Considering purchase of C-320 (Hull #452) for Chesapeake Bay cruising. V Berth is too small for us, but has better ventilation with hatch and wind scoop. I am worried that the aft berth, with no hatch to catch the breeze, will get stifling in Chesapeake Bay summers with just portholes open while anchored out. Anyone have experience or suggestions?
Catalina 320 Aft Cabin Ventilation
- Thread starter RBWX2
- Start date
This boat is definitely built for sailors who want to use the aft cabin for sleeping rather than the v-berth. We have a fan mounted next to the closet that does help a lot. I always have the hatch open and both ports open. Sometimes, I will raise the cockpit seat just so I can open the hatch fully. Does your model have a hatch? You didn't mention it.
Our A.C. compressor is in the cockpit locker so it is too noisy for me when sleeping. Sue doesn't mind. We have rarely tried to sleep with A.C. and only when Sue is on board. I don't even like fan noise in the cabin so I will usually turn it off when I'm alone just before going to sleep. Sue needs white noise so it is always on for her.
If you don't have A.C. I suggest trying to find a better location for the compressor if you want it, unless the noise doesn't bother you. The aft cabin has an A.C. vent but it does not cool off nearly as well as the salon. I always close the v-berth when using A.C.
I have no problem dealing with the heat overnight when I'm alone, but I'm sleeping under the fan at the front of the cabin. Sue is claustrophobic so she has to sleep next to the door. I'm not claustrophobic, but I'll admit that it feels too close for comfort at times tucked into the rear corner when it is very warm. On rare occasions, I'll sleep in the cockpit to cool down on really warm nights. It's also an option for me to sleep in the saloon with the A.C. on (it's less noisy) while Sue stays in the cabin.
To make a long story short, the aft cabin can be a bit stifling on really warm nights, but I've been able to deal with it and 90% of the summer nights (July & August) I'm perfectly comfortable. On anchor, without A.C., I've never been too uncomfortable with the heat. In the marina, where there may be absolutely no breeze, is the only time I've had to adapt. As always, YMMV, especially on the Chesapeake.
I like the aft cabin arrangement more on anchor because it is quieter than the v-berth. In the marina, I can get annoyed when the ripples slap under the stern when the breeze is facing the stern.
Our A.C. compressor is in the cockpit locker so it is too noisy for me when sleeping. Sue doesn't mind. We have rarely tried to sleep with A.C. and only when Sue is on board. I don't even like fan noise in the cabin so I will usually turn it off when I'm alone just before going to sleep. Sue needs white noise so it is always on for her.
If you don't have A.C. I suggest trying to find a better location for the compressor if you want it, unless the noise doesn't bother you. The aft cabin has an A.C. vent but it does not cool off nearly as well as the salon. I always close the v-berth when using A.C.
I have no problem dealing with the heat overnight when I'm alone, but I'm sleeping under the fan at the front of the cabin. Sue is claustrophobic so she has to sleep next to the door. I'm not claustrophobic, but I'll admit that it feels too close for comfort at times tucked into the rear corner when it is very warm. On rare occasions, I'll sleep in the cockpit to cool down on really warm nights. It's also an option for me to sleep in the saloon with the A.C. on (it's less noisy) while Sue stays in the cabin.
To make a long story short, the aft cabin can be a bit stifling on really warm nights, but I've been able to deal with it and 90% of the summer nights (July & August) I'm perfectly comfortable. On anchor, without A.C., I've never been too uncomfortable with the heat. In the marina, where there may be absolutely no breeze, is the only time I've had to adapt. As always, YMMV, especially on the Chesapeake.
I like the aft cabin arrangement more on anchor because it is quieter than the v-berth. In the marina, I can get annoyed when the ripples slap under the stern when the breeze is facing the stern.
Great explanation. We opted for a 310 due to the large VBerth. The 320 had no AC and no hatch, just portholes. After spending a hot, breezeless August night on the hook in our friends Pearson 385, we were worried about the smaller, hatchless cabin on the 320.. Thank you for taking the time to write such a thorough explanation
Good choice! Many sailors do prefer the Vberth on the 310 vs the aft berth on the 320. I think sailing performance wise, the models are very similar! I am surprised that the older models of the 320 must not have a hatch in the aft cabin. I always thought it was a requirement to install a hatch within any cabin so that you are able to escape the cabin thru the hatch. I do find that I need to sleep with the hatch open. Sue complains that bugs will come in so I compromise with a screen. When I'm alone, I never use the screen and don't seem to have a problem with bugs. There are times when I will be laying in bed and lift my arms thru the hatch to feel some cool night air!
I did not like the older 320's that have the open panels between the salon and the vberth. I realize you can keep them closed, but I still didn't like that configuration.