Another WM Thread

Status
Not open for further replies.

jrowan

.
Mar 5, 2011
1,294
O'Day 35 Severn River, Mobjack Bay, Va.
The new Catalinas are beautiful & have sexy features, but I wonder who the hell can afford them? Are there that many 1%ers out there buying new sailboats? I think you're right that the type of casual sailors who can afford to buy new, are looking for a cocktail hour boat. But as far as cooking on a stern rail, that is the only way to go in the summertime. The last thing I want to do is fire up a stove in the cabing when its already 90 deg. down there! Don't know too many people who really live aboard boats in the 27 - 30 ft. range that we sail. Unless they have no other choice. We had some live aboards next to us this past summer: a broken family of 4 who lived aboard two 27 footers side by side in our marina. Looked like a recipe for a headache & heart ache. Didn't end well for them, as expected.
 
Dec 11, 2008
1,338
catalina C27 stillwater
Phil, I have to respectfully disagree with you on this one. How many current sailors started out with one of these boats. If it attracts them to the sport then I am not about to be critical. I started with a MacGregor and many people consider that not much of a sailboat. But it led me to love sailing and to the boat I have today (which some people still do not think is much of a sailboat). However, it is still my passion and we all have to start some place. True? :D
You are right to a point. Know I had a Venture 222 as my first cabin boat... I appreciate what you are saying about getting people into the sport. As a sailing community we need that. I have also sailed on a Bucc and owned one of the Bayliner US Yachts version in the 25' model.

'You ever sailed on a Bucc???? One of the obese bloated boats I pointed out? I have. My point in singling them out is that they really are HORRIBLE boats. Tender, even at rest with zero form stability. 150 lbs set on the rail would cause a 20 degree list at the dock, (okay maybe more like 240, my weight at the time). Weather helm in spades, to the point of having to use both arms to work the tiller in even a light blow.

My fear that if someone owned or sailed a Buccaneer as a first boat it would probably scare them away from the sport. that is probably the distilled point I am trying to make.

I am all for an inexpensive entry level boat to entice folks into sailing, but not at the sake of comfort or safety. So know I agree with you, but I stand by my benchmark example of a poor sailboat.
 
Nov 23, 2011
2,023
MacGregor 26D London Ontario Canada
Phil... That boat is made for long sea voyages. I see the sink is small but there is a dishwasher! and microwave! Creature comforts I guess.
My dishwasher is a net and rope over the rail at 5 knots.

Who ever mentioned that the pontoon boat is in favor now is on the money! I've been to two boat shows this year and most of the boats were Pontoon!
I saw something on the back of one and just had to ask the sales person... The thing I saw was a ski rope pole... I asked if it was for tubing and he said.. Tubing, water skiing and wake boarding! this 24' pontoon had a 300 hp outboard on it! The sales guy told me that the pontoon boat doesn't lean like a regular boat when you corner...
 

Attachments

Dec 11, 2008
1,338
catalina C27 stillwater
Phil... That boat is made for long sea voyages. I see the sink is small but there is a dishwasher! and microwave! Creature comforts I guess.
My dishwasher is a net and rope over the rail at 5 knots.

Who ever mentioned that the pontoon boat is in favor now is on the money! I've been to two boat shows this year and most of the boats were Pontoon!
I saw something on the back of one and just had to ask the sales person... The thing I saw was a ski rope pole... I asked if it was for tubing and he said.. Tubing, water skiing and wake boarding! this 24' pontoon had a 300 hp outboard on it! The sales guy told me that the pontoon boat doesn't lean like a regular boat when you corner...
I should mention the AC was cranked and it was cool and dry inside..... "Lovey, can you bring some crustinis and a cocktail, please?"
 
Nov 18, 2010
2,441
Catalina 310 Hingham, MA
Phil... That boat is made for long sea voyages. I see the sink is small but there is a dishwasher! and microwave! Creature comforts I guess.
My dishwasher is a net and rope over the rail at 5 knots.

Who ever mentioned that the pontoon boat is in favor now is on the money! I've been to two boat shows this year and most of the boats were Pontoon!
I saw something on the back of one and just had to ask the sales person... The thing I saw was a ski rope pole... I asked if it was for tubing and he said.. Tubing, water skiing and wake boarding! this 24' pontoon had a 300 hp outboard on it! The sales guy told me that the pontoon boat doesn't lean like a regular boat when you corner...
That's not a dishwasher, it's a front load fridge.
 
Sep 20, 2006
2,953
Hunter 33 Georgian Bay, Ontario, Canada
Come on... What is beside the sink? Isn't that the top load fridge?
Scott; There' only 4" of snow here!

Dry food and Pots & Pans Storage locker...... from the Cat 315 brochure.

Front Load refrigerator with freezer.

We have about a foot in Guelph, and even more in Fergus. 30 cm couple days ago alone.
 

Attachments

Apr 25, 2013
7
Pearson Pearson 35 Maine
I've been looking online at C-310's, 320's and the new 315. Price aside (for now, at least), I'd be interested in comments on an interior design feature particular to the 315: the head is forward and the galley peninsula is shorter. It seems to me that this makes the saloon section wider (further aft) and the overall entrance area wider (less intrusion by the peninsula. The tradeoff is a smaller sink area and maybe smaller head, but the main cabin seems roomier -- helped also by the deck-stepped mast. Thoughts? I haven't had a chance to compare the boats for real, just online.
 
May 23, 2004
3,319
I'm in the market as were . Colonial Beach
If you ever intend to cruise with your wife or girlfriend, you have to look at the cabin from their eyes. What will they look for? What is important to them?

