310 interest with some concerns!

[serenity4u2]

After going on a neighbors 310 I was shocked how roomy the boat is for only 31 feet. I think this boat has the ideal layout for a couples cruiser (coastal).. I am sad that this boat has been discontinued (not a big fan of buying used). Not being a DIY person I tend to have things dine professionally by a reputable boat yard. My experience is that many DIY people actually do things wrong and many surveyors would be able to show this point- pls, not meaning to offend!

My Concern!!! Reading this sites forum I am seeing a trend with leaking chain plaits.. This on boats less then Ten Years Old?? This is something that really scares me and I wonder why this model is having such a problem? My larger Hunter never experienced this issue (at least in THE 8 years of ownership). I never experienced this problem owning a Pearson 303 86' in 10 years.

Curious if this is only isolated with a few boats or is common with the 310? Also wonder if there are other areas of water intrusion- ie: stanchions and hatches? i am also curious if the newer 5 series models addressed this issue? Never been on the 315 and looking at the brochure I am thinking it is not as comfortable for a couple as the 310- not sure? Input would be nice and much appreciated.

 

[Solstice]

After going on a neighbors 310 I was shocked how roomy the boat is for only 31 feet. I think this boat has the ideal layout for a couples cruiser (coastal).. I am sad that this boat has been discontinued (not a big fan of buying used). Not being a DIY person I tend to have things dine professionally by a reputable boat yard. My experience is that many DIY people actually do things wrong and many surveyors would be able to show this point- pls, not meaning to offend! My Concern!!! Reading this sites forum I am seeing a trend with leaking chain plaits.. This on boats less then Ten Years Old?? This is something that really scares me and I wonder why this model is having such a problem? My larger Hunter never experienced this issue (at least in THE 8 years of ownership). I never experienced this problem owning a Pearson 303 86' in 10 years. Curious if this is only isolated with a few boats or is common with the 310? Also wonder if there are other areas of water intrusion- ie: stanchions and hatches? i am also curious if the newer 5 series models addressed this issue? Never been on the 315 and looking at the brochure I am thinking it is not as comfortable for a couple as the 310- not sure? Input would be nice and much appreciated.

I know you will get a lot of feedback from a lot of the active 310 owners, but here is my take on some of your thoughts. Chain plate leaking is not an issue with the 310 design as far as I know. The number of 310 owners who frequent sites like this is a fraction of the total number of 310s out there. They tend to be DIY types and items like this come up, but I don't believe it is representative of 310.
The 310 is a very unique boat as you have seen and it is a shame that it is no longer made, however it is a quality boat and I would be hesitant to walk away because it's used as I don't think you'll find anything quite like it in this size. I have read dozens of posts related to chain plate leaks on Hunters (and other makes), but don't see it as representative of a brand. The issue is largely age and maintenance.
The 315 is not intended as a replacement of the 310, it is closer to the 309 so no comparison. I have owned new and used and there are pros and cons for both. As much as I would like to farm out some jobs, I find many boat yards to have sub standard work and thus have learned to do many things myself. Whenever I see 'yard maintained' as a supposed selling point I see it as a bad thing. Over 25 years in my particular yard I've watched transient help skip parts of the job that the owner has paid for (winterizing being the most egregious).
It may take some searching to find a well maintained boat, but would be worth it if the size and comfort feels right for you and the type of sailing you do. Good luck...

 

[bobgelb@gmail.com]

I have boat # 288 it's a 2005 model. On Chesapeake Bay. No problems with any leaks, just the
Normal boat owners maintenance like fresh batteries (after 8 years)....water pump replacement
For heating/AC unit, navigation, stove,sails,canvas, refrig..all origional and working. I did replace a water pump on my
Universal Diesel engine.
Bob

 

[tahomathundr]

The 310, 309, and 315 share the same basic hull and keel. But all mechanicals and deck are different from the 310. The interior of the 309 & 315 resembles the C30. The 315 is a 309 with some good and not so good changes. The price change of 30K + was the worst. I own a 2006 C309 and as far as leaks are concerned the Catalina is the best boat I have ever had, not a drop, and I live in the Seattle area and the boat is in the water 24/7 with our rain. I'm sure a well maintained 310 will be dry also. Good luck in your search.

