[C320-list] Fwd: Removable panels in forward bulkhead?

[JJ Morrison]

Our 1999 model is a wing keel and has a draft of 4'7" measured by the surveyor. It also has the deep bilge. Evidently there were water problems with the shallow bilge discussed at length in this forum. We also have the escape hatch in the aft cabin which we deliberately sought out for safety and ventilation considerations. I believe the escape hatch appeared in the 98 models.We also have a SS prop shaft with the stock 3 blade prop. The 3 blader is an issue when sailing in light airs but is great when motoring against currents or heavy seas. I believe everyone likes the Yanmar engine and I don't know of any serious issues regarding it. New or newer sails would be a benifit as well as cockpit canvas.CheersJohnM1999#574

> Date: Sat, 5 Oct 2013 04:33:12 -0400
> From: kmielen at suddenlink.net
> To: c250 at ricksonntag.com; C320-List at catalina320.com
> Subject: [C320-list] Fwd:  Removable panels in forward bulkhead?
> 
> Rick,
> 
> You might want to review this feature history....
> http://www.catalina320.com/kb/doku.php?id=hullhistory
> There are other files on the website under reference material/buying info.
> 
> Many of the changes (aka "improvements") are like politics.... depends
> on whom you talk to and what your needs are.
> 
> I've heard many prefer the Yanmar (it is all I've known, so I can't
> say one way or another).
> The deeper bilge is useful, but then draft increased as well.
> BTW, if draft is important to you, look through the chart carefully
> and verify draft with your surveyor, as the specs did not keep up with
> the engineering changes and some brokerage listings have known to have
> been incorrect.
> If you plan on sleeping in the aft cabin, you may prefer a boat with
> the "escape hatch".
> I enjoy cruising with my 3-bladed fixed prop, but it also makes it
> impossible for me to be competitive when racing in light winds.
> 
> Good luck,
> Karl Mielenhausen
> 
> 
> 
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> From: Rick Sonntag <c250 at ricksonntag.com>
> Date: Fri, Oct 4, 2013 at 10:44 PM
> Subject: [C320-list] Removable panels in forward bulkhead?
> To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
> 
> 
> I'm considering shopping for a C320 for my next boat in the next year or
> two. One thing I've always wondered about is the removable panels in the
> bulkhead behind the v-berth. I see that Catalina eliminated them in later
> models, somewhere around 1998 or 1999.
> 
> Do you have any idea why Catalina removed them? Was there a problem with
> them? Any other pros/cons of having them, such as better ventilation?
> 
> What other changes did Catalina make to this boat over the years that I
> should consider? Are there specific issues that I should check into on
> particular vintage boats?
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Rick Sonntag
> Swarthmore, PA