[C320-list] Grid liner & bilge design question - newer vs. olderissues

[Jeff Hare]

Hi,

I would probably base my final decision on other factors.  It's likely that all the bilge mods have been done so that's a minor factor.  There aren't any structural differences to be concerned about as far as I know. 

 Overall condition,  engine hours, woodwork condition, condition of deck gear, rigging, and of course, price are much more important. 

Yes it's nice to have the newer bilge design, but then the new boats off the line have features I'd love to have as we'll. 

-Jeff


------Original Message------
From: Sean Kaldor
Sender: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
ReplyTo: C320-List at Catalina320.com
Subject: [C320-list] Grid liner & bilge design question - newer vs. olderissues
Sent: Nov 15, 2009 4:20 AM

I'm choosing between two 320s... a 1994 vintage and a 1997 vintage.
 
One of the design differences between the two is the grid liner and bilge set-up. As  I understand from this site, a deeper bilge with better weep holes to drain the pan was added around hull #246 (late 1995). And all hulls up to #355 have a technical reference bulletin about the need to drill access and drain holes throughout the grid liner for regular draining to the bilge, inspection, etc.
 
So my questions are ... are these changes/improvements important, or are they just footnotes in the design history? If you have an earlier design, is the grid water draining an issue - did you drill the holes, does water collect? If you could choose between a pre-246 hull and a post 355 hull, would this even be a consideration? Is there any long-term effect on the structural grid members? 
 
I'm curious about your experiences and opinions.
 
Thanks!
 
Sean
Hull #TBD