[C320-list] Looking to purchase a 320: model years to avoid?

[Elan Krueger]

Good info all. Sounds like 1997 or later with a Yanmar and deep bulge is preferable, but earlier is not a deal killer. 

I have seen the list of hulls on the website but it’s good to get live feedback too. 

Thanks!

Elan

Elan Krueger
https://www.linkedin.com/in/elankrueger

> On Jun 1, 2023, at 11:05 AM, Jack Brennan via C320-list <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
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> I’ve owned a 1998 320 for five years. It’s surprisingly fast, easy to sail and a breeze to work on compared to every other sailboat I’ve owned. Catalina is still in business and extremely helpful when you need tips or parts.
> 
> I’ve sailed it all over Florida, as far as 50 miles offshore in the Gulf of Mexico in 25-knot winds, and on extended day-sailing trips as long as 650 miles. I have no complaints. The cabin is comfortable. The helm is balanced. The ride is usually easy with the right balance of sails.
> 
> That said, you have to remember it’s primarily a coastal cruiser. Motoring or sailing into short, steep seas will stop you near dead because of the relatively light weight and flat bottom.
> 
> Also, the wing keel can be tricky. If you anchor in an area with strong tides, you can wrap the rode around it when the boat swings. There seems to be two solutions. One is to go all chain. The other is use to a 15-pound mushroom anchor as a kellet.
> 
> Basically, you put the mushroom anchor on enough rode to reach the bottom. After you’ve set your main anchor, you clip the mushroom anchor on and let it drop to the bottom as you tie it off at a bow cleat. This holds down the rode so it won’t catch on the keel.
> 
> Lastly, as with all wing keels, you will become paranoid about running aground. There’s no powering off a shoal with the diesel. It will just dig in. If you can’t get a tow, the best tactic is to put up all sail and put all crew on the lee side to heel the boat over.
> 
> At some point, if you are lucky, the wing keel will become more like a knife edge and slice through the sand.
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> Good luck.
> 
> Jack Brennan
> Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320
> Tierra Verde, Fl.
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> Sent from Mail<https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986> for Windows
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