I'm thinking of getting the new Catalina 31, has anyone got one yet? If so how do they sail? are they built to sail into blue water or just coastal? Has anyone sailed a 32 - 36 across any oceans, and if so how did they handle the seas and weather? Thanks , Mitch
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Major questions
For information on the Catalina 310, go to the Forum Archives on this site and do a search on the word "310" in the most recent section. As to your other questions, I'm not sure I have the space or time to answer even if I could. They would be very lengthy and opinionated answers boiled down to "it depends on...."
For information on the Catalina 310, go to the Forum Archives on this site and do a search on the word "310" in the most recent section. As to your other questions, I'm not sure I have the space or time to answer even if I could. They would be very lengthy and opinionated answers boiled down to "it depends on...."
310 blue water
Have had ours for a month, but it is on an inland lake. From a structural standpoint they are probably blue water capable. The rest depends on experience and outfitting. I supspect they would do very well as a costal cruiser. Our modle has a wing keel and we are very happy with how it sails. In 20k it stands up nicely. We have sailed with main, reefed main, and jib only, and it has sailed pretty well with any combination. It is well designed and layed out for a cruising couple. It sleeps 4, but 2 of you will not be as comfortable as the other 2. Standard hardware is of good quality, and sized properly for the boat. If you were looking at blue water, you probably need larger water and fuel tanks. Overall we are extremly happy with this boat. But our requirements are probalby vastly different than yours. Good luck
Have had ours for a month, but it is on an inland lake. From a structural standpoint they are probably blue water capable. The rest depends on experience and outfitting. I supspect they would do very well as a costal cruiser. Our modle has a wing keel and we are very happy with how it sails. In 20k it stands up nicely. We have sailed with main, reefed main, and jib only, and it has sailed pretty well with any combination. It is well designed and layed out for a cruising couple. It sleeps 4, but 2 of you will not be as comfortable as the other 2. Standard hardware is of good quality, and sized properly for the boat. If you were looking at blue water, you probably need larger water and fuel tanks. Overall we are extremly happy with this boat. But our requirements are probalby vastly different than yours. Good luck
Mitch, a few more details, por favor
That is such a vague question to be seriously answered. I'm sure we'd all be happy to do our best if we knew EXACTLY what you're planning or wanting to do. IMHO, Catalinas are second to none in coastal cruising. They can handle moderate weather easily, if a bit tender compared to "bluewater" boats. They are by no means "bluewater" boats for a variety of design reasons and that's fine. I'm sure there are many that have crossed oceans just fine but I'll lay money that the trip wasn't the most comfortable for the crew! If you are planning on a lot of bluewater time, you might consider a heavier designed/built boat (gasp! did I just say that?). But if you're planning on harbor hopping with the occasional passage, Catalinas are supremely adequate. LaDonna
That is such a vague question to be seriously answered. I'm sure we'd all be happy to do our best if we knew EXACTLY what you're planning or wanting to do. IMHO, Catalinas are second to none in coastal cruising. They can handle moderate weather easily, if a bit tender compared to "bluewater" boats. They are by no means "bluewater" boats for a variety of design reasons and that's fine. I'm sure there are many that have crossed oceans just fine but I'll lay money that the trip wasn't the most comfortable for the crew! If you are planning on a lot of bluewater time, you might consider a heavier designed/built boat (gasp! did I just say that?). But if you're planning on harbor hopping with the occasional passage, Catalinas are supremely adequate. LaDonna
310 is great
Dear Mitch; We just took delivery on our 310 and absolutely love it. It's the first sailboat of this size we've owned so i can't speak about it's comparative sailability. We sail it primarily in a protected bay and some coastal cruising and it's big enough to comfortably accommodate two adults, two small children and a small dog (Corgi). If you have more specific questions, please ask. Kurt
Dear Mitch; We just took delivery on our 310 and absolutely love it. It's the first sailboat of this size we've owned so i can't speak about it's comparative sailability. We sail it primarily in a protected bay and some coastal cruising and it's big enough to comfortably accommodate two adults, two small children and a small dog (Corgi). If you have more specific questions, please ask. Kurt
310 review
Kurt, since you dogged me into writing my 310 review, let's see what you think. Hope you are enjoying it as much as we are. Have been out every weekend and appreciate it more every time.
Kurt, since you dogged me into writing my 310 review, let's see what you think. Hope you are enjoying it as much as we are. Have been out every weekend and appreciate it more every time.
