Here’s All About The Catalina 30: Detailed Review

While many people love and admire the Catalina 22, they tend to forget its equally famous cousin, the Catalina 30. It was once, fondly, known as the ‘most popular 30 footer in the world’, which goes on to show its vast popularity. Although it is no longer in production (it got replaced with the Catalina 309), it still has a loyal fan-base who are always on the lookout to buy used Catalina 30s.

About the Catalina 30

The first model of the Catalina 30 was launched sometime in 1972. The keel boat has a fiberglass body with some wood trim for added flexibility. The rig type is masthead sloop which means a larger headsail and a larger jib. The main advantage this offers is efficiency and optimal use of wind. The tension it creates is ideal for ocean faring vessels or during turbulent weather conditions.

Over the course of time, slight improvements were made to the design of the Catalina 30 while staying true to the original blueprint. In the Mark II a ‘T’ shaped cockpit was introduced and an optional wing keel. The boat was made slighter by the use of aluminum tills and other lightweight metal wherever feasible. The Mark III, with which the craft retired, saw more opulence being introduced to the interiors with stylish cockpit, deck and cabin berths.

Catalina 30 Sailboat Specifications

Here are some details regarding the boat’s dimensions and other vital specifications:

More About the Catalina 30

Low Maintenance

With a fiberglass hull and a sturdy engine, the boat requires minimal maintenance. The costs of repair are low and even though it is no longer in production, the spare parts are easy to find due to the network of a loyal fan following the Catalina 30 has cultivated.

High Customization

The boat is well equipped but rather basic in nature. However, it offers ample space and options for customization. Whether you wish to redo the interiors, upgrade the engine (upto 23 hp), add stability to the rudders, or introduce a roller-furling rig, the possibilities are limitless.

Easy Maneuverability

The fin keel that the Catalina 30 sports is known for higher and comfortable maneuverability, although, it can be a tad bit difficult for new boaters to control its directional drift. This is one of the key reasons why, while the boat is popular among lake and river racers, it is not recommended to be raced in the ocean.

Good Performance

If people are still in awe of a boat that was discontinued a decade ago, clearly there must be more to it than design and cost. What works in the Catalina 30’s favor is the ideal combination of a good ballast (displacement ratio), a wide beam, the option to increase the sail area using a tall rig, and a bowsprit. While the average hull speed is 6.7 knots, the boat is known to stay steady and stable even at speeds of around 8 knots. Not the fastest of the racer-cruisers out there, you may argue, but definitely a joy-giving and a balanced one.

In Summation

Even a decade after the discontinuation of its production, the Catalina 30 is beloved among avid sailors. It is one of the most popular selling models in the used boats market and several clubs and forums exist that regularly discuss upgrading and renovating their Catalina 30 to keep it sea-worthy and race-ready.