Secondhand Sailboats

Catalina 30 Mk II

29.9 ft · masthead sloop · fin keel

Builder
Catalina Yachts
Designer
Frank Butler
Built
1986–1993
Family
Catalina 30
Also known as
Catalina 30 Mark II, Catalina 30 MkII

Overview

The Catalina 30 Mk II (September 1986–1993) is the mid-life refresh of the Catalina 30: same hull and rig dimensions, but a new T-shaped cockpit mould with wide flat coamings designed around pedestal wheel steering, halyards led inside the mast, self-tailing winches and a higher standard of finish.

History

The association dates the Mk II from September 1986 to 1993. The wing keel option arrived in November 1986 and from October 1988 the three-cylinder Universal M-25 diesel was the only engine offered. Hull #5,000 (October 1987) and #6,000 (September 1990) both fall in this generation.

Variants

Recorded as a generation rather than an option because the cockpit, steering and interior mouldings differ and the market lists boats as 'Mk II'. Sources differ slightly on the end year (1993 per the association, 1991 in some owner-forum accounts); the association date is used. Tall rig, bowsprit and wing keel remained options.

Buying used

Look for the M-25 diesel and confirm the chainplate reinforcements; the Mk II's cockpit and wheel make it the value pick between the tiller-steered Mk I and the pricier Mk III.

Catalina 30 family

Factory options

  • BowspritRig

    Optional bowsprit adding about 32 in to J.

  • Tall rigRig

    sail area 502 sq ft (46.6 m²)

  • Wing keelKeel

    Wing keel · draft 3′ 10″ (1.17 m)

    Introduced November 1986, replacing the earlier shoal fin.

Is it right for you?

Editorial judgments, not measurements. Each one says why.

  • Bluewater / offshoreNot suited · high confidence

    Same hull, deck joint and rig as the Mk I; Practical Sailor's coastal-only verdict applies.

  • TrailerabilityNot suited · high confidence

    Same 10 ft 10 in beam, fixed keel and 10,200 lb as the original.

Sources4 sources · 11 accepted facts

Every number on this page is traced to a source. Sources are listed in our order of preference: builder documentation first, then owners' associations and references, then the sailing press, then secondary summaries.

Owners' association

Boat database

Secondary source