[C320-list] 320 vs. something just a little bigger

[pat reynolds]

 Paul,  I bought my now 25 year old 320 new when I was 58 years old.  You will find that when it comes to washing and waxing, the boat becomes bigger every year.  It is an ideal boat for two people to handle.  It is surprisingly fast, very stable and can carry more sail than many boats it's size.  Anchoring is a breeze even for someone my age.  The boat turns on its axis so turning around in narrow channels is not a problem.   I both cruise and race the boat ( with a crew of six comfortably) and it has held up very well (it's a Catalina)   Since you will be looking at a used one, Catalina had put in three different engines, the last two being westerbeke and yanmar.  While I lean towards yanmar I have a westerbeke and it has been fine.  One advantage is that it is self bleeding.  Other considerations include slip fees, fuel, insurance.  After 35 feet these all increase.  I have been cruising and racing on Lake Michigan for 33 years and am now in the marina in Hammond, Indiana.  Let me know if you want more info.
    On Sunday, December 13, 2020, 06:27:36 PM CST, Paul Ducham <paul at ducham.com> wrote:  
 
   Seeking opinions from those who downsized to a 320 or anyone who has a
  320 and finds themselves wishing they had spent the extra dollars for
  something a little bigger.

  I�ve always subscribed to the boat philosophy that you should own the
  smallest one you or your spouse can tolerate. And I�m mostly convinced
  that the 320 should be our next/last boat. But I wonder if I�m going to
  find myself wishing I had spent the extra money on something with 2-3
  more feet of LOA for the extra storage, motion comfort, and additional
  space.

  For context, I�m 55 and trying to pick a boat that will suite me for
  the next twenty years, assuming I�m not going to get stronger, smarter,
  or more coordinated with age. I solo sail mostly (even when my wife or
  friends are along, I�m pretty much solo sailing) out of Chicago on Lake
  Michigan. For the next couple of years, the boat will be used mostly
  for day sailing and weekending with my wife and dog, with a 2-4 week
  cruise each summer, mostly staying in marinas. But the longer-term plan
  is to spend more of each summer cruising the great lakes.

  All thoughts and opinions welcome.

  Cheers!

  Paul