Found this posting on the C310 Sailnet forum Hate to say it, but the rumor is true. Found this out when I toured the Largo plant in August. Since Catalina moved their Woodland Hills shop down to Tampa (Largo), there is only so much space at the plant there for the molds, production floor facilities, etc. I think they're in flux right now with the 309 and the newly redesigned 320 coming off the line. The 34 and 36 are also planned for retirement as the 350 and 387 were intended as their replacements. It all comes down to numbers really. If you look at 310 production, there were about 300+ produced, but compared to, say, the 350, I think they're working on hull 400 (or more) and there is still pretty decent demand for it. Comparing a 310 to a 309, they're fairly similar, but the cost has been the selling point. You look at how much these things go up in price every year - everything depends on the price of oil - and it's beginning to place Catalina thirty-footers (and other mainstream production manufacturers) out of the "affordable" boat market. I guess one positive about the increase(s) is that the boat you have now will hold its value more and not depreciate as much. The 309, obviously, was their answer to providing an "entry level" boat with decent options and without breaking the $100k barrier - and from how many I saw on the line at the plant, it's definitely been well received. Plus, the 309 is easier for Catalina to produce, mainly from the hull design change - no sloped transom. No worries though, as the 310 is still a great boat and you know Catalina will still continue to support it in the way of parts, etc. Everything they make for these boats (except masts and booms), they produce on site - in the way of fiberglass sections like hatches, liners, etc. - so, even if you break something, a replacement can be made.
Catalina droping 310?
- Thread starter sailliny
- Start date
- Status
The 309 Is A Cheaper Boat.
Yes the rumour is correct, Catalina is in a scramble to bring prices down and the 309 is cheaper to produce but not better than the 310. There is also a 370 coming out. I hope that in the scramble to bring prices down the Catalina quality will not suffer.
Yes the rumour is correct, Catalina is in a scramble to bring prices down and the 309 is cheaper to produce but not better than the 310. There is also a 370 coming out. I hope that in the scramble to bring prices down the Catalina quality will not suffer.
Comparing a 310 to a 309, they're fairly similar..
Nonsense, they're two very different boats with two very different purposes. The 309 "replaces" the venerable C30 - drats. Why quit while you're ahead? The 310 "was" designed as a one couple cruising boat. Period. It was a success from the folks I've heard who love them. Not a 320 and NOT a C30 or the newer "new "simplified" 309. We've had a discussion of the "end" of the C34, too, on our C34 message board. See the rumors at: http://c34.org/bbs/index.php?topic=3867.0 Cheers
Stu PS I don't know the answer only Frank and Gerry and Sharon know. Why not ask them and then stop the rumors. Oh, I forgot, that's what we tried to do on our message board. Good Luck.
Nonsense, they're two very different boats with two very different purposes. The 309 "replaces" the venerable C30 - drats. Why quit while you're ahead? The 310 "was" designed as a one couple cruising boat. Period. It was a success from the folks I've heard who love them. Not a 320 and NOT a C30 or the newer "new "simplified" 309. We've had a discussion of the "end" of the C34, too, on our C34 message board. See the rumors at: http://c34.org/bbs/index.php?topic=3867.0 Cheers
Stu PS I don't know the answer only Frank and Gerry and Sharon know. Why not ask them and then stop the rumors. Oh, I forgot, that's what we tried to do on our message board. Good Luck.310
I really hate that Catalina has discontinued the 310. It had the best cabin layout of any boat under 35ft that I know of.
I really hate that Catalina has discontinued the 310. It had the best cabin layout of any boat under 35ft that I know of.
Still love my 310
When my wife and I were looking for a new boat, we wanted a Catalina and felt that the 320 was the boat for us. But, after looking at a lot of boats and talking to the dealer who actually listened to us, he recommended we look at a 310. For me, it was love at first sight as everything just fit me so well. And it is built for a cruising couple which we are now with the kids off in college. Every time I look at a 309 it reminds me of the Catalina 30 with an interior plan that is outdated and just not comfortable. The biggest complaint about my 310 is the v-berth could be a little bit larger, but then maybe I just need a 350 at some time in the future. I would have rather seen the 320 go, as that boat just has too many compromises to get those dual cabins in, where both are a compromise. But, I guess that is what Catalina is looking at is the numbers and you can't blame them for responding to the market. But, as one dealer told me one time, you can still order a Catalina 30 and they will make it as they keep the molds and plans. I expect it will be the same for the 310.
When my wife and I were looking for a new boat, we wanted a Catalina and felt that the 320 was the boat for us. But, after looking at a lot of boats and talking to the dealer who actually listened to us, he recommended we look at a 310. For me, it was love at first sight as everything just fit me so well. And it is built for a cruising couple which we are now with the kids off in college. Every time I look at a 309 it reminds me of the Catalina 30 with an interior plan that is outdated and just not comfortable. The biggest complaint about my 310 is the v-berth could be a little bit larger, but then maybe I just need a 350 at some time in the future. I would have rather seen the 320 go, as that boat just has too many compromises to get those dual cabins in, where both are a compromise. But, I guess that is what Catalina is looking at is the numbers and you can't blame them for responding to the market. But, as one dealer told me one time, you can still order a Catalina 30 and they will make it as they keep the molds and plans. I expect it will be the same for the 310.
ping
What is so magic about $100,000? Some people buy a new boat because that is the best deal at the time for whatever reasons. Some people buy used boats like me because that's the best deal at the time for whatever reasons. How many people chose Catalina sailboats over the other brands for what reason? There has been a mold assemble change and how the assembly of the hull and deck go together that's my WAG and besides I know because I can spell manufacturing. What do dealers know about how to bring the cost down on building a boat.... paulj
What is so magic about $100,000? Some people buy a new boat because that is the best deal at the time for whatever reasons. Some people buy used boats like me because that's the best deal at the time for whatever reasons. How many people chose Catalina sailboats over the other brands for what reason? There has been a mold assemble change and how the assembly of the hull and deck go together that's my WAG and besides I know because I can spell manufacturing. What do dealers know about how to bring the cost down on building a boat.... paulj
The same reason some things are priced $9.99
What the difference between that and $10.01 ? Not a lot of money, but its the psychological factor of keeping it under $100k I do know one thing there was a time when my marina was trying to keep the price of summer dockage under $99/foot. When they broke that $100/foot barrier, it was like a flood gate and it didn't take that long for the price to be where its at now - over $130/foot for the summer !
What the difference between that and $10.01 ? Not a lot of money, but its the psychological factor of keeping it under $100k I do know one thing there was a time when my marina was trying to keep the price of summer dockage under $99/foot. When they broke that $100/foot barrier, it was like a flood gate and it didn't take that long for the price to be where its at now - over $130/foot for the summer !
- Status