[C320-list] 1996 vs. 2000

[Adam Weiner]

I personally would take the older boat (I happen to have a 1996) and use
the 20k difference to tweak the boat the way you want it, not the way
Catalina has changed it.  For example, a new electrical panel (which is
a slight problem on the 1996) can be replaced for a few hundred dollars,
the teak grab rail by the sink can be purchased at West Marine for under
$20.  The better airflow in the aft cabin is only an issue if you stay
on board often in warm areas.  Replumbing the fridge is not really a
major issue, and for 20k in savings I can really put up with awkward
light switches.  The problem of the shallow bilge was resolved with a
PSS prop seal.

However, 20k could buy you a lot of new electronics, sails (you didn't
mention the condition for either boat of the sales), a cruising
asymmetrical and all the hardware, etc. and still have over 10k left
over for your cruising kitty. 

By the way, you are probably more likely to negotiate the price down
more on the older boat.

Something else that you didn't mention is: how long do you intend to
keep the boat.  When I bought mine in was seven years old and I planned
on keeping it for 25 years.  Thus, resale was not an issue.  If you plan
on keeping it for a relatively short period of time than the newer boat
may have a higher resale value.



-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com] On Behalf Of
jonvez at comcast.net
Sent: Tuesday, May 15, 2007 11:50 AM
To: C320-List
Subject: Re: [C320-list] 1996 vs. 2000


Hi Mike,

First of all good luck...They really are great boats. Here is my two
cents and strictly personal preference:

At the end of the day, this is a personal choice with the factors of
cost, shape of the boat etc. being the ultimate factors--but I don't
think you can make a 'wrong' decision here.

I would go for the newer boat and try to negotiate down that big $
difference for the following reasons:

1) One of the nice things about Catalina is that they are regularly
upgrading and tweaking aspects of the boat from year to year. So the
2000 will have some improvements garnered over the previous 4 years.

2)Age is an enemy of all of us, and boats are no different. Sounds like
the '96 wasn't used that much and that's not necessarily a good thing.
You would have to check for what shape everything from hoses to gaskets
to pumps and even hardware bedding is like on both boats. Idle time can
be worse than regular usage.

3) Engine hours. I would be curious to see if an engine mechanic would
actually find the engine with more hours 'healthier' than the one hardly
ever used. Diesels require regular use and we are often guilty of
underusing our engines (those pesky sail things :)).

--On the other hand the 96 will probably represent better value from the
depreciation perspective, the price difference is pretty significant at
this point, and there is no 'bad year' for our 320's--they're all
great...

.....Good luck

Regards,

Jon Vez

-------------- Original message -------------- 
From: "Mike Paris" <mikepxx at adelphia.net> 

> I'm looking into purchasing a C320 (my first boat). I'm seeking input 
> as to
> potential problems of going with an older boat (1996) vs. a somewhat
newer one 
> (2000). The 1996 has less than 100 hours on its engine and the 2000
has 
> approximately 350 hours. The difference in price is $20k. Are there
some common 
> problems that I should be looking for? What other considerations
should affect 
> my choice? Of course I'll be having a survey performed once I make a
preliminary 
> decision. Thanks!