[C320-list] Should I buy a C320?

[Nigel Price]

  Hi Amirault family,

  I have a 2005 model C320 which I bought new in Australia. It has an 
in-mast furling system which I think is marvelous for cruising. Previously, 
I had a Benetau Oceanis 411, also with an in-mast system and came to love 
it. The C320 came with a fixed boom vang which I do not like at all, but I 
acknowledge that it's easier to furl and one less thing to think about, all 
the same, I'm in the process of replacing it with a Garhauer adjustable 
system.
  Of all the boats I've owned and there have been a few, I like the C320 the 
best for couples cruising, especially in Sydney climate where we sail year 
round and spend more time in the cockpit than below decks. Apart from some 
locally made boats, the C320 has a much larger and more comfortable cockpit 
than others of similar size and below decks is the best layout I have seen.

  The down side of the boat is the build quality, rather like an Ikea 
kitchen, but without the quality control and the after sales service in 
Australia is appaling. I am convinced that Catalina's Quality Assurance 
department is it's customer base and getting things fixed on warranty is 
like pulling teelth. In Australia, it is said that Catalina's hold their 
value better than any other brand, because potential buyers are so loathed 
to buy new, from the local agent and pay a premium for used boats.

  Would I buy another Catalina?, doubt it. The shoddy quality really gets to 
me.

  Cheers,
  NIgel



  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: "Amirault Family" <amiraults at sympatico.ca>
  To: <c320-list at catalina320.com>
  Sent: Friday, December 01, 2006 10:53 AM
  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