1988 Catalina 30

$17,500
Price Drop: $2,000 (7/4/25)
Price Drop: $2,000 (7/4/25)

Boat in Slidell, LA

$17,500
Designed by Frank Butler as a performance cruiser, this vessel is equally at home racing around the lake or cruising the coast. This Catalina 30 is the Tall Rig model. The taller mast means more sail area and better performance. She boasts a comfortable deck as well as spacious accommodations, WITH A/C. The Catalina 30 offers more boat inside and out than most production sailing sloops and it's why she remains so popular. With 6'4" interior head room she makes even tall sailors comfortable. All lines lead to the cockpit for ease of single handing. A large bimini top, pedestal steering, and a swim ladder, make her a joy whether at sea, at anchor, or at dock. Her furling headsail, interior cushions, and port lights are all less than 5 years old! Her headsail has been used less than a dozen times! She also has a spinnaker! She had a bottom job in 2023. Her engine purrs!

1988 Catalina 30 Video Tours

1988 Catalina 30

builtBuilt in 1988
model30
engine1 Engine (Universal )
length30 feet
fuelDiesel
materialFiberglass/Reinforced

Marine Source: Overview for the 1988 Catalina 30

Compiled and summarized from around the web
Reviews for the 1988 Catalina 30:

The 1988 Catalina 30 is highly regarded by owners for its spacious interior, solid construction, and excellent sailing performance. Customers often praise its comfortable layout, making it ideal for both cruising and weekend getaways. Many appreciate the boat’s ease of handling and reliable rigging, which make it accessible for sailors of various skill levels. The ample storage and well-designed cockpit are frequently highlighted as standout features, contributing to an enjoyable and practical sailing experience. Overall, the 1988 Catalina 30 continues to be celebrated for its blend of comfort, durability, and versatility on the water.

Who the 1988 Catalina 30 is Made For:

The 1988 Catalina 30 is designed for sailing enthusiasts who seek a versatile and comfortable cruiser. Ideal for both weekend sailors and extended coastal cruising, it appeals to those who value a balance of performance, spacious accommodations, and ease of handling. Whether you're a small family, a couple, or a group of friends looking to enjoy leisurely days on the water, the Catalina 30 offers a reliable and enjoyable sailing experience.

The Biggest Pros and Cons of the 1988 Catalina 30:

The 1988 Catalina 30 is a popular cruiser known for its solid construction and comfortable accommodations. Here are some pros and cons to consider:

Pros:

  • Spacious Interior: The Catalina 30 offers a roomy cabin with comfortable berths, a well-equipped galley, and ample storage, making it ideal for extended cruising or weekend trips.
  • Stable and Easy to Sail: With a moderate displacement and a well-designed keel, this boat provides good stability and handles well in a variety of conditions, suitable for both novice and experienced sailors.
  • Good Resale Value: The Catalina 30 has a strong following and a reputation for durability, which helps maintain its value over time.
  • Community and Support: There is a large owners’ community and plenty of resources available for maintenance, upgrades, and troubleshooting.

Cons:

  • Older Systems: Being a 1988 model, some of the onboard systems (electrical, plumbing, rigging) may require updating or maintenance to meet modern standards.
  • Performance Limitations: While comfortable, the Catalina 30 is designed more for cruising than racing, so it may not satisfy those looking for high-performance sailing.
  • Maintenance Needs: Like many boats of its age, regular upkeep is necessary to prevent issues related to wear and aging materials.
  • Interior Finish: Some owners find the interior finish dated compared to newer models, which may require refurbishment for a more modern feel.

Overall, the 1988 Catalina 30 remains a solid choice for sailors seeking a reliable and comfortable cruising sailboat with a proven track record.

Marine Source: Answer Hub for the 1988 Catalina 30

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1988 Catalina 30 Full Details

Nominal Length
30ft
Length Overall
30ft
Length at Waterline
25ft
Beam
10.83ft
Max Bridge Clearance
47.92ft
Max Draft
5.25ft
Displacement
10200lb
Ballast
4200lb
Heads
1
Fresh Water Tanks
43gal
Fuel Tanks
21gal
Hull Material
fiberglass
Hull Shape
monohull
Engine 1
Engine Make
Universal
Engine Model
M25
Total Power
25hp
Engine Hours
800
Engine Type
inboard
Fuel Type
diesel
Engine Year
1988
Drive Type
direct
Accommodations
The accommodations of the Catalina 30 were well planned for cruising or weekend entertaining.

Salon:
Port side L-shaped dinette
Blue upholstery
Teak table that lowers to convert to a double berth
Bookshelves port and starboard
Louvered, enclosed cabinets to port and starboard
6'3" headroom
Starboard settee
New opening portlights port and starboard
Teak companionway inserts
Navigation table to starboard
Bookshelf above nav table
Louvered cabinet below nav table
Teak overhead hand rails
Galley:
Force 10 gimbaled 3 burn stove with oven
Double Stainless Steel Sinks
Pressure water
Large, below sink storage cabinet
Storage shelf
Upper storage cabinet
(5) teak stowage drawers
White laminate counter tops
Insulated ice box
New opening portlight

Forward Cabin:
Full size V-Berth
Natural light
Opening overhead hatch
Teak trim
Blue upholstery
(5) teak storage drawers

Quarter Berth:
Double size berth
Blue Upholstery


Head:
Stainless steel sink with pressure water
Mirrored storage cabinet
White laminate vanity
JABSCO manual head
Teak hand hold
Opening overhead hatch
Opening port light
Sails & Rigging
Battened, Dacron mainsail
Sunbrella mainsail cover
NEW Jib (135%), North Sails (2022, used less than a dozen times)
Roller furler
Spinnaker pole
Deck-stepped mast
Masthead rig
Single upper shrouds
Single spreader
Double lower shrouds
Split backstay
(2) Lewmar #40 two-speed, self-tailing winches
(1) Lewmar #15 two-speed, self-tailing winch
(1) Lewmar #7 single-speed, self-tailing winch
Cabin top mounted traveller
Halyards led to cockpit
Deck & Hull
Stainless steel bow and stern pulpits
Double life lines with port & starboard gates
Teak cabin-top handrails
Bow, midship, and aft mooring cleats
Anchor well for rode & chain
Dual offset anchor rollers
(3) Cockpit and transom lockers
(3) Opening hatches
NEW Opening port lights (2022)
Fixed hull port lights
Non-skid deck Bottom job 2 years ago 
Cockpit
The cockpit is big enough for crew, with seats long enough to stretch out for a nap at anchor. The seat backs are set at a good angle for comfortable sitting while sailing or at dock.
Pedestal wheel
Lighted Ritchie compass
Teak folding cockpit table
Cockpit cushions
Teak hatch inserts for companionway
Stainless steel frame for a bimini (needs a new one, old one available as a pattern)
Large cockpit lockers starboard, port, and aft
Emergency steering
Stainless steel swim ladder
Winch handle holders
Engine & Mechanical
25 HP Universal
New Water pump 2019 New Heat exchanger 2019
Easy access
Electric, automatic bilge pump
Electrical
VHF radio  Garmin 541 S chart plotter Raymarine depth meter Raymarine wind meter Raymarine autopilot
Marine reverse air system (heat & cool)
Running lights, steaming, & anchor lights
Cabin lights
30 amp power and cord

Price History

DateEventPrice
7/4/25Price decreased$17,500(-10.3%)
6/28/25Initial price$19,500

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Address
700 Mariner's Plaza Drive, Ste 707
Mandeville, LA 70448

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