[C320-list] Post 2004 320 inspection

[bkuether at comcast.net]

Warren, 



The engine currently has 163 hours on it.  I think a "Start and check the basics" is probably in order.  



Thanks! 



-Brad Kuether 








----- Original Message ----- 
From: "warren updike" <wupdike at hotmail.com> 
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com 
Sent: Sunday, May 17, 2009 1:11:46 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern 
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Post 2004 320 inspection 

Brad, by now I presume you will think a survey necessary. This year, I could 
not even change my insurance because the new company wanted the survey. The 
survey cost would have consumed the savings for the first two years. 

Bear in mind that most marine surveyors do a hull and rigging inspection. 
That will include most onboard systems; but, will often exclude the engine. 
They may start the engine and do a general inspection; but, they will not do 
compression testing or other internal inspection.  If the engine has less 
than 1,000 hours, starts easily, runs well without smoke there is likely not 
a problem. If pushing 2,000 hrs, you might consider having and engine guy 
check it out, adjust the valves, check alternator, check injectors, etc. 

Good luck, 
Warren 

-----Original Message----- 
From: Brad Kuether [mailto:bkuether at comcast.net] 
Sent: Saturday, May 16, 2009 11:40 PM 
To: C320-List at Catalina320.com 
Subject: [C320-list] Post 2004 320 inspection 

Hello everyone, 

I just got back from Chicago, after having taken a look at very nice 2004 
320. 

As far as the overall design, layout, systems, and amenities, I was very 
impressed with the 320...  Would I like a little bigger head and more 
storage, sure but every boat is a compromise.  If they sail as well as 
everyone says, well I can see why everyone seems to really like this boat. 
Its practical and smart. 

Here are my questions to the group..... 

Stern had two areas were I had a bit of concern. 

  a.. Where the hull met the stern there were gelcoat cracks along what 
would be the joint.  This was conveyed to me as "normal" given the way it 
was built.  Is this true? 
  b.. Also on the stern, on the vertical part below the scoop an area 
between the two "vents" had some gelcoat crazing.  Is this normal? 
Owner removed the galley "storage area" aft of the icebox/fridge.  Anyone 
know how deep that is?  Think it was removed for storage considerations as 
all the "stuff" was in the locker. 

Owner installed an anchor washdown that was run from the waste through hull. 
Basically using the through hull for overboard discharge as a way to pick up 
seawater for anchor wash.  Anyone else have or know of this modification? 

Final question, and its theoretical and something I would likely not do but 
I have to ask the current owners... 
But said that the boat has been in production for so long , that a survey 
may not really be necessary.  Would any of you take the boat just based on a 
visual knowing what you know about the boat now? 

Thanks and look forward to discourse on any of the questions above...... 

-Brad, Mary, Monica, and Jarod 
"Scholar" 
C&C 29 Mark II 
Middle River, MD