From a Catalina 22 to a 310

[North Texas Sailor]

Hey everyone, my name’s Kostas and I just made the jump from a Catalina 22 to a 310. I only have about a year of sailing and boat ownership under my belt, but like many of you, I’ve quickly become addicted to this whole sailing lifestyle. Im currently sailing in large lake located in Dallas, TX called Lake Ray Hubbard.

I got so much inspiration (and guidance!) from YouTube when I was learning the 22, but when I started researching the 310, I found next to nothing. That search for knowledge is what brought me here and I’m excited to join this community.

I know this boat is going to bring a lot of new comforts, challenges, and “learning opportunities” (a.k.a. repairs ), and I’m ready for it. I’m even thinking about documenting the whole journey—repairs, upgrades, and adventures—as a way to give back to the sailing community that’s helped me so much already.

Looking forward to learning from all of you and hopefully contributing some value along the way!

—Kostas

 

[JRT]

Congratulations, the 310 is a great boat that I really did enjoy owning. Our lack of use the past few years was only reason I sold her. It's funny because im looking for the right 22 with a trailer to have for solo fun and store at my house instead. The right 22 will be sail ready and as nice as my 310, just smaller!

 

[jssailem]

Many of us get 2-5ft itis when we jump. You really got addicted to them sailing.

Welcome to the SBO forum and this band of happy sailors.

 

[shemandr]

I moved up several times i.e. 2 footitis. I was worried at some point about handling the larger boats. I found that it was mostly easier to sail. Things happen more slowly and the bigger boat is less prone to body weight trim. The boom couldn't hit me and lower my IQ. You'll learn docking - again slow is good.
I think you'll quickly adjust and appreciate the larger boat.

 

[ToddL214]

Congratulations on the C 310 acquisition; you'll love it. I made the trip to the C 310 from a C 22 in 2014, (with a short period of ownership of a C30 in between). You'll love the C 310's modern layout, amenities and that it's well within the Catalina Yachts scheme of a well built boat that owners can work on and keep up themselves.

Jesse and his bride on "SV Smitty" have probably done as much with their C 310 as anyone I've ever come across, (blog still at (no title) ). I'm not sure they post much since the pandemic but their blog archive is still on the web and is an inspiration for anyone that wants to work on their own boat, (any boat; fortunately for you and me, Jesse owns a C 310 and always did and shared his homework for his projects).

Finally, there are many similarities between the larger Catalina models so don't exclude them when researching a fix or approach to a project, (If I recall correctly C 34 Org. had an outstanding website built by owners of their boat projects). Finally, "Catalina Direct" is an outstanding supplier and historical resource for our boats but don't overlook that you can DIY some projects. In my case I've done quite a bit of woodworking, (Salon towel hooks, crib boards, galley shelving and a vent for the head door so far).

Finally, what year is your boat and what's your first project for this fall?

Have fun!

Todd L.

 

[ToddL214]

Here's the link to the "C34 Tech Wiki" I mentioned. Catalina 34 - c34.org

Just in case you didn't get a C310 manual, I've attached a soft copy to get you started. I keep a copy on my phone or pad for those times when I don't have the physical manual handy.

Here's a blog post of some of the changes I made to my boat.

Todd’s Photo Blog

One change I wish I'd made much earlier was moving the forward anchor straps to the Bimini closer to the edge of the companionway opening, (they were originally tied to the chrome bars at the outer edge of the salon top). This makes moving forward from the cockpit to the bow much easier and the Bimini is still very stable in wind. I've included a photo which shows the adjusted anchor points.

Good luck.

Todd L.

 

[DaveJ]

I think dodgers and biminis are mostly after market, mine have no straps, piping in all locations.
Great idea posting the manual!
Cheers