1981 Catalina 30

$21,000

$26,000

Used

Boat in Berkeley, CA 94710 US

builtBuilt in 1981
Year the boat was built
model

30

Boat model
engine

1 Engine (Universal)

Engine type and count
length

30 feet

Overall boat length
fuel

Diesel

Fuel type
material

Fiberglass/Reinforced

Hull material
Nominal Length
30ft
Length Overall
30ft
Beam
10.83ft
Max Draft
5.25ft
Cabin Headroom
6.33ft
Displacement
10200lb
Cruising Speed
4kn
Max Speed
6kn
Cabins
1
Heads
1
Max Passengers
8
Seating Capacity
6
Fresh Water Tanks
50gal
Fuel Tanks
20gal
Holding Tanks
10gal
Electrical Circuit
110v
Hull Material
fiberglass
Engine 1
Engine Make
Universal
Engine Model
M2 12
Total Power
11hp
Engine Hours
1093
Engine Type
inboard
Fuel Type
diesel
Engine Year
1981
Drive Type
direct
Propeller Material
bronze
Oven
Manual Bilge Pump
Battery Charger
Wind Speed And Direction
Autopilot
Compass
Gps
Mainsail Cover
Shore Power Inlet
Battened Mainsail
Genoa
Disclaimer

The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.

Price History

DateEventPrice
3/31/26Price decreased$21,000(-19.2%)
2/1/26Price decreased$26,000(-10.2%)
1/30/26Initial price$28,950

Overview from around the web 1981 Catalina 30

Customers consistently praise the 1981 Catalina 30 for its spacious and comfortable interior, making it an excellent choice for both cruising and liveaboard lifestyles

Many highlight its solid build quality and reliable performance under sail, appreciating the boat's balance of ease of handling and seaworthiness. Owners often mention the generous storage space and well-designed layout, which contribute to enjoyable extended trips. Some also note that the Catalina 30 offers good value for its size and features, making it a popular option among cruising enthusiasts. Overall, feedback reflects a strong appreciation for the boat's versatility, comfort, and enduring appeal.

The Biggest Pros and Cons

The 1981 Catalina 30 is a classic cruiser that has earned a solid reputation among sailing enthusiasts. Here are some of the key pros and cons of this model:

Pros

Spacious interior: The Catalina 30 offers a comfortable and roomy cabin layout, making it suitable for extended cruising and accommodating family or guests.

Solid construction: Known for its durable fiberglass hull and reliable build quality, the boat stands up well to years of use.

Good sailing performance: With a well-balanced design and manageable sail plan, it performs admirably in a variety of wind conditions.

Wide availability of parts: Due to its popularity and long production run, replacement parts and upgrades are relatively easy to find.

Affordable price point: Compared to many other cruisers of similar size and quality, the Catalina 30 often represents good value on the used boat market.

Cons

Aging design: As a model from 1981, some aspects of the interior layout and systems may feel dated compared to modern sailboats.

Weight: The boat can feel somewhat heavy under sail, which might affect speed and responsiveness in light wind conditions.

Maintenance needs: Like many older boats, the Catalina 30 may require ongoing upkeep, including potential updates to rigging, plumbing, and electrical systems.

Limited headroom: While spacious, some sailors find the cabin headroom to be a bit restrictive, especially for taller individuals.

Keel type considerations: The standard fin keel may limit access to shallow waters, though shoal draft versions are available.

Made For

The 1981 Catalina 30 is ideal for sailors seeking a versatile and reliable cruising sailboat. It’s perfect for families and couples looking to enjoy weekend getaways or extended coastal cruising. With its spacious interior and easy handling, the Catalina 30 suits both novice sailors and experienced boaters who value comfort, performance, and classic design in a mid-sized sailboat.

Finance your dream boat!

Use our boat payment calculator to estimate monthly payments for 1981 Catalina 30. Enter your down payment, choose a loan term, and adjust the interest rate to see an instant payment estimate — ideal if you're calculating boat payments before you enquire. Wondering how much does a Racer/Cruiser cost in today's market, or how much does a Catalina cost for similar models? This boat financing calculator helps you compare scenarios in seconds, whether you're considering used boat financing or a new purchase.
Monthly payment
$238.34/mo
$
$
Loan amount$ 21,000
OR
%

Finance your dream boat!

Use our boat payment calculator to estimate monthly payments for 1981 Catalina 30. Enter your down payment, choose a loan term, and adjust the interest rate to see an instant payment estimate — ideal if you're calculating boat payments before you enquire. Wondering how much does a Racer/Cruiser cost in today's market, or how much does a Catalina cost for similar models? This boat financing calculator helps you compare scenarios in seconds, whether you're considering used boat financing or a new purchase.
Monthly payment
$238.34/mo
$
$
Loan amount$ 21,000
OR
%

Contact Rubicon Yachts- San Rafael

25 Third Street, San Rafael, CA, 94901

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San Rafael, CA 94901

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