[C320-list] 1996 vs. 2000

[David J Gleason]

Mike:

I go along with Adam on getting more boat for the money on the older
model.  I purchased a 94 in 99 and turned down a 96 model as there was
then a 10,000 difference.  That difference is now probably only 1,000. 
As for the difference in airflow in the aft cabin, I solved that by
installing a fan.  I took out the door that opens into the area where the
steering quadrant is located and put in a reversible 3 speed fan.  I
leave one of the stern locker lids propped open and get great airflow in
warm weather.  I put up a small plastic shield over the opening so I do
not get water into the boat when it rains.

Dave Gleason
Proud Mary, #1150

On Tue, 15 May 2007 21:14:38 -0700 "Adam Weiner"
<esquirecatering at rcn.com> writes:
> 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! 
> 
> 
>