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Learning on a C310
Yes, you can learn to handle anything with time and patience, but there are tradeoffs in what you start with. Think of asking a similar question involving motor vehicles to get an idea of the problem. "Can a driving newbie comfortably learn to handle a large truck"? In a smaller boat you get a more direct feel of the forces involved. Especially in a boat with a tiller instead of a wheel. So it is easier to learn the nuances of sailing, and develop finesse. But if you go really small, as in an unballasted boat, you may get nervous about capsizing. Also, a Catalina 310 can get into some real damage situations if you have to ram into the dock or other boats while you are gaining experience and learning how the boat handles while docking. A smaller boat is easier to fend off by hand. I learned to sail on an 18 foot unballasted centerboard day sailor. I did get a little nervous when conditions got rough. After a year or so, I moved to a tall rig, fixed keel C25 and the nervousness went away, and I continued to learn a lot. The C25 was my favorite boat for sailing. I then got the C310, and it’s kind of like driving a bus in comparison. It has a lot more weight and inertia, so it’s not as responsive as the smaller boats were. It was harder to maneuver under power in tight quarters than the C25, because I couldn’t pivot the outboard motor, so I had to learn inboard handling. Also, the wheel steering has little feedback, and I don’t sense the rudder position as intuitively. Even with 16 years experience with the C25, the C310 had a bit of a learning curve the first few months we had her. I’m very comfortable with it now, after five years, and sail her singlehanded all the time. But my buddy let me drive his San Juan 21 when he bought it and it reminded me of riding a bicycle. I could do it instinctively, entirely by feel with my eyes closed. It was like an extension of my body, and was a real treat. Many people are proponents of the start small, and work your way up method. Many will advise that you should just get the size you want and learn on that. I think it depends on your own temperament and risk tolerance among other things, as to which works best for you. For myself, I think I would have gotten very frustrated if I had done my early learning on a larger boat like a C310. I also don't think I would have developed as much in depth knowledge and skill as think I have now
It's easy to sail. It's hard to sail well. Good luck.
Yes, you can learn to handle anything with time and patience, but there are tradeoffs in what you start with. Think of asking a similar question involving motor vehicles to get an idea of the problem. "Can a driving newbie comfortably learn to handle a large truck"? In a smaller boat you get a more direct feel of the forces involved. Especially in a boat with a tiller instead of a wheel. So it is easier to learn the nuances of sailing, and develop finesse. But if you go really small, as in an unballasted boat, you may get nervous about capsizing. Also, a Catalina 310 can get into some real damage situations if you have to ram into the dock or other boats while you are gaining experience and learning how the boat handles while docking. A smaller boat is easier to fend off by hand. I learned to sail on an 18 foot unballasted centerboard day sailor. I did get a little nervous when conditions got rough. After a year or so, I moved to a tall rig, fixed keel C25 and the nervousness went away, and I continued to learn a lot. The C25 was my favorite boat for sailing. I then got the C310, and it’s kind of like driving a bus in comparison. It has a lot more weight and inertia, so it’s not as responsive as the smaller boats were. It was harder to maneuver under power in tight quarters than the C25, because I couldn’t pivot the outboard motor, so I had to learn inboard handling. Also, the wheel steering has little feedback, and I don’t sense the rudder position as intuitively. Even with 16 years experience with the C25, the C310 had a bit of a learning curve the first few months we had her. I’m very comfortable with it now, after five years, and sail her singlehanded all the time. But my buddy let me drive his San Juan 21 when he bought it and it reminded me of riding a bicycle. I could do it instinctively, entirely by feel with my eyes closed. It was like an extension of my body, and was a real treat. Many people are proponents of the start small, and work your way up method. Many will advise that you should just get the size you want and learn on that. I think it depends on your own temperament and risk tolerance among other things, as to which works best for you. For myself, I think I would have gotten very frustrated if I had done my early learning on a larger boat like a C310. I also don't think I would have developed as much in depth knowledge and skill as think I have now
It's easy to sail. It's hard to sail well. Good luck.Big Truck
Thank you Jon. Perfect comparison, I DO drive a big truck and completely understand your thinking.
Thank you Jon. Perfect comparison, I DO drive a big truck and completely understand your thinking.
First Boar
There are many reasons why someone buys a sailboat. If you want a thrill a minute, get wet, always looking for someone to race then you should start smaller. If you are looking for a well made family boat that has some creature comforts, a wheel that anyone can drive and the ability to get to the destination easily under sail or motor then the 310 is a good choice. Take a class, many dealers offer them either on your boat or one of theirs. go for it, as Buffett says, "any day on the water is a good day"
There are many reasons why someone buys a sailboat. If you want a thrill a minute, get wet, always looking for someone to race then you should start smaller. If you are looking for a well made family boat that has some creature comforts, a wheel that anyone can drive and the ability to get to the destination easily under sail or motor then the 310 is a good choice. Take a class, many dealers offer them either on your boat or one of theirs. go for it, as Buffett says, "any day on the water is a good day"
Very interesting!
On smaller boats, I had a lot of very boring moments in between the occasional thrill. I didn't get wet unless it was raining. Why would I have to look for someone to race in a smaller boat? I look for someone to race in any boat I'm sailing, but that's just me! Why can't anyone "drive" a tiller? They're dirt simple as far as I can tell. As far as getting to the destination easily... I guess some have people have had a different experience with smaller boats, assuming they've had experience. I don't care how many "classes" a person takes. You will still need to get out with a new boat on your own and spend time learning how it handles for yourself. Each boat is different. You can learn how to put the sails up and get blown around in just an hour or two. But that's not what I call knowing how to sail. At least not efficiently, safely, and comfortably. But by all means, do get out on the water. If I had to recommend a size for someone I didn't know, I would generally go with a boat in the 22-25 ft. range. They do have creature comforts, and maybe a shorter learning curve.
