Bob & I are getting back into the sport after a 10 year absence. We've looked at the 31 online and in somewhat lame 1 page flyer out there on this yacht. I thought I'd take a chance and post here to see if there is someone who owns one or knows of someone who does that can answer some of our questions about the Catalina line and the 310 in particular. The setup inside looks perfect for the two of us & for our Scotties. We decided if we select this boat we would go for the wing keel because of a desire to take a trip down the ICW some day. I would like to know if the wing is too big a sacrifice with regard to performance. Some specs refer to a Yanmar others to Universal. I would really like to "speak" to someone who has taken delivery of a 310, what engine was in their yacht and if there were any major warranty issues. How did the "shakedown" go? Are you satified with the quality of construction and the equipment? Are there any options you would highly recommend? Sorry for the lengthy post, but thought we'd go to the best place for answers...to the guys that own them. TIA. Diane & Bob email msdimp@together.net
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Here's where to check
On the home page here is a tab labelled 'Boats.' In there you'll find owner reviews of the boat. Also, go to 'Search This Site' and search the current owner forums for the 310. I believe there was just a lengthy thread comparing it to the 320. Meanwhile, with any luck, a 310 owner or two wqill show up on this thread.
On the home page here is a tab labelled 'Boats.' In there you'll find owner reviews of the boat. Also, go to 'Search This Site' and search the current owner forums for the 310. I believe there was just a lengthy thread comparing it to the 320. Meanwhile, with any luck, a 310 owner or two wqill show up on this thread.
We Love Our 310
We have Hull #009 of the new 310 that we purchased 2 months ago at the Miami Strictly Sail show. It has the wing keel and we sail primarily in Biscayne Bay which is pretty shallow. I have found the performance to be very good and have not gone hard aground yet. I have bumped the bottom a few times going into our marina because it's just really shallow there (no way around it) The engine is a Westerbeke (Universal) 25XP. So it's really a Universal but they have been bought out by Westerbeke. I have had a few small problems but they have been corrected quickly by our dealer (Gateway Sailing). My wife and I love the boat. We find the interior layout perfect for a cruising couple. Overall we have found the construction to be very good. I did have a problem with a porthole that cracked (at the plastic hinge) but the dealer is replacing it. You can call me if you have a lot of questions. Mark Geigel 2000 Catalina 310 "Sylvie Marie" Miami, Florida 305-238-7677
We have Hull #009 of the new 310 that we purchased 2 months ago at the Miami Strictly Sail show. It has the wing keel and we sail primarily in Biscayne Bay which is pretty shallow. I have found the performance to be very good and have not gone hard aground yet. I have bumped the bottom a few times going into our marina because it's just really shallow there (no way around it) The engine is a Westerbeke (Universal) 25XP. So it's really a Universal but they have been bought out by Westerbeke. I have had a few small problems but they have been corrected quickly by our dealer (Gateway Sailing). My wife and I love the boat. We find the interior layout perfect for a cruising couple. Overall we have found the construction to be very good. I did have a problem with a porthole that cracked (at the plastic hinge) but the dealer is replacing it. You can call me if you have a lot of questions. Mark Geigel 2000 Catalina 310 "Sylvie Marie" Miami, Florida 305-238-7677
Love the 310
Dear Diane; My wife and I (and two small chldren) haven't taken delivery on our 310 yet (it's due in June)so I can't comment specifically on performance yet. I have test sailed a 310 and 320 though and can tell you there is no appreciable difference between the two. The interior and cockpit layou is what sold us on the 310. We're both tall and the center line queen berth in the forecastle was a prime motivator. We also had the factory custom-engineer the salon table to convert into berth (it's not a real option, I had to beg for this) that will sleep two kids or one teenager under 6'. This makes the 310 an even more appealing consideration. Anyway, we love the boat and can't wait to take ownership. I'll tell you more about it then. Kurt
Dear Diane; My wife and I (and two small chldren) haven't taken delivery on our 310 yet (it's due in June)so I can't comment specifically on performance yet. I have test sailed a 310 and 320 though and can tell you there is no appreciable difference between the two. The interior and cockpit layou is what sold us on the 310. We're both tall and the center line queen berth in the forecastle was a prime motivator. We also had the factory custom-engineer the salon table to convert into berth (it's not a real option, I had to beg for this) that will sleep two kids or one teenager under 6'. This makes the 310 an even more appealing consideration. Anyway, we love the boat and can't wait to take ownership. I'll tell you more about it then. Kurt
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