30 to a 310

[bill wismar]

thinking about going from a 94 catalina 30 to a newer 310 for the new cockpit design, in mast furling, etc etc etc. Have any owners out there sailed 30's and gone to a 310. Don't really need a larger boat but it's hard not to step up to the 320 or 34.

Thanks for any thoughts
Bill

 

[rpwillia]

Not much difference

Bill, I did sail a Catalina 30 one time and under sail it felt a lot like my 310. Note I have the Dutchman configuration and not in-mast furling. Under power the 310 is a lot smoother and has a nicer feel compared to the 30, where you had a lot of prop wash over the rudder. I have has my 310 for about 4 years now and been very pleased with it. You will also like the cockpit configuration as it is very comfortable.

 

[Witzend]

Make sure you check out the drive train very thoroughly.
Strut to shaft tube alignment, Damper plate rattle, these are very and difficult to correct.

 

[pk104]

After owning a 30 Catalina for 12 years we bought a 310 a few years ago. We really love the boat because of the bed instead of a v-berth, walk thru transon for the grandkids, furling main, windlass (we anchor a lot), front and top load frig, and a great cockpit. We didn't need a bigger boat just easier as we get older.

 

[valcour]

I've sailed on 30's many times, and have cruised with, and raced against them as well. The 310 with the wing keel will be out sailed by the 30 TMBS in typical light air Chesapeake bay weather every time (unless the other crew really screws up). My 310 with wing keel, fixed prop, and roller furling rates 186 here while the 30 TMBS fixed prop roller furling (5' 3" draft versus 4' 4" on the 310) rates 189. The 310 is a great cruising boat, and I love the layout with the forward berth. We moved up to the 310 from a cata 27 I had for 15 years. In hindsight, I wish I had gone a little larger, but at the time the smaller size "couples boat" layout appealed based on less bottom surface to paint (and dive on during the season), slip fees, etc. The performance has been disappointing compared to the 27 and also a 34 which races locally.

dave

 

[rpwillia]

Trth in Valcour's words

I am closely matched against 309's, but 27's do routinely kick my butt. They point much better and may be a little faster downwind. Against 30's I have done well, but that could be the skipper.