[C320-list] Seaworthiness

[Larry Frank]

I sailed my 320 across the Gulf of Mexico from Texas to Veracruz, MX in a
regatta during the summer of 2006.  That trip and others in the Gulf of
Mexico along the Texas coast in the in rather snotty weather have helped me
form opinions about the 320s seaworthiness.  My observations:

1.  Good seamanship trumps all other considerations.  Or said another way in
any boat bad decisions or poor preparation can and probably will lead to
problems and disaster.  

2.  Tracking is a weak point.  Big seas on a beam or broad reach push the
rather broad stern around rather easily.  Proper sail balance is critical.
I have the wing keel; perhaps this is better with the fin.  Anyways,
steering by autopilot in large seas is not effective.  Manual steering will
wear out crew quickly.  Could a wind vane be mounted?  

3.  Fuel capacity is low.  Most people carry jerry cans and while this
works, it is less than optimal.

4.  Structurally, the hull and rigging, if properly maintained will take a
licking and keep on ticking.  I never had problems or concerns here, and
have had complements from knowledgeable and experienced crew on this point.

5.  Open transom is a huge plus, at least in my opinion.  When we purchased
WindSwept, this was a concern to me.  After getting pooped going downwind in
35 knots and big seas in the gulf and watching the water drain out in a
couple of seconds, I completely changed my opinion of this feature.

6.  For serious offshore work, some modifications and additions to the basic
320 are prudent.  What you need to do will somewhat be a function of what
model year you have since Catalina makes improvements in design as a model
matures. 

I believe the person who told you "you might want a larger boat" was
completely accurate.  I'd like a larger boat too for this type of sailing.
However, the question should be can you do what you want to do in the boat
you have now?  Unless you own the Queen Mary, there are always larger, more
capable boats.

Larry
Wind Swept Catalina 320 #246

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Robert Seastream
Sent: Thursday, April 19, 2007 3:02 PM
To: C320-List
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Seaworthiness

I've often wondered why, not long ago (~20 years) people did crossings 
in ~25 foot boats, yet these days upwards of 40 feet is indicated.

Recently, while discussing going to Bermuda in my 320 (off list), I was 
told I might want a larger boat like the above.

Bob Seastream
'Intuition' hull 906


On Apr 19, 2007, at 9:12 AM, pat reynolds wrote:

> If any have wondered about ocean crossing on a 320, it
> would probably be safer than the google map
> directions for a new york to paris, france trip,
> particularly direction # 23 at www.google.com
>
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