catalina 30 sailboat review

• Articles and Guides

Catalina 30 Review: Features, Performance and Tech Specs

7th feb 2024 by john burnham / samantha wilson.

The Catalina 30 has had a long and illustrious life and remains to this day a favorite on the used market. Over 6,400 Catalina 30s were sold during its 25-year production run starting in 1974, testament to its solid construction, functional layout, ease of sailing, a modest price, and the strong Catalina dealer network. 

So what makes it so popular? While it’s not really intended as a bluewater cruiser, the Catalina 30 handles coastal and inshore sailing with ease. It is ideal for weekends or week-long cruises thanks to its cleverly thought-out interior space. Overall, the Catalina 30 sails well, is a stable design in stiffer winds, and can be sailed single-handedly by a competent skipper. 

Despite several versions throughout its production run, including the MKII, first built in 1986, and the MKIII, in 1994, the basic dimensions of the model remained unchanged: LOA 29’11", beam 10’10", displacement 10,200 lbs., and standard draft 5’3". Likewise, the interior was never altered. Catalina’s approach to the huge success of the 30 seemed to be ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!’.

Catalina 30. Rightboat seller photo. 

Catalina 30 Key Features 

There have been many versions of the Catalina 30 throughout its long production run, with different configurations. There have been standard and tall rigs, each with a bowsprit option, as well as shoal, wing, and deep fin keels. Following on from the MKII in 1986, the MKIII in 1994 made some noticeable changes, namely a slight widening of the hull aft, which allowed for a transom boarding platform. 

The Catalina 30’s hull, like all of Catalina’s models, is built of fiberglass and polyester resin, with a deck constructed of either balsa or plywood between fiberglass laminates. Belowdecks, the Catalina 30s layout remained unchanged throughout its life. With a wide companionway creating a spacious feel to the cabin, able to accommodate up to four with a separate head, large galley, and cozy saloon, it proved popular and user-friendly. The boat has an aft cockpit with a closed transom.  

While this model undoubtedly ticked a lot of boxes for many sailors, it had a few common problems, as described in various owners forums. Compression fatigue at the maststep on deck and in the bilge under the compression post has been commonly reported over the years and may need to be fixed. Likewise, old wooden spreaders sometimes fail, and leaks and separation may be experienced at the keel-to-hull joint. Ensuring these are all inspected in a thorough marine survey when buying will highlight any issues the boat might have. 

Catalina 30s spacious interior with separate cabin and dinette. Rightboat seller photo. 

Catalina 30 Performance

The Catalina 30 impressively straddles the line between performance and comfort, offering decent speeds compared to competitors of the same era, despite a lower sail/displacement ratio of 15.22. The fin keel version has deeper draft, lowering the center of gravity and providing better performance upwind. A higher ballast/displacement ratio means the Catalina 30 stands up well in stronger winds. 

Catalina 30 Why Buy It  

• One of the top-selling 30-foot sailboats ever
• Spacious accommodation for up to 4 people including saloon and galley
• Wide, deep hull creates exceptional space above and below decks
• Known for its stability under sail
• Variety of models and variations to be found on the used market
• Good value for money on the used market with lots in circulation
• Buying used?: Possibly compromised deck cores and mast steps merit checking before purchase. For other tips when buying a used boat, read our Boat Inspection Checklist  

Galley and saloon of Catalina 30. Rightboat seller photo.

Catalina 30 Technical Specifications

• LOA: 29.92 ft
• Beam: 10.83 ft
• Draft: 5.25 ft
• Rigging Type: Masthead sloop
• Hull type: Fin w/spade rudder
• Displacement: 10200.78 lbs
• Ballast: 4200 lbs
• Ballast type: Lead
• Fuel tank capacity: 21 gallons
• Sail area/displacement ratio: 15.22
• Ballast/displacement ratio: 41.18
• Critical hull speed: 6.70 knots
• Engines (after mid-1980s): 3-cylinder Universal M-25 diesel engine

Enclosed cockpit and seating of Catalina 30. Rightboat seller photo.

Check out all the Catalina boats for sale

Written By: John Burnham / Samantha Wilson

John Burnham is a marine ​editor and writer with ​decades of journalism experience as ​Chief Editor of​ boats.com,​ Sailing World, Cruising World, and ​other boating websites. As a competitive sailor, he has led teams to world and national titles in the International One-Design, Shields, and other classes. Based in Newport, Rhode Island, John is a​ PCC leadership coach, a member of the ​America’s Cup Hall of Fame Selection Committee​, and a ​past board member of Sail America and US Sailing. For more, see  johnsburnham.com .

