CATALINA 30 MKIII
Specifications
About the CATALINA 30 MKIII
Hull# 5820+. A wing keel version was available, as was a tall rig. Wing keel draft: 1.17m 3.83'. Last Catalina 30 was built in 2008. (from CATALINA MKII): Re-designed cockpit and open transom. Updated galley. Topside windows. The photo above was taken from the cover of the C30 MKIII brochure, sent to us by Ken Kloeber.
Designed by Gerry Douglass and built by Catalina Yachts (USA) from 1990–2008, the Catalina 30 MkIII is a popular masthead sloop with a displacement of 10185.0 lb and a beam of 10.83 ft. While the exact hulls built count is unspecified, the model's longevity and widespread owner reports highlight its status as a robust coastal cruiser with a comfort ratio of 24.9.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for coastal cruisers and families seeking a stable, comfortable platform with ample interior volume, as evidenced by the high frequency of dodger and bimini installations for protected outdoor living.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 2.0 and a displacement of 10185.0 lb, the boat offers moderate offshore stability, though its bluewater capability is limited by reported structural vulnerabilities in the deck core and keel sump that require rigorous inspection.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats from this era include the Cal 30 and O'Day 302, which share similar displacement and beam dimensions, offering alternative choices for buyers prioritizing interior space and ease of handling over pure racing performance.
Direct variant of the CATALINA 30 MKIII
Near-identical models — same hull, builder and designer, re-badged or lightly changed. Specs and owner-reported issues are typically shared across the group, so a sister model's page may carry detail this one doesn't.
Performance
Estimated Value
Medium ConfidenceAsking price by model year
21 listings · boat years 1987–2006 · median $28,000
Each dot is one listing · hover for details · dashed red line marks the median · obvious data-entry outliers (top & bottom 2.5%) excluded.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 29.92ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
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Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
14 reported issues across 8 systems for the CATALINA 30 MKIII, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a CATALINA 30 MKIII? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 14 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
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Which engine powers your CATALINA 30 MKIII?
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Used sails that fit the CATALINA 30 MKIII
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…