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

[jonvez at comcast.net]

I really like Jeff's idea of offering up suggestions for future mods.--One other in that category would be putting a larger fuel tank in (which could also help with the list--this is where Orlando  hits his auto reply and asks if there is a list). The new 309 comes with a 27 Gal capacity.....or is this a mod. that can currently be done given the space that exists......

Regards,

Jon Vez

-------------- Original message -------------- 
From: "Jeffrey Hare" <catalina at thehares.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 _/) " 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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