Samantha Wilson has spent her entire life on and around boats, from tiny sailing dinghies all the way up to superyachts. She writes for many boating and yachting publications, top charter agencies, and some of the largest travel businesses in the industry, combining her knowledge and passion of boating, travel and writing to create topical, useful and engaging content.

More from: John Burnham / Samantha Wilson

Related Articles and Guides

21st Apr 2024

Beneteau Antares 11 Review: Features, Performance and Tech Specs

31st Mar 2024

Lagoon 46 Review, Spacious Bluewater Catamaran

21st Mar 2024

Leopard 48 Review: Features, Performance and Tech Specs

13th Mar 2024

Sea Ray 340 Sundancer Review, an Iconic Cabin Cruiser

• Explore Rightboat
• Boats for Sale
• Boating Articles
• Buyers Guide
• About RightBoat
• Sell Your Boat
• Boat Selling Advice
• All manufacturers
• All categories

Enter your email to keep up to date with the latest news

Join for free

Sign up now for free and discover how easy it is to keep up to date with THE latest boats for sale. Find your right boat, and tailor your voyage to finding your next boat.

Benefits of becoming a member:

• Set up tailored alerts
• Personalise your experience
• Download full specifications and broker details
• Keep tabs on your favourite boats

Are you a broker? Join as a Broker

Rightboat - join for free.

Do you have an account already? Login

Save this search

Save your search and receive new boats in your email..

You can unsubscribe from your alerts whenever you like. By pressing the button you accept the Legal Terms and conditions

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.

Great choice! Your favorites are temporarily saved for this session. Sign in to save them permanently, access them on any device, and receive relevant alerts.

• Sailboat Guide

Catalina 30 MKII

Catalina 30 MKII is a 29 ′ 11 ″ / 9.1 m monohull sailboat designed by Gerry Douglas and built by Catalina Yachts between 1986 and 1991.

• 1 / 9 Fairhope, AL, US 1987 Catalina 30 MKII $27,000 USD View
• 2 / 9 Fairhope, AL, US 1987 Catalina 30 MKII $27,000 USD View
• 3 / 9 Fairhope, AL, US 1987 Catalina 30 MKII $27,000 USD View
• 4 / 9 Fairhope, AL, US 1987 Catalina 30 MKII $27,000 USD View
• 5 / 9 Fairhope, AL, US 1987 Catalina 30 MKII $27,000 USD View
• 6 / 9 Fairhope, AL, US 1987 Catalina 30 MKII $27,000 USD View
• 7 / 9 Fairhope, AL, US 1987 Catalina 30 MKII $27,000 USD View
• 8 / 9 Fairhope, AL, US 1987 Catalina 30 MKII $27,000 USD View
• 9 / 9 Fairhope, AL, US 1987 Catalina 30 MKII $27,000 USD View

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

(1986-1991) Among changes were ‘T’ cockpit, slightly different deck and liner, and different Engine options. A wing keel version was available,(hull #500+) as was a tall rig. Wing keel: DRAFT: 1.17m/3.83’. BALLAST: 4300lbs/1950kg DISPLACEMENT: 10,300lbs/4672kg TALL RIG: I: 43.00’/13.11m J: 13.16’/4.01m P: 37.00’/11.28m E: 12.00’/3.66m Sail Area(100%): 504.94 ft2/46.91 m2

Embed this page on your own website by copying and pasting this code.

Discover Related Sailboats

Catalina 30

• About Sailboat Guide

©2024 Sea Time Tech, LLC

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

• New Sailboats
• Sailboats 21-30ft
• Sailboats 31-35ft
• Sailboats 36-40ft
• Sailboats Over 40ft
• Sailboats Under 21feet
• used_sailboats
• Apps and Computer Programs
• Communications
• Fishfinders
• Handheld Electronics
• Plotters MFDS Rradar
• Wind, Speed & Depth Instruments
• Anchoring Mooring
• Running Rigging
• Sails Canvas
• Standing Rigging
• Diesel Engines
• Off Grid Energy
• Cleaning Waxing
• DIY Projects
• Repair, Tools & Materials
• Spare Parts
• Tools & Gadgets
• Cabin Comfort
• Ventilation
• Footwear Apparel
• Foul Weather Gear
• Mailport & PS Advisor
• Inside Practical Sailor Blog
• Activate My Web Access
• Reset Password
• Customer Service