For example, my wife's biggest issue with my Catalina 30 is the head. It is small and cramped. A larger head with a little more space would be a big improvement for her. She needs room to get ready for the day. Also, more light in the head and a larger mirror would serve her well. A separate shower stall would be an improvement.

Her other big complaint is the heat in the summer. If the cabin had AC then it would be more comfortable. Being able to plug into shore power and turn on the AC would help her there. Actually, I would enjoy that too.

I use my double sink some, but I think that I would rather have one large sink versus two small sinks.

The last time we went to the boat show my wife loved the Catalina 355. I guess that the good part is that by the time I am ready to buy another boat, those will be 15-20 year old and much more affordable! LOL
 

Nodak7

.
Sep 28, 2008
1,256
Hunter 41DS Punta Gorda, FL
If you ever intend to cruise with your wife or girlfriend, you have to look at the cabin from their eyes. What will they look for? What is important to them?
One further item that you did not mention Bad is the design and functionality of the Galley! This is a BIG issue with all the Admirals that I associate with. If the Salon is spacious and the Galley is cramped you end up with an unhappy Admiral. IMHO
 
Apr 25, 2013
7
Pearson Pearson 35 Maine
Thanks...good points. This is helpful. While we're comparing those kinds of boats (Catalina's, 30-32 ft.), any general comments on the sailing qualities? I've looked at the designs and it looks like the C-320 has a smaller main (significantly shorter boom) and a larger foretriangle; it's about 1,000 lbs heavier than the 315. I'm interested in deep keels...I sail in Maine so the water's deep and upwind performance is important.
 
Nov 18, 2010
2,441
Catalina 310 Hingham, MA
To me, there are really two different philosophies in the interior of the C30, C310, C315 & C320: more room in the main salon or more room in the forward birth. It comes down to where do spend your time.

The C30, C315 and C320 all have traditional v-births. Meaning, they are tight, foot first spaces that aren't particularly comfortable. But the compromise is the large salon. There are two long settees that could be births. The space around the table can fit more people. You stairs are steeper and the engine has been shoved into the smallest space possible with tough access for doing more extensive repairs and maintenance.

The C310 is a completely different concept in regards to the v-birth and salon. The salon is smaller and less preference was given to this area. One settee is long and can be used as a birth (although it is a bit narrow) and the other is short and only really good for sitting. You can't fit very many people around the table but two are really comfortable. The v-birth is a queen bed. You get into it like a regular bed and it's an innerspring mattress. It has stairs to get below that are not very steep at all. This allows for much better access to the engine. (with a simple upgrade you have 360 access, tell me there's another 30 footer with that)

It comes down to how you will use the boat, IMO. If you mainly plan to day sail, the C30, C315 and C320 is the better set up. If you plan to cruise, especially as a couple, than the C310 is better.

The double sink vs. single sink is a tough one. We have a single and have often thought of going double. But that would reduce the counter area. I think a double with two filler sections, one for each sink, would probably be the best way to go.
 
Feb 26, 2004
23,353
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
Ah, finally, the Great Sink Debate! :)

We have two fairly large sinks, and I wouldn't be without either one. I keep one "dry" for the coffee thermos and other stuff we don't want flying around. It's convenient right at the base of the companionway.

I was quite surprised that the 315 only has one, but then I think jk nailed it with the "how you use your boat, and what it was actually designed for" by the builder. The gonad-killing peninsula galleys on the old C30 and C36 were always, in my mind, a disaster just waitin' to happen.
 
Mar 20, 2007
500
Catalina 355 Kilmarnock, VA
Realize, too, that the 315 is an iteration of the 309; essentially the same cabin layout, similar (but not identical) cockpit, same rig and same hull underbody (which is also shared with the 310). Also, the companionway stairs are not steep, and there is excellent engine access - 360 degrees with a 5 minute bulkhead removal, if needed. Can be had for a lot less $...
 
Sep 20, 2006
2,953
Hunter 33 Georgian Bay, Ontario, Canada
Ah, finally, the Great Sink Debate! :)

We have two fairly large sinks, and I wouldn't be without either one. I keep one "dry" for the coffee thermos and other stuff we don't want flying around. It's convenient right at the base of the companionway.

I was quite surprised that the 315 only has one, but then I think jk nailed it with the "how you use your boat, and what it was actually designed for" by the builder. The gonad-killing peninsula galleys on the old C30 and C36 were always, in my mind, a disaster just waitin' to happen.

But the smaller sinks have better steel made in NA, rather than underspec offshore...., but the double sink has the capability of a greater angle with the faucet for greater washing power....... oh, wrong thread....... :D

But, of course you brought up the coffee debate, so I'll have to close the thread.... ;)
 

RECESS

.
Dec 20, 2003
1,509
Catalina 27 . St. Mary's Georgia
My biggest reason for getting a Pearson 323 is my wife loved the interior. I mean it was very much on the short list of boats I wanted, but that is the reason we got it in the end of all debates.

I think both people have to be involved to make it a happy boat.
 
Oct 2, 2006
1,517
Jboat J24 commack
As far as berth size my J24 actually has space as good as most any boat NOT that I would take anymore compared to the Cal 29

BUT it is and ordeal to get in and out of the forward berth on the 29 and we convert the table everyday to sleep

The space thing is funny as you age , in are twenty's we did weekends on the J24 with four people and as 60 is getting real close find the 29 is now just enough for two :)
 
Status
Not open for further replies.