We went through the same C27 vs. C30 debate a few years ago buying our first boat. We could have gotten an older C30 for about the same price as our '88 C27. But our boat was a one-owner boat that had been meticulously cared for, and it's in really great shape. A C30 in our price range would have been older and required a lot of work, and slightly higher cost of storage, possibly slips fees, etc. Our budget would not allow it. There will be are a lot of needs (and wants) in addition to the boat itself, and they tend to add up to what we call "boat units" - 1 thousand $ = 1 boat unit. You also need to think about how much "living" you are going to do aboard. We live about 30 mins. from the marina. We do mostly daysails and a few overnight stays during the summer. We have yet to do a longer trip, hopefully this summer. We tend to use the nice bathroom at the marina for potty breaks and showers - keeps us from having to pump the holding tank often. The head is quite small, but I'm not sure the C30 head is much larger? We got a nice propane grill last year and tend to grill out vs. cooking anything in the galley, but the galley will suffice for putting sandwiches etc. together. (For daysails I tend to prep at home and serve on the boat.) We in fact have a microwave sitting on top of our stove, mostly used for micro popcorn at the dock. We added a tiny dorm fridge, mainly so we could have a cold beverage waiting at the dock. (Priorities!) Our marina is downtown so many times we go out or order dinner in. Problem is now that we are outgrowing our boat and we are so emotionally attached we don't want to move up! We have 3 boys- one who is now taller than his father, and of course they all want to bring friends on a daysail. We'll take a large crew when it's calm, and sail out into Lake Michigan and back so they can hang out front (not a lot of tacking back and forth). I actually think the boat is perfect for 2 couples for a day or evening sail. We do all fit for an overnight but it is cozy - we fight over the v-berth. Then again, we have the 5 of us (plus the dog) in a pop-up camper when we camp for several weeks in the summer, so we are used to it.:) Good luck with your decision! Shana Sundog 1988 Catalina 27 Milwaukee, WI
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