[C320-list] Should I buy a C320?

[Denny Browne]

Lots of people on this list are very happy with their 320s, especially me. I
single hand it a fair amount and last weekend installed Harken 150 can
cleats at the aft edge of the cabin top for the mainsheet to make it easier
to trim from either side and from the helm. Haven't tried it hard on the
wind yet, but I'm cautiously optimistic that with a good hard pull, I'll
actually be able to get it most of the way in. I can sit beside the wheel
and work the traveler just fine, as long as the leeward side isn't cleated.
When heel approaches 15 degrees, it's pretty easy to ease the traveler down,
then back when she stands up.

I like the roomy cockpit and the large aft cabin, as well as the way the
boat sails. No experience with the Tanzer. I think the Catalina 309 has a
bigger main saloon at the expense of v-berth space, but I find our main
saloon to be just fine. The pair of secondary winches would be handy, but I
can reach the primaries with a little effort from seated beside the wheel. I
did install a bit larger wheel and put the driver's "seat" in my garage to
allow a little more room behind it. I'd much rather stand if I'm right
behind the wheel anyway.

By the way, this is my second Catalina 320, so I guess I'd recommend it
pretty highly. Good luck with whatever decision you make, and we hope to
welcome you into our little community.

Denny Browne
A Cappella #935
Redondo Beach, CA

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Amirault Family
Sent: Thursday, November 30, 2006 3:54 PM
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