Practical Sailor

• Free Newsletter

How to Perform Your Own Pre-Buy Inspection

C&C 40 Used Boat Review

Sabre 386 Used Boat Review

What You Can Learn on a Quick Test Sail

Preparing Yourself for Solo Sailing

Your New Feature-Packed VHF Radio

Preparing A Boat to Sail Solo

Solar Panels: Go Rigid If You have the Space…

Ground Tackle Inspection Tips

Shoe Goo II Excels for Quick Sail Repairs

When Should We Retire Dyneema Stays and Running Rigging?

Rethinking MOB Prevention

Is It Time to Get an Electric Dinghy Motor?

Worship Your Universal M-Series Diesel With the Marinized Kubota Block

Taking Care of Your 12-Volt Lead-Acid Battery Bank

Hassle-free Pumpouts

Battle of the Teak Cleaners — Snappy Teak-Nu vs. Star Brite

New Seacocks for the Offshore Sailor

Bottom Paint Care

Quick and Safe Sail Cleaning

Are E-bikes Worth the Extra Weight and Cost?

How to Handle the Head

The Day Sailor’s First-Aid Kit

How to Select Crew for a Passage or Delivery

Re-sealing the Seams on Waterproof Fabrics

Waxing and Polishing Your Boat

Reducing Engine Room Noise

Tricks and Tips to Forming Do-it-yourself Rigging Terminals

Marine Toilet Maintenance Tips

Learning to Live with Plastic Boat Bits

Sign up for Practical Sailor's FREE e-letter!

We spend our time and money so that you can save yours!

And that's important when you are buying a Catalina or any other boat.

Practical Sailor is different. Its candor is as sharp as a marlin-spike and its honesty as welcome as a steadfast quartering breeze. And that goes for its acclaimed boat reviews. Over the years, we've reviewed the Catalina 27, 30 and a dozen other Catalina models.

For each boat, we take a revealing look at the specifications and construction. We take the boat offshore and check the performance and livability. We note how it handles under sail and power. And then we report everything we discovered back to you.

See what PRACTICAL SAILOR has to say for FREE by signing up for the email newsletter "Waypoints".

Sailboat reviews and specifications and more!

• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell My Personal Information
• Online Account Activation
• Privacy Manager

• Forum Listing
• Marketplace
• Advanced Search
• About The Boat
• Boat Builders Row
• SailNet is a forum community dedicated to Sailing enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about sailing, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, repairs, reviews, maintenance, and more!

Catalina 30 MK II or MK III

• Add to quote

Wondering if anyone has had any experience with either. Aiming for coastal sailing in light to moderate winds with 2 early teens, weekends and week-long trips. Views on quality, ease and affordability of maintenance, and single-handed sailing. Thanks in advance.  

Bash said: Wondering if anyone has had any experience with either. Aiming for coastal sailing in light to moderate winds with 2 early teens, weekends and week-long trips. Views on quality, ease and affordability of maintenance, and single-handed sailing. Thanks in advance. Click to expand...

I have no experience with either of those models, but here is a link not so old about this very topic that has a few good replies.. Cat 30 Mk II vs. MkIII | SailNet Community  

I sailed one for a week long charter out of Marathon in the Florida Keys, and liked it a lot. We had one day of 15-18 knot winds and three foot seas, and sailed with jib alone. I was impressed with how she handled. To keep her oriented in a close hauled position to the wind, we had to cut at a slight angle to the waves. She pointed very well, so I was able to find that sweet spot, where we were just off the wind, enough to stay out of irons, but not be at too wide an angle to the waves, to make the rolling motion uncomfortable. I was very impressed with her sea comfort, and my first mate made no complaints. They are comfortable below, as well. Just last spring, I also chartered a Catalina 34, for a week, out of Oriental North Carolina. I was also impressed with that boat. My daughter really liked the cozy comfort and privacy of that aft cabin. We sailed that boat one day, during a small craft advisory and she handled well. There was no dodger, so we took waves in the cockpit, but it was warm, and I was dressed for it, and I liked how she handled. Catalinas, can be set up for single-handed sailing, just like any sloop, if the lines are routed aft, and there is an auto-pilot.  