 

[serenity4u2]

I know you will get a lot of feedback from a lot of the active 310 owners, but here is my take on some of your thoughts. Chain plate leaking is not an issue with the 310 design as far as I know. The number of 310 owners who frequent sites like this is a fraction of the total number of 310s out there. They tend to be DIY types and items like this come up, but I don't believe it is representative of 310.
The 310 is a very unique boat as you have seen and it is a shame that it is no longer made, however it is a quality boat and I would be hesitant to walk away because it's used as I don't think you'll find anything quite like it in this size. I have read dozens of posts related to chain plate leaks on Hunters (and other makes), but don't see it as representative of a brand. The issue is largely age and maintenance.
The 315 is not intended as a replacement of the 310, it is closer to the 309 so no comparison. I have owned new and used and there are pros and cons for both. As much as I would like to farm out some jobs, I find many boat yards to have sub standard work and thus have learned to do many things myself. Whenever I see 'yard maintained' as a supposed selling point I see it as a bad thing. Over 25 years in my particular yard I've watched transient help skip parts of the job that the owner has paid for (winterizing being the most egregious).
It may take some searching to find a well maintained boat, but would be worth it if the size and comfort feels right for you and the type of sailing you do. Good luck...

Thank you for the reply! Since posting earlier I did receive a return call from Catalina. I spoke with Warren Pandy (sp) of the design team. He told me the same as you! Think he mentioned over 339 310's? I am guessing the people on this site with leaks probably purchased a boat from someone who did not take car of the boat or perhaps a boat damaged by storms or as I was thinking a Great Lakes boat where the owner improperly stored/winterized the boat? Again, unsure! I am thinking the few people are not reflective of this model

You are also right about no comparison between the 310 vs the 309 or 315.. For me I was in love with the interior layout of the 310 which is a true couples coastal cruiser! I am working with a Catalina Broker - same person who sold my Hunter33 lol... He does not have a 315 but did just sell a 355 which I looked at and the 310 is closer to the 355 as a couples coastal cruiser. Price difference between 315 and 355 is 58K base boat!

There are some design differences between the boats. Warren sent me a photo of the chain plaits on the 315 (same as 309).. They are embedded in a thick fiberglass part of the hull as I understand. Not needing rebidding! Ball and socket attachments which seem like good engineering! I really do not like the idea of chain plaits being mounted on the bulkhead of the 310.. Only complaint but something I can accept!

Agree with you about yard workers! I have had great boat yards and worked with service managers. I am talking more about using certified electricians, etc for system installs. I have seen many DIY's install things that were actually dangerous and could become a problem for future buyers! Again, A good surveyor will pick these things up.

I still prefer New over used but will not be the case if I end up buying a 310. The last new boat I bought at the boat show and used it for 7 seasons. Sold it in the recession for 15K less then purchase price in 2 months!! Should mention that does not include all the extra's I added after purchase! All these extras is probably what help sell my boat so quick! Same was true with my Pearson 303.. Now it looks like I will be buying used if my broker can find a Catalina 301. Making it hard is my preference for a PNW Boat which means I will be day sailing my flicka for the summer!

Again, Thanks for the reply!

 

[Stu Jackson]

Contrary to popular opinion usually from people who do NOT DIY, chainplates are and should be considered part of regular routine maintenance. Not knockin' your approach to boat ownership, but those of us who do DIY feel very strongly that it is a safety issue for ourselves, our family and our guests.

The more YOU know about your boat, the less an issue it becomes when things need to be fixed or maintained. At the very least, you know when to spot a shoddy job by a "yard" monkey (arrgh...).

You also can begin to evaluate any boat you look at with a much more critical eye. There are many boat owners who have, over the years, done some impressive improvements over the original factory work. Electrical systems come to mind primarily.

