[C320-list] Downsize

[Jack Brennan]

A couple of items to add:

An autopilot does wonders for handling the 320. I do a lot of singlehanding, and the autopilot makes it simple to tack and handle sails.

The 320 is fast, which means you can sail with the roller-furling jib only if the wind is decent and you don’t want to fuss with the mainsail. You’ll still get 4.5-5 knots.

The aft cabin in very comfortable, but the person sleeping on the stern side has to wake up the other person to get to the head in the middle of the night. The v berth is a little tight if you are larger. 

Access to the diesel and most other mechanical items to easy, which is important to those of us getting up in years. On my old Bristol, you had to hang upside-down over the diesel to get to the stuffing box.

The main cabin is spacious and comfortable. Nice on a rainy day. My foodie wife loves the galley and large fridge. 

The stern alone is a strong argument for owning a 320. Imagine not having to clamber up and down a stern ladder to get to the dinghy!

Good luck in your search.

Jack Brennan
Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320, no. 528
Tierra Verde, Fl.
Dolphin Cruising Club of Tampa Bay