I must confess to my deep appreciation for the time and details provided by members of this sailing community. This kind of input saves a lot of hassle, stress, and money. Many thanks to All.  

The Catalina 30 Used Boat Review

• ?            
• 174.3K members

Top Contributors this Month

CATALINA 30 Detailed Review

If you are a boat enthusiast looking to get more information on specs, built, make, etc. of different boats, then here is a complete review of CATALINA 30. Built by Catalina Yachts and designed by Frank W. Butler, the boat was first built in 1976. It has a hull type of Fin w/spade rudder and LOA is 9.12. Its sail area/displacement ratio 15.22. Its auxiliary power tank, manufactured by Var., runs on Var..

CATALINA 30 has retained its value as a result of superior building, a solid reputation, and a devoted owner base. Read on to find out more about CATALINA 30 and decide if it is a fit for your boating needs.

Boat Information

Boat specifications, sail boat calculation, rig and sail specs, auxillary power tank, accomodations, contributions, who designed the catalina 30.

CATALINA 30 was designed by Frank W. Butler.

Who builds CATALINA 30?

CATALINA 30 is built by Catalina Yachts.

When was CATALINA 30 first built?

CATALINA 30 was first built in 1976.

How long is CATALINA 30?

CATALINA 30 is 7.62 m in length.

What is mast height on CATALINA 30?

CATALINA 30 has a mast height of 10.67 m.

Member Boats at HarborMoor

International Catalina 30/309 Association

Home of the Catalina 30 and 309 Community

Welcome to IC30A

See the Events Page for more information!

The International Catalina 30 Association was established in 1974 for furthering the enjoyment of ownership of a Catalina 30/309 and to promote a community of enthusiasts of one of the most successful yachts built in America.

The Association is supported by Catalina Yachts and publishes articles of interest to members in the “ Mainsheet ” magazine. The specific goals are to:

• provide the Catalina owners magazine “Mainsheet” to its members;
• co-ordinate and promote cruising and social activities;
• provide sources of information for maintenance and care of the Catalina 30;
• promote the education of safe boating; and
• co-operate with other yachting organizations.

We hope you will find everything about the Catalina 30 and cousin C309 on this site. Please make this page your favorite bookmark and visit often for the latest.

Becoming a member or renewing your membership Membership in IC30A has additional advantages. Learn how easy and inexpensive it is to Join our association. Joining the association will be the best thing you can do for yourself and to keep the C30/C309 alive !!

Technical Library and C30 Owners Forum See all the frequently asked questions in the tech Library! C30 FAQs, if what you need is not posted there, you can join the C30/309 forum to discuss problems, solutions, upgrades, modifications, cruising, racing and other boating issues.

Contribute to the Mainsheet Newsletter

Let us hear from the owners! We need articles for the Mainsheet and any sailing, repair, mods, fixes to your boats. Lets share with other boat owners.

• BOAT OF THE YEAR
• Newsletters
• Sailboat Reviews
• Boating Safety
• Sailing Totem
• Charter Resources
• Destinations
• Galley Recipes
• Living Aboard
• Sails and Rigging
• Maintenance

Catalina 309

• By Jeremy McGeary
• Updated: August 10, 2006

What to do to upstage a tried-and-true cruiser? That was the question facing the management at Catalina Yachts when they at last concluded that after 30 years of production, the Catalina 30 had run its course.

The simple answer-to design and build a new 30-was complicated by the presence of 7,000 of the old models. Whatever filled the slot had to be seductive enough to tempt buyers away from a marketplace full of pre-owned boats at attractive prices.

Gerry Douglas, Catalina’s vice president and designer, says coming up with the basic design brief wasn’t hard. It wasn’t very different from its predecessor’s: a simple family cruising boat that’s fun to sail and has potential for low-key racing for owners so inclined. But he did agonize over how the boat should look. Should he stay with Catalina’s proven but conservative styling or try to add a little dash?

He’s succeeded in doing both. The Catalina 309 sports conventional proportions of hull, coachroof, and cockpit profile set off by contemporary half-bullet-shaped cabin-trunk portlights. Also contemporary is the broad beam aft, and Douglas has softened its visual impact by carefully sculpting seats and a boarding step into the transom.