Many new boats have their teething issues, as you can well imagine. For a few years Catalina wasn't immune to them either, and there were many reports of hose clamps not being tightened at the factory. Gee, can you imagine that?!? Buying new is never a panacea, and doesn't guarantee anything. There was a skipper here a year or so ago with a new Hunter e33 who had no end of complaints and couldn't get any help from his dealer, while another skipper had the very same boat, found issues and dealt with his dealer. A lot of those discussions had a lot to do with their approach to life. The guy with the complaints sounded more like an individual who expected things to be perfect, while the other fellow actually took his boat from Vancouver Island to the mainland 25 miles over Georgia Strait a few times to get things resolved without complaining.

There is no guarantee that even a good surveyor will find all issues that may have been snafued by a PO.

Here's a very good presurvey list of items that anyone buying a boat should do before a survey:

http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=102541

The 310 is a great boat. Their section on this forum should be REQUIRED reading (all 20+ pages and hundreds of topics) for anyone with one or considering one, absent an owners association website which unfortunately doesn't seem to exist. Since our boats and the 310s share many of the same systems, and engines, we make our C34 website information available to them, and have done so since we "discovered" each other here on this great forum.

A well maintained 310 will do you better than the $$ you mentioned on your last new boat. Many have kept their numerical $# (besides inflation). Not too shabby.

Good luck. Let us know if there's anything else we can do to help.

Oh, and Happy Hunting.

 

[Stu Jackson]

1. Warren sent me a photo of the chain plaits on the 315 (same as 309).. They are embedded in a thick fiberglass part of the hull as I understand. Not needing rebidding! Ball and socket attachments which seem like good engineering!

2. I really do not like the idea of chain plaits being mounted on the bulkhead of the 310.. Only complaint but something I can accept!

Further to my last post

1. Nonsense. Chainplates "work" and should and need to do so. The deck flexes. They NEED to be maintained and sealed, regularly. Simple.

2. Also not quite on the mark. The bulkhead is a source of support. If the deck / chainplate point was maintained and kept watertight, the bulkheads would be and are just fine.

Neglect kills bulkheads and anything below an improperly maintained chainplate entry through the deck and to its support structure below.

Getting the drift...?

 

[serenity4u2]

Contrary to popular opinion usually from people who do NOT DIY, chainplates are and should be considered part of regular routine maintenance. Not knockin' your approach to boat ownership, but those of us who do DIY feel very strongly that it is a safety issue for ourselves, our family and our guests.

The more YOU know about your boat, the less an issue it becomes when things need to be fixed or maintained. At the very least, you know when to spot a shoddy job by a "yard" monkey (arrgh...).

You also can begin to evaluate any boat you look at with a much more critical eye. There are many boat owners who have, over the years, done some impressive improvements over the original factory work. Electrical systems come to mind primarily.

Many new boats have their teething issues, as you can well imagine. For a few years Catalina wasn't immune to them either, and there were many reports of hose clamps not being tightened at the factory. Gee, can you imagine that?!? Buying new is never a panacea, and doesn't guarantee anything. There was a skipper here a year or so ago with a new Hunter e33 who had no end of complaints and couldn't get any help from his dealer, while another skipper had the very same boat, found issues and dealt with his dealer. A lot of those discussions had a lot to do with their approach to life. The guy with the complaints sounded more like an individual who expected things to be perfect, while the other fellow actually took his boat from Vancouver Island to the mainland 25 miles over Georgia Strait a few times to get things resolved without complaining.

There is no guarantee that even a good surveyor will find all issues that may have been snafued by a PO.

Here's a very good presurvey list of items that anyone buying a boat should do before a survey:

http://forums.sbo.sailboatowners.com/showthread.php?t=102541

The 310 is a great boat. Their section on this forum should be REQUIRED reading (all 20+ pages and hundreds of topics) for anyone with one or considering one, absent an owners association website which unfortunately doesn't seem to exist. Since our boats and the 310s share many of the same systems, and engines, we make our C34 website information available to them, and have done so since we "discovered" each other here on this great forum.

A well maintained 310 will do you better than the $$ you mentioned on your last new boat. Many have kept their numerical $# (besides inflation). Not too shabby.

