think a full keel is far safer.....you are not so apt to break your rudder off if you hit something.......have sailed on a cal 30 and it is nice enough......sail down the coast in an alberg 30 and it is one tough boat.......also, a lot of people seem to fly too much sail when the wind pipes up......a tremendous amount of strain on the rigging and excessive heeling for the passengers in exchange foe a nominal increase in speed....bad trade off.......don't rely on roller reefing entirely for your jib......get a storm jib.....good luck
This is primarily a fishing boat board, but maybe I can help.
Catalinas are popular sailboats. Some models (the 22, the 30, etc.) are so popular that they are about the most numerous boats in their size range. Catalina owners are very loyal to the brand. Many owners continue to move up in size from one Catalina to the next.
That being said, Catalinas are "price" boats in my opinion. The best thing they offer is a good value for the coastal sailor/cruiser. They offer a lot of space and accommodation for the size of boat. The newer boats in particular carry a large beam nearly all the way aft. The result is a large, accommodating cockpit with room to relax or entertain. That same large cockpit could affect the stability of the boat when you get pooped by a following sea. The builder is quick to point out the size and quality of hardware. While this is true, the basic hull layup and structure, standing rigging, chainplates, etc. become the weakpoint. They are not built with the tankage and systems normally associated with cruising boats taken on the open ocean. There are, however, numerous examples of owners taking them across oceans. For example, someone has taken a lightly modified Catalina and sailed it from California to Austrailia. The way an individual uses any boat depends on their level of experience and tolerance for risk and hazards.
Not all Catalinas are created equal. Some smaller models will have centerboards, etc. while the 42 and 47 are moderate displacement keel boats. Many of the Catalinas are known to be successful club racers. What size or model are you looking at?
lol sorry i have responded in so long and thanks for all the advice. it is a 30 foot with a new 3 cylinder diesel backup engine. everything on the boat is in amazing condition. i won't be doing much open ocean sailing. the most i plan on doing is going out 5 miles or so and kicking back some beers with some friends. does this sound like a good boat for me? thanks for all the help guys
The 30 is a great boat for what you are planning to use it for. Is the engine new? Is it a Universal or Yanmar? Both are good engines with the Yanmar generally favored due to availability of parts and a perceived reliability.
When purchasing, make sure you get a good survey. Have the surveyor check for blisters, delamination, soft spots in the deck, problems with the standing rigging, condition of the sails, drive line condition, etc. How old is the boat? If the engine was replaced due to being worn out, then what else is worn out? How is the transmission, cutlass bearing, etc.?
Catalina offers the 30 in two keel options. The wing keel is a shallower draft and more suitable for East Coast, Florida, ICW, Chesapeake Bay, etc. The deeper draft fin keel and "tall rig" option is better for club racing and West Coast sailing (not FL West Coast).
Are you an experienced sailor? If not, ASA offers keel boat courses and advanced training that will enhance your enjoyment of the boat.
the engine is new universal engine. i am not an experienced sailor, though i am in the navy lol, thus the only going out 5 miles or so. i am planning on taking courses through one of the marinas here in charleston. i also have a friend who grew up on a sailboat, so i think he will be a valuable source of help. another question i have is, since i'm in the military, will i have to pay taxes on it. i know i don't have to for vehicles, land, or homes, but what about a boat???
there is nothing wrong with buying an older blow boat. you will find some wanna-be hardcore blowboaters that will rag on boats like catalinas and hunters. the fact of the matter is these boats are perfect for what about 99.9% of blowboaters use them for. the people that rag on these boats are the same ones sitting at the dock talking about the big cruise year after year.
as far as the price goes.....18 is not a great price for the 30. if, as you say, it is in great condition it may be worth it, but i would low ball them big time on your offer(like 14). i've seen blowboats sell for half of their asking price, so it is worth a try. let us know what happens!
what ya'll think about catalina
