1987 Catalina 30 Owners Manual

The 1987 Catalina 30 is a popular cruising sailboat known for its comfortable accommodations and reliable sailing performance. This 30-foot sailboat features a spacious cockpit, well-designed interior layout, and dependable rigging system. Below are key sections covering specifications, systems, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting for proper ownership and care.

1. Specifications 2. Hull & Deck Features 3. Rigging & Sails 4. Interior Layout 5. Systems Overview 6. Engine & Mechanical 7. Electrical Systems 8. Plumbing & Galley 9. Maintenance Schedule 10. Safety Equipment 11. Troubleshooting

Specifications

Key dimensions and construction details of the 1987 Catalina 30.

Specification	Measurement
Length Overall	29' 11"
Waterline Length	25' 0"
Beam	10' 10"
Draft	5' 3" (standard keel)
Displacement	10,200 lbs
Ballast	4,000 lbs
Sail Area	444 sq ft
Headroom	6' 3"
Fuel Capacity	18 gallons
Water Capacity	42 gallons

Hull & Deck Features

Construction details and deck layout components.

Hull: Hand-laid fiberglass with balsa core construction
Deck: Fiberglass with non-skid pattern
Cockpit: Self-bailing with teak seating
Winches: Barient #10 primary, #8 secondary
Lifelines: Stainless steel with gates port and starboard

WARNING! Always wear proper safety gear when working on deck. Check all hardware regularly for corrosion.

Rigging & Sails

Standing and running rigging specifications and sail handling.

Mast: Deck-stepped aluminum spar
Rigging: 1x19 stainless steel wire
Main Sail: 177 sq ft with two reef points
Genoa: 135% roller furling
Running Rigging: Dacron line throughout

CAUTION! Inspect rigging annually for wear. Replace any frayed or corroded components immediately.

Interior Layout

Main Cabin: V-berth forward, settee berths port and starboard
Galley: Two-burner alcohol stove, icebox, stainless steel sink
Navigation Station: Chart table with electrical panel
Head: Marine toilet with holding tank and manual pump
Storage: Multiple lockers and drawers throughout
Ventilation: Four opening ports and two deck hatches

Systems Overview

Major boat systems and their operation.

Electrical: 12V DC and 110V AC systems with circuit breakers. Plumbing: Fresh water system with manual and pressure options. Mechanical: Universal 25hp diesel engine with 2.5:1 reduction gear. Navigation: Standard compass and basic instrument package.

Engine & Mechanical

Universal 25hp diesel engine operation and maintenance.

Pre-start check: Oil level, coolant, fuel, belts
Starting procedure: Transmission neutral, throttle 1/4, glow plugs
Shutdown: Allow cool-down period before turning off
Regular maintenance: Oil change every 100 hours, fuel filters annually

Tip: Always check for water in fuel filter and clean raw water strainer regularly.

Electrical Systems

12V DC and 110V shore power systems.

Batteries: Two Group 27 deep cycle (house and starting)
Charging: Engine alternator and shore power charger
Distribution: Main panel with circuit breakers for all systems
Instruments: Speed, depth, wind, and VHF radio

WARNING! Always turn off shore power before connecting/disconnecting. Check battery water levels monthly.

Plumbing & Galley

Fresh water, waste, and galley systems operation.

Water tanks: Two 21-gallon polyethylene tanks
Pumps: Manual and electric pressure water systems
Head: Manual marine toilet with Y-valve and holding tank
Galley: Alcohol stove with safety shut-off, icebox drainage
Through-hulls: Bronze seacocks on all underwater fittings

WARNING! Exercise all seacocks regularly. Never leave through-hulls open when unattended.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance tasks and intervals.

Interval	Task
Weekly	Check engine fluids, bilge, battery water
Monthly	Test electronics, inspect sails and rigging
Annually	Haul-out, bottom paint, zinc replacement
Every 2 years	Replace engine belts and hoses
Every 5 years	Re-rig standing rigging

Safety Equipment

Required and recommended safety gear.

Standard equipment includes: Life jackets, throwable device, fire extinguishers, visual distress signals, sound signaling device, navigation lights, and bilge pump. Additional recommended: EPIRB, life raft, man overboard equipment, first aid kit.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Dead battery, fuel issue	Check battery voltage, bleed fuel system
Bilge pump running frequently	Leaking through-hulls or stuffing box	Inspect all underwater fittings, adjust packing gland
Electrical failure	Tripped breaker, corroded connections	Reset breakers, clean battery terminals
Poor sailing performance	Fouled bottom, sail trim	Clean hull, adjust sail shape and sheeting
Water pressure failure	Pump failure, clogged filter	Check pump operation, clean water filter

Emergency: Contact Catalina Yachts Customer Service for technical support.

Service: Refer to authorized Catalina dealers for major repairs.