Catalina Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Catalina 320 by Paul G Wielaard

Year built	1999
Location of boat	St Simons Island, GA
The boat is sailed on	Open ocean
How the boat is used	Day sailing
Normal wind strength	10-15 knots
Average size of crew	solo
Liveaboard?	No
Owner bought the boat in	1999
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	Certainly
Gear that's been added	The usual suspects: Raytheon Speed, Depth, Wind, AutoPilot. Also 110-Jib, Cruising Spinaker, A/C.
Structural or complex improvements	No (other than dealer-installed A/C)
The boat's best features	Hull Shape, Sail Plan, Standing Rigging.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	1. The tackle of the Garhauer Traveler runs off the sheaves and fouls up. Is the standard line too thin for the sheaves? 2. Helmstation is far aft leaving little space for the helsman behind the wheel. Removing the bridge seat helps, but it remains tight on long trips (and makes it hard to dash forward to adjust the main sheet).
Sailing characterisitcs	Quick acceleration. Outstanding upwind speed. Wonderful pointing ability (20D-30D). The 135% Genua is quickly too much (
Motoring characterisitcs	As expected, the Yanmar Diesel provides adequate power and loudly goes about its business in a frugal fashion.
Liveability	Liveability was not my priority, but it seems to me that the C320 will eminently suit small families during weekend cruises.
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any	My dealer (Dunbar Sales) was very helpful and knowledgeable. Among other things, they supplied a boat which had been commissioned properly and was specified (equipped) taking into account prevailing local conditions.
Other comments	This is an exciting pocket cruiser which stresses the sailing experience. It also seems to be well built (although, perhaps, a tad heavy by today's standards). Catalina seems a little slow to accommodate requirements for a mainsail furling system.

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