[C320-list] Should I buy a C320?

[Delia Mace]

Dear Amirault family

Seems like a strong Aussie response on this one.  My wife and I live in
Adelaide, South Australia which has a Mediterranean climate, somewhat like
Sydney, just better weather and better cruising.  (Watch the sparks fly now!
:-)  

Anyway, we bought a C320 (#727) in May this year and have not regretted it
for one moment.  I have recommended Catalina, and particularly the C320, to
others.  If we ever trade up, it will be to a C36 or C387.

It's a very comfortable boat - yes, a floating cottage.  I race it in the
social twilight races.  (SoCal = sunset race, I think is the translation.)
We have exactly the same handicap as one of the Beneteau 393s - and we beat
it this week.  :-) :-)

I don't know what the build quality complaints are - ours seems fine,
although I do know that a plastic bag was found in the deck material.  It
was repaired at Catalina's expense and the then owner was pleased with
Catalina's response, as I understand it.

My recommendation is to buy her and then decide if you really need to make
any modifications.  I reckon that your spouse will take the wheel, leaving
you to adjust the sails.  Better yet, install an autohelm.  Can't help you
with the furling main.  In our climate, a very good fridge is a must - it
froze the milk last weekend.

All the best - hope you end up with the C320.

Owen Mace
Baloo, #727



-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Amirault Family
Sent: 01 December 2006 10:24
To: c320-list at catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Should I buy a C320?

Greetings:

 

I am considering moving up from a 1981 Tanzer 8.5 to a 2004 C320 which has a
furling main. I have no experience with furling mains and I would appreciate
comments from owners of this main furling system regarding the operation and
reliability of the furler.

 

Any incidental general pro/con comments on the C320 would be appreciated, as
I am also considering new Hanse 315, Bavaria 30, Catalina 309 and used
Bavaria 32.

 

I race JAM; not well but the crew and I have a great time. I am looking for
something which is as fun to sail as my 8.5 but has more comfort in
preparation for retirement in 5 years, while my spouse is looking for a
floating cottage. It also needs to be something which is easy to sail as my
spouse has some minor mobility issues and it always distresses me to watch
her go forward to handle the main (she won't helm, never having overcome the
perceptual disjunct of forcing the tiller left to go right).  At the same
time I single hand and it is something I don't want to give up as it is the
only activity I do not by committee.

 

I do stress that I have suggested investing in a cottage rather than a
different boat, but she doesn't want an on land cottage. She enjoys the
sailing experience as long as heel doesn't exceed 15 degrees. So a stiff
boat with an easily controlled sail plan is a must. 

 

In relation to that, with the traveler on the coach roof, how do you adjust
the traveler and ease the main sheet from the wheel? I do note that the
primary winches appear out of reach of the helm, but for the money saved by
a 2004 C320 over an 2007 C309 there's cash left over to install a second
winch set at the wheel for sails alone.

 

 We sail the Ottawa River in Canada's capitol. You are never more than a
mile from some shore, and the navigable stretch we're in runs 26 miles. We
expect to move our boat to the Great Lakes in five years. We overnight now,
but I want to do a lot more of that; while my spouse has stated with
finality that she will never stay on a boat for more than 7 days at a
stretch. Having a wheel may allow her more participation in the sailing
experience and the amenities of the C320 may change her mind about cruise
duration.

 

Thanks;

 

Brian