Catalina Yachts 30 MkI 1986 boat specs
Catalina Yachts
Catalina Yachts 30 MkI 1986
1986
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VS
Catalina Yachts 30 Tall Rig 1984 boat specs
Catalina Yachts
Catalina Yachts 30 Tall Rig 1984
1984
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Catalina Yachts 30 MkI 1986 vs Catalina Yachts 30 Tall Rig 1984 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Catalina Yachts 30 MkI 1986 vs Catalina Yachts 30 Tall Rig 1984 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

The Catalina Yachts 30 MkI 1986 carries a rated maximum of 21 hp. Engine data for the Catalina Yachts 30 Tall Rig 1984 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.

Both boats are rated for 9 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.

Both boats draw a similar depth — 5,2 ft and 5,3 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.

The Catalina Yachts 30 MkI 1986 has a documented auxiliary engine of 21 hp.

Bottom line: The Catalina Yachts 30 MkI 1986 and Catalina Yachts 30 Tall Rig 1984 are closely matched on paper. A sea trial on both in representative conditions is the only reliable way to find which one suits your sailing style, home port, and intended cruising ground.
Measurements / Dimensions
Length overall - Detail30.00 ft
Length overall - Detail30.00 ft
Length - Feet30
Length - Feet30
Length overall - Meters9.14
Length overall - Meters9.14
Length overall - Inches360
Length overall - Inches360
Draft [max] - Detail5.17 ft
Draft [max] - Detail5.33 ft
Draft [max] - Meters1.58
Draft [max] - Meters1.62
Draft [max] - Inches62
Draft [max] - Inches64
Engine and Drivetrain
Fuel tank capacity - Gal18
Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available
Fuel tank capacity - Liters68.14
Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available
Engine makeUniversal
Engine makeSingle inboard Universal diesel
Horsepower21 hp
Horsepowernot available
Fuel typeDiesel
Fuel typeDiesel
Drive typeinboard
Drive typenot available
Operational Info
Sleeping capacity2
Sleeping capacitynot available
Head1
Head1
Boat typePower
Boat typeSail

Catalina Yachts 30 MkI 1986 vs Catalina Yachts 30 Tall Rig 1984 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Catalina Yachts 30 MkI 1986 or the Catalina Yachts 30 Tall Rig 1984?
The Catalina Yachts 30 Tall Rig 1984 is the longer of the two at 30,0 feet overall. The Catalina Yachts 30 MkI 1986 comes in at 30,0 feet, making it roughly 0,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.
What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?
The Catalina Yachts 30 MkI 1986 has a documented max rating of 21 hp. Engine specifications for the Catalina Yachts 30 Tall Rig 1984 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.
How many people can each boat hold?
The Catalina Yachts 30 MkI 1986 is Coast Guard rated for 9 passengers, while the Catalina Yachts 30 Tall Rig 1984 is certified for 9. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.
Which boat has the deeper draft — the Catalina Yachts 30 MkI 1986 or the Catalina Yachts 30 Tall Rig 1984?
The Catalina Yachts 30 Tall Rig 1984 has the deeper draft at 5,3 ft, versus 5,2 ft for the Catalina Yachts 30 MkI 1986. A deeper draft generally means better upwind performance and stability, but limits access to shallow anchorages and some marina berths. Always check the controlling depth of your home port and favourite cruising grounds before committing.
Are the Catalina Yachts 30 MkI 1986 and Catalina Yachts 30 Tall Rig 1984 from the same manufacturer?
Yes — both the Catalina Yachts 30 MkI 1986 and the Catalina Yachts 30 Tall Rig 1984 are built by Catalina Yachts. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.