Questions with regard to the 310...

[Bob Todd]

I can't believe it...my wife loves the 310 and would like me to consider selling our Nonsuch 30 to buy one.

Now, don't get me wrong, I think Catalina is a wonderful boat and you get quite a bit for the money and good quality. But, I'm not certain I'd like to go back to 2-sail sailing and give up a cockpit that seats 14.

At any rate, we're going to look at a 2001 310 and wanted to know if there were any problems of note. Understand, I will get a survey done if it is something we like.

All QUALIFIED comments and opinions are appreciated.

Cheers,

Bob

 

[Bob Todd]

We looked at the 309...

...at the Newport show and liked it. But my wife likes the layout and V-berth of the 310 over the 309.

My purpose is to ensure she gets what she wants because WHATEVER she wants I'll still be sailing!

Cheers,

Bob

 

[Patrick S/V Shangra-La]

Go to "Boat Info" on this site

Read the owner reviews for the 310. They will describe the problem areas they each found. You can compile them to see what sticks out as a common problem.

 

[Allan R]

310

I have had a 270 in the past and currently have a 36 MKII. Had I not gone for the 36, a 310 would have been at or near the top when looking to upgrade from the 270. Overall, I like the layout of the cabin.

 

[Skipper]

310 salon

I loved the 310 layout, on paper.

Big queen up front, open rear berth instead of the silly enclosed caves that they put in others, as if a cruising couple needs privacy from...what? the dog? In the rare event there is overnight company one can close the curtains. To give up such a feeling of space and fresh air at all times for a very minor privacy improvement on ultra rare occasions is beyond me. Not for a couple. With kids maybe.

The problem with the 310 layout is evident as soon as you enter the companionway. The salon is tiny. No bigger than a 28 foot catalina salon. They had to do this to make room for the enormous V-berth. Again a trade off, do you give up salon and galley space for bigger sleep space? Considering that you spend most your waking hours in the cockpit and salon, it seems they should take priority. You can sleep anywhere and the rear berths on almost all Catalinas, even as small as the 250, are huge.

In this size range I'd look hard at the 309 or better yet a used 30 MKII post 1994. Same boat, half the price. The 320 is also a good option, with a much larger salon than the 310 and full queen rear berth (larger than the 30 quarter berth) however has the silly enclosure on the rear berth.

All things considered I guess I would opt for the 320 and just keep the aft berth door open

 

[rpwillia]

310 Rocks

Forget the last post. I totally love the V-Cabin and the whole layout. We were considering the 320 but the 310 layout is just superior. Besides I don't need Viagra so I prefer to spend my time in the V Cabin.

Problems with the 310 are the usual. You may have problems with the heat exchanger on the diesel (replacement part has straps instead of brazed on brackets - much better), and also look out for the post that supports the mast step. Catalina has a kit for some of those it is too short - if you door does not close right or the bulkhead is bowed you have that problem.

Other than that everything is very minor.

Really dislike the 309. Way too many compromises for cost. If you do like the 309, then perhaps you should just go get a Hunter 31 - there is little difference; both are cheap boats that scrimp where it matters.

 

[SceptreSailor]

Re: 310 Rocks

Had my 310 since 2004, bought her new. No major problems just minor. I like it better that the old C30, (My slip neighbor has one that I sail on quite often), and over the 309. The 309 was designed to take the place of the 30 so the interiors are almost identical. If your wife really likes the 310 that says a lot. We all have to keep the admirals happy . Noramally if we entertain it is not in the salon, it is up on deck, and the cockpit has plenty of room. For my wife and I we would rather have the larger forward state room in the 310. Feature wise there are many more standard features included in the 310, like Solid Surface (Corain) counter tops, electric windlass, full innerspring matress in the V berth, Marine Grade Breakers in the Electric panel-not slip in automotive type fuses etc.

Fairwinds!