Good luck. Let us know if there's anything else we can do to help.

Oh, and Happy Hunting.

Thank You Stu, I am hoping my broker can find me a PNW C310 and I think you are right! This boat will serve me well as it will get my wife back on the water! The last two boats I purchased new served me well. I sailed the pearson 303 in the bay area stu and it was just a great boat. The Hunter 33 was also a great boat that was sailed in the PNW including the inside passage.

I was not meaning to offend regarding DIY's as you are one! This is more a concern for me as I will be buying a C310 used or will have to spend more for a new C355. Likewise, I was not implying not knowing your boat!! After turning seventy I decided I just did not want to have to do much work. I wanted to sail (coastal cruise with wife). I have a small 20 foot flicka that gives me enough work. Your comment about even a good surveyor might miss bad work by a PO is my point! Think we can agree more then disagree here Stu! I hope so! Thanks for the reply!

 

[serenity4u2]

Further to my last post

1. Nonsense. Chainplates "work" and should and need to do so. The deck flexes. They NEED to be maintained and sealed, regularly. Simple.

2. Also not quite on the mark. The bulkhead is a source of support. If the deck / chainplate point was maintained and kept watertight, the bulkheads would be and are just fine.

Neglect kills bulkheads and anything below an improperly maintained chainplate entry through the deck and to its support structure below.

Getting the drift...?

Stu, this is the problem with online forums as I wonder if you are saying NONSENSE to me?? Look stu, I spoke with the Warren Pandy who is on the design team for Catalina. We spoke for over an hour! I may not have posted exactly what he stated about chain plaits as I was posting a general change in the Catalina product. Catalina glasses in their CP's into a thicker portion of their Hull- they are not bolted inside the boat to a bulkhead! My first question was how do you service them?? I was told they are built into the boat for the boats life! The load is transferred using the ball and socket connection! I actually this concept looking at how the load is transferred!

If you do not agree Stu- your issue is with Catalina!!! Guess you know more then Gerry Douglas which is why I am going to ask why you do not design my boat!

Your final statement regarding neglect is why I stay away from used boats. I have never met a DIY'r who did not think he knew everything. Between the know it all DIY'r and the person who neglects their boat- surveyors have a living! I have to ask who could neglect a water leak to the point that a bulkhead was rotting??? Thanks Stu!

 

[Stu Jackson]

Excuse me, you are quite correct and I certainly hope you didn't misunderstand me, I wasn't saying it to you.

Or to Warren or Gerry either.

The FACT of the matter is what I wrote. Chainplates carry a load, and decks flex.

As much as Gerry and Warren think they may have solved the issue of the decades, they simply haven't.

And I have a great deal of respect for Frank and Gerry. They designed and built my last three boats! The C34 was waaay ahead of its time, and the 355 mirrors its layout down below. I think they did a fine design. I love it. Our C34 International Association currently helps their group maintain its membership database and renewal subscriptions.

But ball & socket joints are meant to move. If it's on a boat, it moves. If it goes through a deck, which also moves, then it is a potential point of leakage. It requires maintenance. What they may have meant was that it requires a lot less maintenance than earlier designs, but it will, eventually. Whether that's well after you sell your new 2015 boat in 2025, I dunno. It's simply a fact of life.

Their chainplate (not plait) design on our boat, I believe, is far superior to the one they designed for the C36, which preceded our boat by a few years. I check mine, and have re bedded all six of them a few times, most recently with butyl tape, and they are a fine design.

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,7265.msg49430.html#msg49430

In fact, I'd much rather have one that, like mine, is serviceable, than one that is set it-forget it, 'cuz that's like putting a battery somewhere where you can't get to it and feel better 'cuz the battery is labeled "No Maintenance."

You have a Flicka? Wow, what a great boat. Built like a tank, right? I'll also bet you have a great chainplate design. Which requires maintenance, of some sort.

Look, let's get back on the right foot, 'cuz if you do find a 310, and I sure hope you do, I'd be glad to help with any questions.

