[C320-list] Early Christmas Present

[Allan Field]

Scott - I don't know what Catalina is installing for autopilots now but I
just upgraded this summer to the Raymarine S-1 wheel pilot.  Once you get
past the install challenges, the thing is an absolute treat to use compared
to the ST4000. - Allan

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at catalina320.com] On Behalf Of T. Scott Thompson
Sent: Sunday, October 14, 2007 1:06 PM
To: C320-List
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Early Christmas Present

Personally I'd dump them both and go with a traditional mainsail setup 
plus Dutchman system.  After owning my boat for several years I have 
little envy of those with mainsail furling systems.  The 320 is small 
enough that I find I have no trouble getting underway, reefing, 
unreefing, furling, etc. single handed, provided the autopilot is 
working.  I see little value in the added complexity of the inboom or 
inmast furlers, and I'm sure both hurt sailing performance -- especially 
the inmast system.  (The main performance disadvantage of in-boom is 
weight, and on some setups no vang control.)  I'd instead spend the 
money on a good asymmetrical spinnaker setup, or else a good whisker 
pole setup.  I'd also think about dumping the stock sails for better 
ones if I could get a good allowance for the stock sails.

What kind of autopilot are they installing now?  I don't recall seeing 
one on the wheel of the 320 at the Annapolis boat show.  I wish my boat 
had something beefier than the wheel drive on my 1999 boat.  If you are 
going to upgrade that, then this would be a good new boat addition. 

An alternator / charging regulator upgrade would also be a good idea if 
you are going to anchor out much, as would a separate starting battery.  
I don't know if dealers would make those mods to a new boat.  There 
might be warranty issues.

Scott
Surprise, 653

Len wrote:
> Will second the motion re change-out the in-mast furling for in-boom
furling
> main.  Am very pleased with operation of my Leisure Furl coastal model,
and
> with in-boom furling you don't have to worry about main getting stuck at
top
> of mast if in-mast furler jams.  In-boom gives you a full sail with
battens,
> and traditional up-down mainsail.
>
> Len Krane
> Aqua5  #1070
>
> On 10/13/07, Orlando.Duran at averydennison.com <
> Orlando.Duran at averydennison.com> wrote:
>   
>> Do yourself a favor---whatever you want to put on the boat, do it now,
>> have the dealer install and forget about it..
>>
>> Other considerations: (my opinion)
>>
>>
>> Inverter/Charger - go for a 2000W that has at least 75-100A charger
>>
>> Flex-o-Fold is an excellent folding prop
>>
>> Dodger/Bimini
>>
>> Plenty of inexpensive flat screen (20') TV's you can install
>>
>> Starting battery
>>
>> I'm not a fan of in-mast furling mains--slow as heck, they don't hold any
>> sail shape--can you swap for in-boom?
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ----------------------------------
>> Regards,
>> OD
>>
>> Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld
>>
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "John Frost" [john at frostnet.net]
>> Sent: 10/13/2007 07:50 AM
>> To: "'C320-List'" <c320-list at catalina320.com>
>> Subject: [C320-list] Early Christmas Present
>>
>> I have been lurking on this list for about a year trying to decide
whether
>> I
>> could afford to join your ranks. Well, last week at the Annapolis Boat
>> Show
>> I pulled the trigger and signed on for a new C320. I can't wait!
>>
>> I now have a bunch of decisions to make about how to have the dealer
>> outfit
>> it before we splash. My first question is which folding/feathering prop
to
>> go with. I followed the recent thread with interest but didn't keep the
>> results. I see the Kiwi prop is definitely favored down under, but am not
>> sure in this part of the world. Is there an archive that I can check?
>>
>> We have a 150 jib, furling main, wind package, AC, wing keel and
>> autopilot.
>> Will add a VHF and possibly tv antenna, will get epoxy and antifoul.
>> What other things do you think should be done before raising the mast and
>> putting in the water for a couple of years? I like puttering with the
>> small
>> stuff but am not much of a fan of my Bosun's chair.
>>
>>
>> Best Regards,
>> John Frost
>> Name To Be Chosen
>> Lake Guntersville, AL
>>
>>
>>
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