Totally agree. I had narrowed down the boats to what I liked and then started showing my wife pictures. She liked the C310 right away. We looked at a couple others in person but I was after we saw the C310 and they just didn't hold up for us.
Another WM Thread
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I took another look and you're right. The stairs on the 315 and 309 are not as steep as I was thinking. Also agree that the 315 is an iteration of the 309 which is an iteration of the 30.
The hulls of all mentioned are similar but not the exactly the same. Same with the rigs. The 315 and 309 are fractional while the others are mast head.
I still think the rest of my thoughts stand.
My understanding is that both the 309 and 315 rigs are actually masthead, too, 'cuz Gerry Douglas has been known to call them "15/16ths masthead rigged." The 30 layout is pretty much matched in both the 309 and the newer 315 which incorporates the "5 Series" "enhancements" being built now by Catalina.
It's still really a darned shame that they neglect to put side handrails on their new dodgers - it's simply dangerous. I was told a few years ago at a boat show by a dealer that they consider side handrails as part of the "ocean" series dodger; my response was: "I can fall off just as well in the Bay!"
It's still really a darned shame that they neglect to put side handrails on their new dodgers - it's simply dangerous. I was told a few years ago at a boat show by a dealer that they consider side handrails as part of the "ocean" series dodger; my response was: "I can fall off just as well in the Bay!"
I owned a C320 for 12 years before moving up to the C355. I have to say that we loved the 320 and it is definitely not the day sailor of the bunch. For a couple, it is an ideal boat to spend extended time on in this size range. I agree with JK that the forward berth is cramped for two and that is really the only downside. The aft cabin is huge , so we learned to sleep there even though it is less than ideal. The forward cabin and shower arrangement were big factors for us in moving up to the 355. The 320 has more tankage, storage, bigger head and a bigger cockpit than the other Catalina's mentioned (and two sinks 
As far as sailing performance, the 320 sails great. If you get a fin, she points high, can take a blow and is very forgiving. When over canvassed upwind she will round up as opposed to burying the rail. Off the wind is probably the best point Of sail due to her wide stern. Many 320s are actively raced very successfully. Engine access on the 320 is actually excellent. There is basically 360 access by removing cowlings both fore and aft.
What we didn't like about the 320 was the aforementioned sleeping arrangement, less than ideal shower arrangement, and the high freeboard. We were drawn to the lower freeboard on the 5 series boats. Gerry put these boats on a diet going back to the more traditional dimensions of the 34 and 36.
As far as sailing performance, the 320 sails great. If you get a fin, she points high, can take a blow and is very forgiving. When over canvassed upwind she will round up as opposed to burying the rail. Off the wind is probably the best point Of sail due to her wide stern. Many 320s are actively raced very successfully. Engine access on the 320 is actually excellent. There is basically 360 access by removing cowlings both fore and aft.
What we didn't like about the 320 was the aforementioned sleeping arrangement, less than ideal shower arrangement, and the high freeboard. We were drawn to the lower freeboard on the 5 series boats. Gerry put these boats on a diet going back to the more traditional dimensions of the 34 and 36.
It really is 15/16 - you can actually measure it - but for practical purposes, it's masthead (no runners). Makes flying an asym a little easier, since the spinnaker halyard goes to the masthead, putting the luff further ahead of the forestay.
We are with you on this. We have cruised over 6,000 miles on our C310 and we love her. The queen size bed in the v-berth is perfect for us (it has a real mattress). She has plenty of room. We live aboard for 4 months every year, and find the open layout ideal. Often we are the smallest boat in the anchorage or marina, but I'd rather be paying the expenses of a 31' boat than a 40' one.
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