No nonsense...

Solstice has a new 355. I'll eat my hat if he says his chainplates don't ever need maintenance. And I'll eat it, right here, in public, if that's the case.

I apologize for any misunderstandings, I do have some limited experience here on this and other forums and in boating.

I hope I can continue to help.

No nonsense...:dance::dance::dance:

 

[serenity4u2]

Excuse me, you are quite correct and I certainly hope you didn't misunderstand me, I wasn't saying it to you.

Or to Warren or Gerry either.

The FACT of the matter is what I wrote. Chainplates carry a load, and decks flex.

As much as Gerry and Warren think they may have solved the issue of the decades, they simply haven't.

And I have a great deal of respect for Frank and Gerry. They designed and built my last three boats! The C34 was waaay ahead of its time, and the 355 mirrors its layout down below. I think they did a fine design. I love it. Our C34 International Association currently helps their group maintain its membership database and renewal subscriptions.

But ball & socket joints are meant to move. If it's on a boat, it moves. If it goes through a deck, which also moves, then it is a potential point of leakage. It requires maintenance. What they may have meant was that it requires a lot less maintenance than earlier designs, but it will, eventually. Whether that's well after you sell your new 2015 boat in 2025, I dunno. It's simply a fact of life.

Their chainplate (not plait) design on our boat, I believe, is far superior to the one they designed for the C36, which preceded our boat by a few years. I check mine, and have re bedded all six of them a few times, most recently with butyl tape, and they are a fine design.

In fact, I'd much rather have one that, like mine, is serviceable, than one that is set it-forget it, 'cuz that's like putting a battery somewhere where you can't get to it and feel better 'cuz the battery is labeled "No Maintenance."

You have a Flicka? Wow, what a great boat. Built like a tank, right? I'll also bet you have a great chainplate design. Which requires maintenance, of some sort.

Look, let's get back on the right foot, 'cuz if you do find a 310, and I sure hope you do, I'd be glad to help with any questions.

No nonsense...

Solstice has a new 355. I'll eat my hat if he says his chainplates don't ever need maintenance. And I'll eat it, right here, in public, if that's the case.

I apologize for any misunderstandings, I do have some limited experience here on this and other forums and in boating.

I hope I can continue to help.

No nonsense...:dance::dance::dance:

Thank You Stu, I agree about wanting access to Chain Plate's which is why MY FIRST QUESTION WAS HOW DO YOU SERVICE THEM?? caps only for emphasis! I am not an engineer so I bought what Gerry Douglas was saying about load transfer- perhaps I should look more into that matter. My broker who is a Catalina dealer and who sold my other coastal cruiser was not up on all the tech things. He knows I want a cruiser that will get my wife on the water fore coastal cruising! I did not want the 309 or 315 as I do not think it is as comfortable as a 310. That is why I started pricing a 355 and might end up with that boat if he is unable to find me a 310. You are now making me think about the Chain Plates on the 355 as I believe they would be the same as the 315- I was led to believe all "5" Series boats are designed this way! I would like to hear from the person with a 355 as I do not know. I really am just looking and have never owned a Catalina.

I really do hope I can get a clean 310 or my wallet will get smaller as I will end up with a 355.

Stu, thanks for all the input!

 

[Stu Jackson]

You're very welcome. It is interesting to me that your choices now seem to be a used 310 or a new 355. Interesting in that I now know you do recognize you're comparing apples and oranges. Gosh, I sure wish I was in that position.

Solstice is pretty active on this forum, or just send him a pm.

Again, Happy Hunting.

 

[rpwillia]

310 and 355 are both great boats

but the chain plates will leak as well as other thinks like hatches. I helped a friend rebed his V berth hatch on his 309 last winter since I had done mine the year before. 10-15 years is the best you should expect.

Not to belabor the point, but Maine Sail on this site sells his own butyl tape that will solve those problems for many years. It sticks, stretches and seals. And I do all my own work and stunts, since I keep at it until I feel it is right.

