Bilge water in 320

[Stuart Gordon]

I am on the market for a used 320. I have read the FAQ regarding water that accumulates in the bilge and can not be pumped out by the bilge pump. Apparantly the pump is higer than the lowest area and 10 to 20 gallons of water can accumulate in the bilge. When the boat heels this water can spread to other areas and become trapped. I am concerned about this "design flaw". Is this a real problem or one that is easily solved? Does it need to be solved or is it so minor that it does not require atention? Should I be concerned about it? Any advice on the matter would be appreciated. In all other respects the boat is what I'm looking for.

 

[Ron Doescher]

320 Bilge

I'm told by a dealer that it was a problem on older 320's, but fixed on newer models. Suggest checking with a dealer (or Catalina) to find out (a) the hull# that the fix started with and (b) what can be done about the older boats.

 

[John Zrowka]

Bilge water

I bought hull 221 in the spring and the bilge was loaded with water, including side bilge pockets. After adding a dripless shaft seal(When bent shaft was replaced) ,currently the only source of water is draining from ice added to the refrig. I need to figure a method to evacuate the refrig instead of directly into the bilge. The side bilge pockets can be cleaned by removeing the floorboards and using a wetvac. Until I resolve the refrig draining directly into the bilge, I try to keep the water as low as possible. I've since inspected the side pockets and have found them dry.Hope this helps!

 

[Stan Rogacevicz]

Fridge Water

John, there was some discussion on the catlina-list@sailnet.net about this. I don't know where someones fix is posted,but I can tell you the basic way Catalina handles the fridge water on the newer c320's with a real bilge. The drain hose from the fridge is run under the sole to the cabinet under the sink in the head. There it is joined by a switchable Y valve to the shower sump hose to be pumped out by the shower sump pump through the thru-hull also under the sink.Stan"Christy Leigh"c320 #656