On smaller boats, I had a lot of very boring moments in between the occasional thrill. I didn't get wet unless it was raining. Why would I have to look for someone to race in a smaller boat? I look for someone to race in any boat I'm sailing, but that's just me! Why can't anyone "drive" a tiller? They're dirt simple as far as I can tell. As far as getting to the destination easily... I guess some have people have had a different experience with smaller boats, assuming they've had experience. I don't care how many "classes" a person takes. You will still need to get out with a new boat on your own and spend time learning how it handles for yourself. Each boat is different. You can learn how to put the sails up and get blown around in just an hour or two. But that's not what I call knowing how to sail. At least not efficiently, safely, and comfortably. But by all means, do get out on the water. If I had to recommend a size for someone I didn't know, I would generally go with a boat in the 22-25 ft. range. They do have creature comforts, and maybe a shorter learning curve.
YES
You can certainly learn to handle a 310. A friend's first boat is a C28 and he hired a captain for a few days for instruction on his boat. In my experience, buy the boat that will suit you and your family. You need a place to get out of the weather and basic creature comforts such as a head and galley so you can really learn to cruise. BTW, I learned to sail in a 17 footer.
You can certainly learn to handle a 310. A friend's first boat is a C28 and he hired a captain for a few days for instruction on his boat. In my experience, buy the boat that will suit you and your family. You need a place to get out of the weather and basic creature comforts such as a head and galley so you can really learn to cruise. BTW, I learned to sail in a 17 footer.
First boat
Jon I don't disaggree with you. When I was learning I would beg a ride on anything. Hobies, Sunfish, 22/28/18/44 footers. The first one I owned was a C22. Kids came, boat was traded in on a windsurfer, 15 yrs later I now have my C34. I have noting against a tiller, they provide a feel you cannot get with most wheels. They are just much harder to lock in place if the helm must be left for a moment or two. Also I think beginners tend to overcorrect which may cause unexpected tacks or gybes. Having the boom slam across the boat may cause some to say that's the last time I steer/come on the boat etc, especially if someone is hurt/knocked overboard. Since I've had my 34 I've seen too many people start too small. One family at my marina is on their 4th boat in 5 years. Daysailer to mid 20 to 30 to finally happy in a 36. Thats is alot of wasted money on outfitting, surveys, sales tax and dealer commissions. Will the learning curve be steeper in a 31 over something smaller? Probably yes, but some lessons to teach the basics and inviting some experiened boating friends along on a few of the first trips will help flatten it. If Norm has his eyes on a 310, that is probably what he wants, will he be happy in something smaller? He asks a fair question, hopefully our combined feedback will give him the answers he needs to make a educated decision.
Jon I don't disaggree with you. When I was learning I would beg a ride on anything. Hobies, Sunfish, 22/28/18/44 footers. The first one I owned was a C22. Kids came, boat was traded in on a windsurfer, 15 yrs later I now have my C34. I have noting against a tiller, they provide a feel you cannot get with most wheels. They are just much harder to lock in place if the helm must be left for a moment or two. Also I think beginners tend to overcorrect which may cause unexpected tacks or gybes. Having the boom slam across the boat may cause some to say that's the last time I steer/come on the boat etc, especially if someone is hurt/knocked overboard. Since I've had my 34 I've seen too many people start too small. One family at my marina is on their 4th boat in 5 years. Daysailer to mid 20 to 30 to finally happy in a 36. Thats is alot of wasted money on outfitting, surveys, sales tax and dealer commissions. Will the learning curve be steeper in a 31 over something smaller? Probably yes, but some lessons to teach the basics and inviting some experiened boating friends along on a few of the first trips will help flatten it. If Norm has his eyes on a 310, that is probably what he wants, will he be happy in something smaller? He asks a fair question, hopefully our combined feedback will give him the answers he needs to make a educated decision.
Yes, you can
The answer to your question is "Yes, you can learn". Some people start with small vessels and move up every few years, while other people start with large boats. Both are the correct approach, it just depends upon what you want to do. We have friends who bought a 42' boat as their first boat. As originally intimidating as it may have been, they learned a lot and practiced so they could acheive their goal of cruising in the Bahamas for a year. Maintenance on that vessel was more intensive due to size and complexity of systems. On the other hand, we did not buy a boat, but learned to sail on rented 25-27' boats. Then we crewed with friends, and even began to bareboat charter 30-35' boats. Now, we own a C-310 and it is well suited to our needs for day and weekend activities in our local area. This boat has a lot of amenities for its size for a husband and wife who learned sailing later in life. The maintenance of this vessel is more than a small trailer boat, but much less than our friend's 42" boat that has more systems aboard.
The answer to your question is "Yes, you can learn". Some people start with small vessels and move up every few years, while other people start with large boats. Both are the correct approach, it just depends upon what you want to do. We have friends who bought a 42' boat as their first boat. As originally intimidating as it may have been, they learned a lot and practiced so they could acheive their goal of cruising in the Bahamas for a year. Maintenance on that vessel was more intensive due to size and complexity of systems. On the other hand, we did not buy a boat, but learned to sail on rented 25-27' boats. Then we crewed with friends, and even began to bareboat charter 30-35' boats. Now, we own a C-310 and it is well suited to our needs for day and weekend activities in our local area. This boat has a lot of amenities for its size for a husband and wife who learned sailing later in life. The maintenance of this vessel is more than a small trailer boat, but much less than our friend's 42" boat that has more systems aboard.
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