 

[Solstice]

Thank You Stu, I agree about wanting access to Chain Plate's which is why MY FIRST QUESTION WAS HOW DO YOU SERVICE THEM?? caps only for emphasis! I am not an engineer so I bought what Gerry Douglas was saying about load transfer- perhaps I should look more into that matter. My broker who is a Catalina dealer and who sold my other coastal cruiser was not up on all the tech things. He knows I want a cruiser that will get my wife on the water fore coastal cruising! I did not want the 309 or 315 as I do not think it is as comfortable as a 310. That is why I started pricing a 355 and might end up with that boat if he is unable to find me a 310. You are now making me think about the Chain Plates on the 355 as I believe they would be the same as the 315- I was led to believe all "5" Series boats are designed this way! I would like to hear from the person with a 355 as I do not know. I really am just looking and have never owned a Catalina.

I really do hope I can get a clean 310 or my wallet will get smaller as I will end up with a 355.

Stu, thanks for all the input!

Hi Serenity,
I am the one with the 355 (see the second post above to your original question). Interestingly I was going to comment on the new chain plate design in my initial post, but thought that might take as away from the 310 you are interested in.
As much as I (and I'm sure many long time contributors) would like to see Stu eat a hat in public, I'm afraid that bet won't be won regarding maintenance.
However, here is the deal with all 5 Series, the ball/socket design of the chain plates is an innovative and new feature of all 5 Series boats (Catalina has a Patent Pending on this design). Only time will tell if this is a better approach, but I did take a close look the design and spoke extensively with Gerry about the technical details. It is a ball and socket and it is attached via tie rods which are anchored in the hull. Catalina and many, many other manufacturers have been using tie rods as opposed to bulkhead mounting for years. My 320 had this configuration. The difference is the ball/socket and the intent is to minimize a metal being hidden in the glass where chain plates come through the boat. I'll stop here regarding further specifics and offer you or anyone else who would like more detail to contact me offline for a 'non-Catalina' perspective of the design. I'll just say I'm impressed and this along with things like the construction of the bow (watertight bulkhead with Kevlar along the bow to prevent sinking the boat in the event the bow is holed), you won't see print through on the hull due to the layup process, the rudder has it's seam on the flat side, not the edge and a few other features that are found on much more expensive boats, which alas contributes to the 5 Series being inherently more expensive.
I did a lot of research and was prepared to spend much more for my 'last boat' given my specific criteria.
As I mentioned in my first post and others have also pointed out, you have to be careful in determining which 5 series replaced which hull and the intent be Catalina was to 'reboot' and redesign. The 315 is more like the 315, my boat has almost the exact same dimensions as the 34 (when I ordered and fitted my Fairclough cover, it was almost exactly the same as their 34 template.
I'll stop here and offer that you contact me offline, but suffice it to say that Stu is correct in maintenance is still required, albiet perhaps less onerous and perhaps more likely that owners will do as Stu suggests and make chain plates part of a regular maintenance schedule, as many sadly are scared away from dealing with this until they do see leaks.

 

[serenity4u2]

but the chain plates will leak as well as other thinks like hatches. I helped a friend rebed his V berth hatch on his 309 last winter since I had done mine the year before. 10-15 years is the best you should expect.

Not to belabor the point, but Maine Sail on this site sells his own butyl tape that will solve those problems for many years. It sticks, stretches and seals. And I do all my own work and stunts, since I keep at it until I feel it is right.

Thank You very much, I read the first 4 or 5 pages on the 310 forum yesterday. Then I read some posts by JK-Boston I believe. I went to his website and downloaded all the 310 manuals. I read through the owners manual which does talk about CP and Hatch maintenance. One thing that person mentioned was needing to rebid his stanchions (another leak area). I could not find this in the owners manual however? I read a lot and may have missed it. Believe pg 10 talks about the CP's and pg 86 talks about hatches.

I looked up that post on butyl tape and question why Catalina as well as other builders are not using this product at the factory? I did ask Warren Pandy about stanchions as well. I was led to believe older Catalina's 90'S used screws to secure stanchions. New ones area bolted into a backing plate.

