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Catalina 30

30ft sailboat, built 1975–2005. Primary use: salt or fresh.

Typical used values

Model yearUsed asking rangeMedianConfidence
1975 $12,500 – $20,000 $16,500 low
1990 $18,000 – $27,000 $22,500 med
2005 $32,500 – $46,000 $39,500 low

Ranges interpolate 3 hand-anchored years at 1%/yr depreciation off-curve. Hours and saltwater service further adjust; a full Deal Report scores those for a specific listing.

Known issues to check (3)

  • High Original Universal/Atomic 4 gas engine on pre-1985 boats is a liability; a repowered Universal diesel adds real value.

    Source: Catalina 30 owners association

  • Medium Rudder play and the rudder-tube; chainplate bedding leaks staining the bulkheads.
  • Medium Standing/running rigging age — over 15 years means budget a re-rig ($4–8K).

Pre-purchase inspection checklist

  1. Identify engine: Atomic 4 gas (discount heavily) vs. Universal diesel (premium). Check hours and oil.
  2. Inspect chainplates and bulkhead tops for water staining; check rudder for play.
  3. Date the standing rigging — over 15 years is a re-rig negotiation.

Typical engines (1)

  • Marine diesel inboard (Yanmar / Cummins / Universal) diesel · diesel · base score 76/100 · high-use ≥ 300 hrs/yr

    Conventional shaft-drive marine diesels (Yanmar and Cummins especially) are the most durable propulsion in pleasure boating — 5,000–10,000 hours is normal with maintenance. On sailboats, a repowered modern diesel replacing a legacy gas Atomic 4 adds significant value.

    Judge on oil analysis, coolant condition, and service records over raw hours. Check the heat exchanger, mixing elbow (on the exhaust), and motor mounts.

Resale liquidity (70/100)

One of the most-produced 30-ft cruising sailboats ever — huge owner community, parts everywhere, and value plateaus rather than depreciates. Condition and engine dominate price, not year.

Catalina 30 FAQ

What is a fair price for a used Catalina 30?
Typical asking range for a 1990 Catalina 30 is roughly $18,000–$27,000 in average condition with average hours. Older year-models depreciate at about 1% per year off the curve. Specific listings vary; paste a URL on the home page for a full Deal Report.
What should I inspect on a used Catalina 30?
  • Identify engine: Atomic 4 gas (discount heavily) vs. Universal diesel (premium). Check hours and oil.
  • Inspect chainplates and bulkhead tops for water staining; check rudder for play.
  • Date the standing rigging — over 15 years is a re-rig negotiation.
Is the Catalina 30 a good boat?
One of the most-produced 30-ft cruising sailboats ever — huge owner community, parts everywhere, and value plateaus rather than depreciates. Condition and engine dominate price, not year. Resale-liquidity score (our model, 0–100): 70.

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