Opinions on 310

[Bob]

I am seriously considering purchasing a new Catalina 310 and would love to hear from any owners with regard to their experiences.I am particularly interested to know if you find the boat to underpowered.

 

[Ed]

Not an Issue

Bob:Don't let the "power" be the deciding issue for the 310. I find it adequate and would not consider it a concern under most conditions.My 310 is hull #246, new since August and I really love the boat. I sail both single handed and with my wife about every week - handles just great and we have had very few issues with the boat. The secret is to have a great dealer who can make any factory problems go away.Just got back from a 4 hour sail in 20k winds, making 7K with a reefed main - love it!Good luck with your purchase.Ed.

 

[Stu Jackson C34 #224 1986]

Catalina 310 Archives Search Results

BobTry the link to the Forum Archives for a search under C310.Happy reading.Stu

 

[J. Tesoriero]

Practical Sailor

The most recent issue of Practical Sailor has an article about the C350 that also talks a lot about the C310. It mentions an earlier article (April '02?)in which the C310 was compared to a similar sized Hunter and Beneteau. The C310 comes out on top in many areas.I like the C310 as well and there is a slightly used model in my area that I am considering. One topic of concern is that of the furling main. Some owners, quoted in the above articles, complain that the boat is too slow with an unbattened main. Does anyone have any experience with that sail?

 

[Bob]

Three Years of Fun

Bob: We have had our 310 (hull # 118) for three full sailing seasons. We sail on lake Erie out of Catawba Island in the Wesern basin around the Islands. Our sailing is day sailing or relaively short 25 mile or less passages. Wind is calm to 20+ and the waves (excluding weekend powerboat chop) are usually less than 5 ft but close together. We find ourselves reefing about 1/3rd of the time. We spend almost every weekend from late May through mid October on the boat either at a destination or our home marina. It is like a summer home. We love the boat both for her sailing and liveability. We have had a few problems just as most of the 310 owners have had but nothing that would keep me from recommending the 310 to everyone. Re the power - with the 26 HP Universal, we can motor at 6 1/2 kts in waves and wind and 7 kts in flat water. It's a great boat and we hae a great bunch of owners on our Sailnet hosted owners group. I am sure you would love the 310.Good Sailing