Another issue I read about which is of some concern is the compression post.

again, Thanks Greatly!

 

[serenity4u2]

Hi Serenity,
I am the one with the 355 (see the second post above to your original question). Interestingly I was going to comment on the new chain plate design in my initial post, but thought that might take as away from the 310 you are interested in.
As much as I (and I'm sure many long time contributors) would like to see Stu eat a hat in public, I'm afraid that bet won't be won regarding maintenance.
However, here is the deal with all 5 Series, the ball/socket design of the chain plates is an innovative and new feature of all 5 Series boats (Catalina has a Patent Pending on this design). Only time will tell if this is a better approach, but I did take a close look the design and spoke extensively with Gerry about the technical details. It is a ball and socket and it is attached via tie rods which are anchored in the hull. Catalina and many, many other manufacturers have been using tie rods as opposed to bulkhead mounting for years. My 320 had this configuration. The difference is the ball/socket and the intent is to minimize a metal being hidden in the glass where chain plates come through the boat. I'll stop here regarding further specifics and offer you or anyone else who would like more detail to contact me offline for a 'non-Catalina' perspective of the design. I'll just say I'm impressed and this along with things like the construction of the bow (watertight bulkhead with Kevlar along the bow to prevent sinking the boat in the event the bow is holed), you won't see print through on the hull due to the layup process, the rudder has it's seam on the flat side, not the edge and a few other features that are found on much more expensive boats, which alas contributes to the 5 Series being inherently more expensive.
I did a lot of research and was prepared to spend much more for my 'last boat' given my specific criteria.
As I mentioned in my first post and others have also pointed out, you have to be careful in determining which 5 series replaced which hull and the intent be Catalina was to 'reboot' and redesign. The 315 is more like the 315, my boat has almost the exact same dimensions as the 34 (when I ordered and fitted my Fairclough cover, it was almost exactly the same as their 34 template.
I'll stop here and offer that you contact me offline, but suffice it to say that Stu is correct in maintenance is still required, albiet perhaps less onerous and perhaps more likely that owners will do as Stu suggests and make chain plates part of a regular maintenance schedule, as many sadly are scared away from dealing with this until they do see leaks.

Thank You Greatly, I am interested in the 310 for the reason I think most 310 owners are- the livability for a couple. I went to my broker who I have a good history over the years. I want a local 310 and not one from other regions. Many reasons for this position- mainly East Coast boats tend to have shallow keels for their cruising grounds as I prefer Deep keel. There are other reasons I wont get into now.

You mention the 320- I have not been on one but discovered Catalina built many more and their are two versions. The 320 is misleading to me as I looked at its dimensions and if I recall it is actually 34 feet? Again their was also a C34mk2 being built as well. I suppose you liked your 320 and am sure it has pro's and con's. I actually would not want a 320 as we prefer sleeping forward. Again the 310 only being 31 feet seems to be the best couples boat for coastal cruising. As I stated earlier post- I am sad this model was discontinued

Thank You for clearing up the 5 series. I have not seen the 315 in person. My broker and dealer does not have any in stock at present. To order one now would mean I would be lucky to get it by July. I am taking the position of holding out for a 310. The 355 as you have is very nice. Dealer just sold one. There is a price jump between boats as I mentioned earlier about 58K. One reason I am holding out for a 310. The price jump was between 315 & 355 base boat.

Since the CP on 5 series is embedded in fiber glass hull I would think it would be hard to inspect and maintain. I was led to believe by Warren Pandy that you don't!!

Again, Thanks a bunch!

 

[Stu Jackson]

1. I looked up that post on butyl tape and question why Catalina as well as other builders are not using this product at the factory?

2. I did ask Warren Pandy about stanchions as well. I was led to believe older Catalina's 90'S used screws to secure stanchions. New ones area bolted into a backing plate.

1. Here'as why, it's embedded eep in the article. The high end builders did, most product builders didn't. http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/rebedding_hardware

2. Not true about the screws. All CY stanchions have been thru bolted, at least since my 1981 C22, 1981 C25, and 1986 C34. No screws, no backing plates.

