[C320-list] Is My Boat Big Enough

[Paul Davis]

Hi Team!
I lived aboard my Catalina 320 (#113) for two and half years in Caribbean
and US waters. It was fine for myself and my girlfriend and one or two
guests for a week or two at a time. Generally, she was a mighty little
vessel. It was a bit stinky due to the shallow bilge (MK I issue), and
having the deep rudder greatly reduced the draft benefits of the wing keel
(quite an oversight from the factory!). Otherwise, she was wonderful.
Probably all I would change next time would be swapping to a below-deck
linear drive autopilot. But a little appreciated aspect to the wheel pilot
is that it provides excellent biofeedback training to ensure good sail
trim- its good discipline!
here's a link to a video of the return voyage to the US;
https://vimeo.com/79452114
cheers,
paul


On Fri, Feb 18, 2022 at 5:58 AM Diane Fowler <dianeflr at aol.com> wrote:

> We've taken Windy City, #948, from Cape Coral to Bahamas.  Lived aboard 35
> days.  Mounted TV on cup rack- facing forward- with DVD player for rainy
> nights.
>
> Would have loved a full enclosure- as it rained 5 days straight!!
>
> Plenty of storage- baby wipes helped with water storage- diesel fuel
> plentiful.
>
> We spent 22 days aboard late October- November along Florida west coast.
> Traveled with 15 larger boats & glad we have all the comforts of home with
> A/C, windlass, large bunk,  walk through transom with shower.
>
> We go to Sturgeon Bay for summer & have SailTime membership.  Have seen
> your boat!!
>
> Go for it!  You only live once!!
>
> Captain Diane Fowler, CRS, GRI, e-PRO
>
> Nautical Realty Group, Inc.
> Let me help make your sale a breeze.
>
> 239-850-4935
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> > On Feb 17, 2022, at 1:49 PM, Michael Leschisin <
> mleschisin at imagestudios.com> wrote:
> >
> > This time of year with subzero windchills and short daylight hours I
> start overdosing on Youtube sailing vlogs and dreaming of sailing off to
> Caribbean waters with our Catalina.  I’m hoping to someday pull the plug on
> the Great Lakes, drift down the Hudson and make that happen.
> >
> > We bought our 320 about five years ago and have had a great time sailing
> the Great Lakes both overnighting and daysailing and the boat leaves little
> to be desired.
> > Keeping in mind that the bigger the boat, the more everything costs,
> (slip fees, bottom paint, sails, etc.) the 320 seems the perfect compromise
> between budget, seaworthiness and space.  I’m curious to hear however, what
> first hand experience forum members might have cruising, living aboard,
> Island hopping, etc. on 320s.  I don’t foresee crossing oceans with my
> boat, and from what I have gathered through experience and discussions I
> believe that Bahamas/Caribbean coastal cruising is well within the
> capabilities of the 320, but I’m also wondering about the livability
> factor.  I would foresee a scenario of anchoring out for a string of days,
> then pulling into a Marina for water, provisions, fuel; like we do now on
> the Great Lakes.  It seems that storage might be the one consideration that
> would be limiting, but there is no teacher like experience.  How far have
> you cruised, what is your longest live aboard, what are the limitations of
> the boat, what is the worst weather you’ve experienced?  Is this a
> realistic prospect for the 320 or should I be looking at something with
> more space and more systems?  If you’ve done any amount of cruising on your
> 320, what upgrades have you made; solar, tankage, navigation?  I know
> everything on a sailboat is a compromise and everyone’s opinions will vary,
> but I’d love to hear any and all first hand experience cruising with this
> boat.
> >
> > Thanks for any input you might have,
> >
> >
> > Michael Leschisin
> >
> > Wild Blue Yonder
> > #995
> > Menonminee, MI
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>