Another challenge was to fit the best possible equipment without busting the boat’s necessarily tight budget; to help do that, Catalina asked its vendors for creative solutions.

Edson responded with a tidy steering console that arrives at the Catalina plant assembled and prewired and requires six bolts to secure to the cockpit sole. The steering system is designed so that it barely intrudes below the cockpit sole, making the berth beneath truly usable by a couple.

Garhauer crafted a ball-bearing mainsheet traveler on which both control lines exit via sheaves under the track on the port side and lead cleanly to the cockpit.

Lewmar manufactured a new winch, a model 34, for the 309’s primaries because the needed capacity fell between its existing 30 and 40 models.

Catalina itself looked hard at its production methods. It changed the hull/deck joint at the stern to run it across the top of the transom and around the transom opening. This removed it from the transom/ hull perimeter, which is difficult to seal on the inside and is vulnerable to damage. A plate at the top of the compression post for the deck-stepped mast butts the step plate, so there’s metal-to-metal contact from the butt of the mast right down to the keel, eliminating a prime source of old-boat maintenance woes. The mast wiring passes through a swan-neck standpipe to prevent water ingress. The chainplates, too, are new, with ball-and-socket joints belowdecks connecting to tie-rods, which lead to an aluminum channel laminated to the hull-liner pan behind furniture in the saloon and head.

One effect of the boat’s broad beam is immediately apparent on boarding. The cockpit is generous in its proportions, and the steering console and integral table serve as foot braces. The bimini looks large, but this could be a symptom of early-hull-number syndrome-an artful dodger maker could no doubt sweeten its appearance.

Other than being wider, which translates into more elbowroom, the arrangement belowdecks isn’t so different from the original 30. The biggest gain is in the aft cabin, on the starboard side, where a double berth fits under the cockpit. To port, the galley has picked up some counter space and storage. It’s also fitted with a Coolmate refrigeration unit that automatically switches from 12 volts DC to 110 volts AC when shore power is available. Opposite the galley is a small, aft-facing chart table served by the aft end of the starboard settee. The switch panel, which employs automotive-type fuses instead of circuit breakers, is mounted on the outboard partition, with space above it and on the aft-cabin bulkhead for nav gadgets.

Forward, the V-berth expands to a double via a sliding filler panel, and just aft and to port is the perfectly adequate head. On the starboard side, a low hanging locker topped with a broad, fiddled shelf contributes to the saloon’s openness.

In the saloon, the center of the starboard settee’s backrest flips down for a beverage/book/game table. The dining table is to port, next to the L-shaped settee, and stows in the aft cabin. A large, hinged table leaf opens to meet the starboard settee. Five can sit around it in comfort. A sixth might need to bring a folding chair from the vast cockpit locker, because Douglas has shortened the L of the dinette, which on the 30 extended over the engine box. On the 309, the engine lives under a removable box that supports the companionway steps, making it totally accessible.

Unornamented, teak-veneered joiner panels decorated only by their grain and minimal teak trim set the traditional ambience, abetted by the “teak-and-holly” cabin sole, which is, in fact, a colored, synthetic laminate glued into recesses in the fiberglass floor pan-another vendor-supplied solution. The whole interior, assembled in customary Catalina fashion in the fiberglass liner pan, promises to be comfortable and easy to maintain, and needs the addition only of a clock and barometer set, a few books, and some well-thumbed copies of Cruising World to make it a cozy getaway.

My host for the test run last February was Ron Frisosky, the southeast regional rep for Catalina Yachts who’s served both builder and dealers for decades. We set off from Miami’s Bayside Marina and motored out to Government Cut.

We’d just begun to settle in when photographer Billy Black zoomed up. “Lookin’ good!” he called over. “But can you tighten up the jib halyard?” Ron fiddled with it some, but once Billy was gone, we decided to tighten it more. I eased the jib sheet so the sail was partially luffing, and we led the halyard back to the cockpit winch, cranked it up a bit, and reset the jammer on the mast. All the while, with the main drawing and the wheel locked, the boat happily reached steadily along. Even after I trimmed in the jib, it just kept on course, untended, for about 10 minutes. That’s the kind of forgiving behavior I like to see in a cruising boat.

