[C320-list] FW: Re: Questions for Gerry Douglas

Fri Aug 18 06:41:16 PDT 2006

These boats have a list?!!
------Original Message------
From: Jeffrey Hare
To: Catalina 320 List
ReplyTo: catalina
ReplyTo: Catalina 320 List
Sent: Aug 18, 2006 6:23 AM
Subject: Re: [C320-list] FW: Re:  Questions for Gerry Douglas

[Sent by: c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com ]
Hi,

We can always ask..   :)

But we shouldn't be disappointed if he dodges or gives less than useful
answers to questions about any mfg issues in Largo, marketing directions
that haven't yet been anounced, etc..  This is typically considered
proprietary information, and smart businesses hold these cards close to
their chest.

We'd all like to know (but obviously not *entitled* to know) non-public
things that their competition can use against them.

Here are a few Questions:
=========================

*  I'd like to hear his side of the issue surrounding the commissioning of
Annie's boat for Australia.

*  I'd like to know if there's anything that can be done about the Main
cabin hatch crazing.  Many of the boats (especially mine) have bad crazing
in the glass around the hinge.  Can Catalina get Lewmar to address this?

*  Can he provide any recommendations pictures/etc. on rigging the single
line reefing system?  Seems that dealers are pretty much left to hose this
up on their own and bomb the list with questions on how it's supposed to
work. (Myself included) Obviously this has been a heavily discussed topic,
but rarely commented on by Catalina as far as I know.

*  The Largo factory seems to use regular tubing and hose clamps whereas
the
CA factory uses PEX and whale fittings for water system.  Are the newer
C320s going to stop using PEX now?

Perhaps he could comment on Design Change suggestions?  (who knows?)
================================================

*  (Assuming the newer boats still have the water tank valves under the
aft
cabin bunk...) How about asking why the water tank valves are still under
the aft cabin bunk when they could simplify installation, save money on
parts and make the system easier to use by mounting them under nav
station?

*  How about asking if there could be a slight design change to the Main
salon settee so that owners could use 8D batteries instead if they wanted
to.  This could both solve the power problem for the power hungry, and
port
list in one shot. The change might involve making the mold for the seat
base
about 1.5" deeper so that the battery tray could sit a little deeper and
have a tiny bit more width.

*  How about having a starting battery as a factory option?

*  How about asking if Catalina could better provide a sealed Aft cabin
locker so that clothes don't pick up the head hose smell.

Just a few thoughts for him to choose from.

-Jeff

-----Original Message-----
From: russgm at yahoo.com [mailto:russgm at yahoo.com]
Sent: Friday, August 18, 2006 7:36 AM
To: kmielen at iwon.com; C320-List
Subject: Re: [C320-list] FW: Re: Questions for Gerry Douglas

I agree with Karl, Gerry is in a position to address almost any issue,
with
Frank and Sharon the three of them run the entire company, he is not just
a
boat designer, he is a marketer, planner, builder etc.
russ monaco

"Karl Mielenhausen  _/) " <kmielen at iwon.com> wrote:
I realize Mr. Douglas may not be in the best position to comment on
marketing issues (ie. #3), but he ought to be able to address
manufacturing
issues (#1, #2, #4).

With all due respect to other's opinions, in my opinion, I believe these
ARE
about our boat...

#3 is meant to address shrinking US market as sailing is less popular...
this can impact whether future 320's are even built and that can impact
our
resale values. (We can discuss whether it would help or hurt the used C320
market at a later time)

#1, #2, #4 all impact quality and value of future boats, and by some
extension and association, the potential buyer's perceived value of the
existing fleet of C320's. CA, FLA, and other future plants might have
different quality plans, standards, employee training and levels of
workmanship.

Thanks...

Karl Mielenhausen

2000 C320 Hull#690 "Silver Lining"

New Bern, NC

http://members.cox.net/mielen/

From: Richard A. Walker [mailto: dickwalker at att.net]

To: kmielen at iwon.com, c320-list at catalina320.com

Date: Thu, 17 Aug 2006 07:03:52 -0700

Subject: RE: [C320-list] FW: Re:  Questions for Gerry Douglas

1/ What have been the start-up issues with bringing a "new" models from
Woodland Hills to Largo?

2/ Are there plans to register the quality system to ISO 9002?

3/ Does Catalina see additional sales growth opportunity in the US (if so,
where and what) or will they focus on increasing sales abroad?

4/ Are they considering any offshore manufacturing sites(e.g. China)

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