I'm a novice looking to move up to a 'big' boat. I guess I've been equating build quality with weight. I am thinking about going to look at a 321. Can someone explain why a Catalina 320 weighs 2000lbs more. Even a Cat 30 is heavier.
Beneteau 321 seems light
- Thread starter stevestk
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Heavier weight doesn't necessarily equate to quality. A boat is a formula with a lot of different components. Your first criteria should be the intended use - near shore or coastal cruising, off shore etc. comfort level required etc. All the way to asthetics- interior look and feel. There is a web site - forgot the site address, that allows you to enter boat specs so you can compare two different boats. This would give you important info like stability, SA/D ratios etc
I know that was a somewhat simple question but thought it a starting point. Neat site but the dimensions seem to be off for a 321.
We have a 321 which we bought new in 2000. Love the boat. Furling main and jib which is nice if you like to reef quickly. Makes it very easy to solo. I would never buy another boat without a furling main (I know this is a personal preference).
According to our specs, it weighs about 10,000 pounds. Sails fine in 20-25 knots if you reef the main a little bit. Up to 20 without reefing.
"Big Boat" depends on what you are looking for. Compared to our Catalina 25, this is a big boat. The 321 does not seem big compared to a 37 or 40 foot, but then we are typically day sailing on Lake St Clair and this boat is "big".
According to our specs, it weighs about 10,000 pounds. Sails fine in 20-25 knots if you reef the main a little bit. Up to 20 without reefing.
"Big Boat" depends on what you are looking for. Compared to our Catalina 25, this is a big boat. The 321 does not seem big compared to a 37 or 40 foot, but then we are typically day sailing on Lake St Clair and this boat is "big".
We have a 323 which we have owned for eight years. Like the 321, its somewhat tender, but once it's trimmed it sails flat and fast. The main thing to remember is to reef sooner rather than later. Our boat has the conventional main and slab reefing. It's a simple process to reef and can be done from the cockpit. We bought the boat because it's lighter overall weight would presumably help the boat to sail faster in lighter air.
Another consideration was that the boat was purchased as a day sailer, we don't cruise with it. If I were to cruise, I would consider a heavier boat, but overall this boat suits my situation at this time.
I bought the conventional rig because of the increased mainsail area over the furling main, and because I have seen too many issues, and heard about more with in mast furlers failing to operate properly at most inopportune times. Presently, you couldn't pay me to buy a boat with an in mast furler. That is obviously my choice, and I have sailing friends who would readily disagree. One has to make their own choice based upon sailing conditions and intended use..
Another consideration was that the boat was purchased as a day sailer, we don't cruise with it. If I were to cruise, I would consider a heavier boat, but overall this boat suits my situation at this time.
I bought the conventional rig because of the increased mainsail area over the furling main, and because I have seen too many issues, and heard about more with in mast furlers failing to operate properly at most inopportune times. Presently, you couldn't pay me to buy a boat with an in mast furler. That is obviously my choice, and I have sailing friends who would readily disagree. One has to make their own choice based upon sailing conditions and intended use..
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