[C320-list] 1995 C320 Buyer Information Requested

[Kirk McCullough]

Joe

Ditto everything Peter says below; with these comments

We have replaced the exhaust elbow at 1500 hrs; no aqua lift problems; PSS 
dripless seal keeps water out. The Perkins is a peach of an engine, we have 
2200 hours on ours with no problems except the elbow.

We have not had any blister problems. One very small drip from a starboard 
chainplate only after constant hard rain, maybe a drop or two gets in; 
haven't addressed it yet.

We replaced the rusted fridge compressor 5 years ago; a new one with more 
refidgeration punch, smaller footprint and less current draw was a big 
improvement.

When you compare a Catalina from these years to a Benateau or similar, you 
can really see the differences in the build. The Catalina is built stronger, 
weighs a little more, but carries more sail.

We added a feathering prop and new sails recently. These add significant 
speed under sail, love them.

We have enjoyed our 320 for 10 years now( it was preowned)

Boomerang #124 ( 1994)




----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Peter Clancy" <SAILORPETE at msn.com>
To: "C320-List" <c320-list at catalina320.com>
Sent: Saturday, January 12, 2008 11:01 AM
Subject: Re: [C320-list] 1995 C320 Buyer Information Requested



Joe ...... I owned 'AROBAN' for 8 years, a 1995 C320 hull #222. First, I 
believe it's essential to have a thorough survey done on the boat. The 
shallow bilge was never an issue with me as I switched to GFO packing which 
seldom dripped. Others have gone to the dripless shaft seals with good 
results. The key is to keep water from accumulating in the bilge and under 
the bilge tray. The boat probably has the Perkins diesel and was presumably 
used in salt water. I'd ask if the exhaust elbow had ever been replaced. I 
had to replace mine at 400 hours. Take a look at the refrigeration 
compressor unit in the port aft lazarette. Mine had rusted quite a bit but 
still worked fine.  I also had a blistering problem as Catalina had not yet 
started using vinylester resins in 1995. I repaired the blisters myself and 
applied an epoxy barrier coat which eliminated any recurrence. I never had a 
problem with the aqua lift muffler. Check for leaks around the chain plates 
which may need to be re-bedded. I don't think there's any issue especially 
unique to the C320 that a good surveyor wouldn't identify. Good luck. Your 
friend is getting a well-made, solid sailboat with pleasing performance.

Peter Clancy
'AROBAN' Hull #222 (former owner)
Miami, FL








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