1981 Catalina 30
$9,500
Boat in Sandwich, MA 02563 US
30
1 Engine (Yanmar)
29.9 feet
Diesel
Fiberglass/Reinforced
HIGHLANDER has had good care and regular upgrading by her owner who now needs to sell due to health reasons. Note new engine in 2001, interior cushions in 2001, sails in 2014/15, Awlgrip in 2001, dodger, bimini and mainsail cover in 2013, custom winter cover in 2015, and bottom stripped and barrier-coated in 2016. HIGHLANDER has been priced to sell.
Yanmar 2GM20F diesel new in 2001. Transmission new in 2025. Three-blade propeller. Dripless shaft seal. New exhaust riser and hose in 2017. New high output impeller pump, raw water strainer, and hoses new in 2021.
Sleeps 6. V berth forward. Enclosed head with shower and vanity next aft to port, hanging locker opposite to starboard. Main cabin with U-shaped dinette to port which converts to form double berth, settee to starboard. Galley next aft to port, quarterberth and nav station opposite to starboard. Dinette table mounts on an aluminum pedestal.
Interior cushions were new in 2001. Interior woodwork was sanded and coated with three coats of Cetol. Counter tops and dining table were re-covered with new laminate, and received new teak edging.
New custom carpet in 2013.
U-shaped galley features HilleRange gimbaled, stainless steel, two-burner, propane stove with oven, double sink with pressurized water, and ice box. New hot water heater in 2018.
12 volt DC and 110 volt AC dockside system. 12 volt system includes two AGM house batteries (2017) and one AGM starting battery (2019), circuit breaker distribution panel, battery selector switch. 110 volt AC system includes breaker panel and shore power cord. Battery system is linked and isolated. Battery charger. 1,000 watt DC - AC inverter. New LED spreader lights (2019,
Garmin GPS/chartplotter (2006) with linked depthsounder, Raymarine ST4000T autopilot 2019), drive unit rebuilt. Raymarine windspeed and direction indicator new in 2014. New VHF radio transceiver (2013). Ritchie pedestal-mounted compass.
Standard draft with fin keel and spade rudder. White topsides (Awlgripped in 2001) with blue cove and boot stripes. Deck nonskid painted in 2019. Edson pedestal wheel steering. Double lifelines with boarding gate. Stainless steel transom-mounted swim ladder. Two opening ports, two opening overhead hatches. Forward hatch was replaced in 2014. Cockpit shower.
Deck-stepped aluminum mast. Mainsheet traveler mounted on coachroof. Mast-mounted halyard winches. Self-tailing genoa sheet primary winches. Sail inventory includes 115% roller-furling genoa (2014) and fully-battened mainsail (2015) with lazy jacks.
Blue dodger (2013), blue bimini (2013), mainsail cover (2013), custom winter cover (2015) that can be used with mast either stepped or unstepped. Custom cockpit cushions. stereo with CD player, Bluetooth and Sirius capability. 7 boat stands for winter storage. Lifesling. Outboard motor mount. Rocna anchor with chain and rode, Danforth anchor, fire extinguishers, flares, assorted docklines and fenders, PFD's.
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
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2/16/26 | Initial price | $9,500 |
1981 Catalina 30 Video Tours
Overview from around the web 1981 Catalina 30
Customers consistently praise the 1981 Catalina 30 for its spacious and comfortable interior, making it an ideal choice for both weekend cruising and extended voyages
Many highlight its solid construction and reliable performance under sail, noting that it handles well in a variety of wind conditions. Owners appreciate the thoughtful layout, which offers ample storage and a functional galley, enhancing the overall onboard living experience. Additionally, the Catalina 30’s ease of handling and manageable size make it popular among both novice and experienced sailors. Some users mention that with proper maintenance, the 1981 model remains a durable and enjoyable vessel that holds its value well over time.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 1981 Catalina 30 is a classic and popular sailboat known for its solid design and versatility. Here are some of the key pros and cons:
Pros
Spacious Interior: The Catalina 30 offers a roomy and comfortable cabin for a 30-foot boat, making it great for extended cruising or weekend trips.
Solid Construction: Known for its sturdy fiberglass hull and reliable build quality, the boat holds up well over time.
Good Performance: The sail plan and hull design provide balanced and manageable sailing characteristics, suitable for both beginners and experienced sailors.
Large Cockpit: The cockpit is spacious and comfortable, ideal for socializing or handling sails.
Strong Community Support: Being a popular model, there is a large network of owners and resources for maintenance and upgrades.
Cons
Older Design: The 1981 model lacks some modern amenities and design improvements found in newer sailboats.
Maintenance Needs: Given its age, boats from this era may require more upkeep, including potential updates to rigging, plumbing, and electrical systems.
Weight: The Catalina 30 is relatively heavy for its size, which can affect light wind performance.
Limited Headroom: While spacious, the interior headroom is modest compared to some newer designs, which may be a consideration for taller sailors.
Made For
The 1981 Catalina 30 is ideal for sailing enthusiasts seeking a versatile and reliable cruiser. It’s perfect for individuals or families looking for a comfortable boat that balances performance with ease of handling. Whether you’re a weekend sailor, a coastal cruiser, or someone interested in occasional racing, the Catalina 30 offers spacious accommodations and solid construction, making it well-suited for both new sailors and experienced boaters who appreciate classic design and dependable sailing capabilities.
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Address
Boat Location
Contact Lawson Yachts LLC about 1981 Catalina 30
190 Lincoln St, Hingham, MA, 02043
Contact Lawson Yachts LLC
190 Lincoln St, Hingham, MA, 02043



