 

[serenity4u2]

Hi Serenity,
I am the one with the 355 (see the second post above to your original question). Interestingly I was going to comment on the new chain plate design in my initial post, but thought that might take as away from the 310 you are interested in.
As much as I (and I'm sure many long time contributors) would like to see Stu eat a hat in public, I'm afraid that bet won't be won regarding maintenance.
However, here is the deal with all 5 Series, the ball/socket design of the chain plates is an innovative and new feature of all 5 Series boats (Catalina has a Patent Pending on this design). Only time will tell if this is a better approach, but I did take a close look the design and spoke extensively with Gerry about the technical details. It is a ball and socket and it is attached via tie rods which are anchored in the hull. Catalina and many, many other manufacturers have been using tie rods as opposed to bulkhead mounting for years. My 320 had this configuration. The difference is the ball/socket and the intent is to minimize a metal being hidden in the glass where chain plates come through the boat. I'll stop here regarding further specifics and offer you or anyone else who would like more detail to contact me offline for a 'non-Catalina' perspective of the design. I'll just say I'm impressed and this along with things like the construction of the bow (watertight bulkhead with Kevlar along the bow to prevent sinking the boat in the event the bow is holed), you won't see print through on the hull due to the layup process, the rudder has it's seam on the flat side, not the edge and a few other features that are found on much more expensive boats, which alas contributes to the 5 Series being inherently more expensive.
I did a lot of research and was prepared to spend much more for my 'last boat' given my specific criteria.
As I mentioned in my first post and others have also pointed out, you have to be careful in determining which 5 series replaced which hull and the intent be Catalina was to 'reboot' and redesign. The 315 is more like the 315, my boat has almost the exact same dimensions as the 34 (when I ordered and fitted my Fairclough cover, it was almost exactly the same as their 34 template.
I'll stop here and offer that you contact me offline, but suffice it to say that Stu is correct in maintenance is still required, albiet perhaps less onerous and perhaps more likely that owners will do as Stu suggests and make chain plates part of a regular maintenance schedule, as many sadly are scared away from dealing with this until they do see leaks.

Here is something I pulled from "an unofficial" 355 owners association. Pg 11 and 46 address CP and do state they may require rebidding. Provides no photo and not having seen the CP on the 5 series just makes matter confusing. It did not help being told over the phone by Catalina that you don't have to concern yourself with the CP's as they are embedded inside the hull. I have a follow up call next week and will clear the matter up.

http://www.catalina355.net/uploads/6/6/6/6/6666106/355-owners-manual-rev-03-10-11.pdf

Thanks

 

[serenity4u2]

1. Here'as why, it's embedded eep in the article. The high end builders did, most product builders didn't. http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/rebedding_hardware

2. Not true about the screws. All CY stanchions have been thru bolted, at least since my 1981 C22, 1981 C25, and 1986 C34. No screws, no backing plates.

Thanks Stu, I came across that link earlier and find it a great read. I would think doing this right the first time would not cost that much?? Again I really do not know and am just speculating. Certainly the cost of not doing this right is great afterwards! You may know the old saying, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure".. This is my thinking Stu and believe the Factory should do it right. Just my opinion.

Stu, as far as older boats using screws for stanchions my conversation really did not go into that in detail. I asked about stanchion attachment on the 310 and also on the new boats. I was told screws are not used as previously stated. The comment was made to me that maybe the older boats used screws but the newer boats don't. I do not think Catalina's answer about older boats was correct- again, we were really talking about the 5 series and the 310.. Thank you for clearing this up Stu...

 

[Doug4bass]

1. Here'as why, it's embedded eep in the article. The high end builders did, most product builders didn't. http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/rebedding_hardware 2. Not true about the screws. All CY stanchions have been thru bolted, at least since my 1981 C22, 1981 C25, and 1986 C34. No screws, no backing plates.

I believe the statement in the 355 manual may have been left there in error....from previous manuals. That blurb is in my 270 manual. Although I agree with Stu, I see no way to service the chainplates on my 385.