This all took place in a nice sailing breeze of maybe 10 to 12 knots and a light chop. The speedo transducer wasn’t installed, but my eyeball-over-the-transom technique suggested a solid 5 to 6 knots. If time had permitted, we’d have had a lovely and quick sail down to Cape Florida with the boat tacking happily through 90 degrees even with the shoal-draft wing keel. I’d have wished to sail in a little more bluster, but for the conditions of that day, Douglas, in his role as sailboat designer, seems to have hit the sweet spot.

Because, in Douglas’ experience, most customers for the 309 would buy in-mast furling as an option, he made the Seldén rig standard, and he designed the sail plan with a taller fractional rig to make up for the inherent loss in area and performance one trades off for handling convenience.

I’m a stand-to-windward helmsman, so it was only when I sat to leeward that I noticed that you can’t see the compass from down there-the price for mounting all the instruments in the binnacle. No matter really, because the coamings would easily accept a pair of auxiliary compasses. When steering, I was pleased to have a real pulpit behind me, with only a narrow lifeline gate giving access to the transom step. When you want to use the transom for boarding or for swimming, the helm seat lifts out and stows outboard of the cockpit on the lifelines.

The deck is cleanly laid out, and the shrouds, set inboard next to the coachroof, offer support, not obstruction, when you move along the side decks. An anchor locker occupies the bow, and to project the anchor’s shank clear of both the hatch and the drum of the Schaefer jib furler, the anchor roller is on a short sprit. A bail welded to this simple stainless-steel channel makes a tack point for a colored funsail of some kind. I thought the sprit looked a little vulnerable, and Catalina has since modified it. I also see potential for a more substantial after-market fitting with a second anchor roller for adventurous owners who need Bahama-mooring capability.

In addition to fitting a holding tank under the port settee, Douglas has managed to squeeze in 10 more gallons of water (not counting the 11 gallons in the water heater) and 6 more gallons of fuel than were aboard the original Catalina 30. In reasonable conditions, the motoring range of the 20-horse Yanmar diesel with 27 gallons of fuel should be in excess of 200 miles.

Frank Butler, founder of Catalina Yachts, is credited with getting more people sailing than anyone else, and it’s clear that Douglas, his heir apparent, means to uphold the tradition. In the 309, he’s created an honest-to-goodness unpretentious yet modern sailboat that begs to be taken out of its slip and exercised. It doesn’t have the varnished teak and retro styling of the new millennium’s gold-plated daysailers, but it offers the same on-the-water fun with full standing headroom and two double cabins. It’s at once an entry-level and a departure-level cruising boat. It’s big enough, at small enough an investment, for a young family; it’s small enough for those with flagging agility to cope with; and it’s a great little sailboat for anyone in between who doesn’t want or need or can’t afford anything more.

Catalina 309 Specs:

LOH: 31′ 0″ (9.45 m.) LWL: 26′ 6″ (8.08 m.) Beam: 11′ 6″ (3.51 m.) Draft (fin/wing): 6′ 3″/4′ 4″ (1.90/1.32 m.) Sail Area (100%): 523 sq. ft. (48.6 sq. m.) Ballast (fin/wing): 4,000/4,400 lb. (1,814/1,996 kg.) Displacement (fin/wing): 9,800/10,200 lb. (4,445/4,627 kg.) Ballast/D(fin/wing): .41/.43 D/L (fin/wing): 235/245 SA/D (fin/wing): 18.3/17.8 Water: 35 gal. (133 l.) Fuel: 27 gal. (102 l.) Mast Height: 48′ 3″ (14.71 m.) Engine: 20-hp. Yanmar diesel Designer: Gerry Douglas Sailaway price with typical options: $95,000 plus freight Contact: Catalina Yachts, (818) 884-7700, www.catalinayachts.com

• More: 2001 - 2010 , 31 - 40 ft , catalina , Coastal Cruising , keelboat , monohull , Sailboat Reviews , Sailboats
• More Sailboats

Sailboat Review: Beneteau Oceanis 37.1

Sailboat Preview: Outremer 52

Sailboat Review: Jeanneau Yachts 55

Modern Multihulls: The Future’s Electric

Charting a New Course

Cruising with a Pet

Fatty Goodlander: Have Little, Want Less

• Digital Edition
• Customer Service
• Privacy Policy
• Email Newsletters
• Cruising World
• Sailing World
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Sport Fishing
• Wakeboarding