[C320-list] Replacement sails and other upgrades

[Alan Goodman]

I have the original sails (hull 67 1994) and while I considered moving to a bigger boat (C400), I decided to keep the C320.  So now I am going to have to make the expense (is anything spent on a boat ever an investment?) for several upgrades.  I would appreciate your feedback as to how to go and what you may have paid for a similar upgrade.

I almost pulled the trigger earlier this month while Catalina Direct had a 15% off discount on sails, but with only a day left before the sale expired I felt rushed and did not order them.  CD sells Ullman sails from a Ventura CA loft.  I am a Great Lakes cruiser (similar to coastal ocean conditions), so I am interested in Dacron, about 7.0 oz.  I currently have full battens and a bolt rope foot.  I also have the Dutchman flaking system, and CD wanted $500 extra to install the plastic disks/grommets in the sail.  That seemed a bit excessive to me.  Most likely I will be moving to a bigger boat in about 4 years (full retirement afloat), if that affects your recommendations.  Do any of the racers on the forum have gently used Dacron sails they might wish to part with?  Does anyone single hand a slab flaked main without a Dutchman or Lazy jacks?   The head sail seems to me to be an easier choice (less decisions).  Same fabric weight as the main, foam luff, leach and foot cords, etc.  I am looking for thoughts based upon value ... i.e. price to performance.

I also am going to have new interior cushions made for the salon.  Any recommendations as to foam density, foam thickness, other issues I may not be thinking about?  My OEM settee and dinette cushions extend beyond the leading edge (i.e. overhang) of the fiberglass bench structure but do not provide any support.  The edge of these cushions simply roll down behind my calves and are uncomfortable.  Anyone have new cushions made that are flush with the leading edge of the fiberglass bench structure?  Any thoughts about why it might be a good or bad idea?  Also, anyone have any price information as to what I should expect to pay (I'll be taking the existing cushions around for quotes right after the new year).

Lastly, I bought a tufted topper for the aft berth cushions but still don't find the sleeping conditions comfortable.  So I will definitely be purchasing a mattress.  Options are foam or coil spring (I also tried a Coleman air mattress, but it felt way too cold in the early spring and late fall).  Again, any advice thoughts appreciated.

That probably exhausts my boat budget for the upcoming year  ...  air conditioning and a below deck autopilot are in my dreams.