Here's my (incomplete) review
Dear Jon; We've only had the boat in the water for one week so I've only had the pleasure of sailing it a couple of times on test sails and once last weekend for about five hours out on the bay in light airs. We're also not really racers, but more or less casual day sailors and cruisers. My limited review is that she handles beautifully in light wind and is a real pleasure to sail. Much easier to sail and crew than we imagined ( our previous sailboat was a Capri 14.2)Our boat came with a jam cleat for the main sheet so I guess they heard a lot of complaints about the initial cam cleat design. My wife, two small children and Corgi dog agree that her live aboard qualities and amenaties are excellent. The boat is much larger below and in the cockpit than we anticipated it being and the foreward berth is great for two large adults (like we are). One rainy night the five of us huddled up below, cooked a beautiful pasta dinner, and then cuddled up and watched TV while rain pelted the decks above. I can't imagine a more romantic night. I'll post some pictures shortly as well as a more indepth review once I have a chance to sail her in more varied conditions. Kurt
Dear Jon; We've only had the boat in the water for one week so I've only had the pleasure of sailing it a couple of times on test sails and once last weekend for about five hours out on the bay in light airs. We're also not really racers, but more or less casual day sailors and cruisers. My limited review is that she handles beautifully in light wind and is a real pleasure to sail. Much easier to sail and crew than we imagined ( our previous sailboat was a Capri 14.2)Our boat came with a jam cleat for the main sheet so I guess they heard a lot of complaints about the initial cam cleat design. My wife, two small children and Corgi dog agree that her live aboard qualities and amenaties are excellent. The boat is much larger below and in the cockpit than we anticipated it being and the foreward berth is great for two large adults (like we are). One rainy night the five of us huddled up below, cooked a beautiful pasta dinner, and then cuddled up and watched TV while rain pelted the decks above. I can't imagine a more romantic night. I'll post some pictures shortly as well as a more indepth review once I have a chance to sail her in more varied conditions. Kurt
Get The 320
Spend another $10,000 or so and get the Catalina 320. Bigger boat all around, with more useable space down below. Over 750 built to date with lots of happy owners all over the world. Some feel the resale value of the 320 will generally be stronger than the 310 but time will tell!
Spend another $10,000 or so and get the Catalina 320. Bigger boat all around, with more useable space down below. Over 750 built to date with lots of happy owners all over the world. Some feel the resale value of the 320 will generally be stronger than the 310 but time will tell!
Oh boy, here we go again
Why the need for this infernal 310 vs. 320 debate? If the 320 is right for you, then Bravo. It's a marvelous craft! But as a 310 owner, why would I want to spend $10,000 more for a boat that has no useable berth for two 6' adults, a cockpit that requires leaping over hurdles to get past the wheel, no room for a TV below, a head that I can't turn around in, etc. etc. And as to resale value, the 310 won boat of the year in its category in both Sail and Crusing World magazines. The 320, to my knowledge has not garnered such awards.
Why the need for this infernal 310 vs. 320 debate? If the 320 is right for you, then Bravo. It's a marvelous craft! But as a 310 owner, why would I want to spend $10,000 more for a boat that has no useable berth for two 6' adults, a cockpit that requires leaping over hurdles to get past the wheel, no room for a TV below, a head that I can't turn around in, etc. etc. And as to resale value, the 310 won boat of the year in its category in both Sail and Crusing World magazines. The 320, to my knowledge has not garnered such awards.
Get the C47
We just returned from our first weeklong cruise in our C310, island hopping in the San Juan's. The boat preformed beautifully. We did run out of water at one point, partially due to my liberal use of the stern shower to rinse myself off, and clean crabs that I caught. The stated water capacity of 55 gallons on the 310 is misleading. I think it includes the 20 gallons in the hot water heater, which cannot be used once the main tank runs dry. Anybody know how big the water heater is on the 320? Since it has been brought up once again, I should note for fairness that the extra room in the main cabin of the 320 is not usable space for my wife and I, since we can only sit in so many spots at one time. On the other hand, the two sided entry onto the mattress (notice I didn't say cushion) of the forward cabin in the 310 means we don't have to crawl over each other or flip coins to see who gets in first. To us this is usable space not found in similar boats. When we do have guests aboard we spend 99% of our time in the cockpit sailing, not sitting below. But that’s our style. But if roominess is what you value in a boat above all else, spend $20,000 more and get a C36. Now your talking room. Oh heck, get it over with and get the C47, it would probably do bluewater cruising pretty well also. Just my two cents worth. I must be up to $1.25 by now
We just returned from our first weeklong cruise in our C310, island hopping in the San Juan's. The boat preformed beautifully. We did run out of water at one point, partially due to my liberal use of the stern shower to rinse myself off, and clean crabs that I caught. The stated water capacity of 55 gallons on the 310 is misleading. I think it includes the 20 gallons in the hot water heater, which cannot be used once the main tank runs dry. Anybody know how big the water heater is on the 320? Since it has been brought up once again, I should note for fairness that the extra room in the main cabin of the 320 is not usable space for my wife and I, since we can only sit in so many spots at one time. On the other hand, the two sided entry onto the mattress (notice I didn't say cushion) of the forward cabin in the 310 means we don't have to crawl over each other or flip coins to see who gets in first. To us this is usable space not found in similar boats. When we do have guests aboard we spend 99% of our time in the cockpit sailing, not sitting below. But that’s our style. But if roominess is what you value in a boat above all else, spend $20,000 more and get a C36. Now your talking room. Oh heck, get it over with and get the C47, it would probably do bluewater cruising pretty well also. Just my two cents worth. I must be up to $1.25 by now
Right on Jon!
Jon, you are so right. I absolutley agree with you on the usable space issue. My wife, two children and dog have plenty of room below and when it comes to sleeping, the forecastle berth with centerline queen matress is a dream! I figure I'll spend more time sleeping below than I will entertaining a lot of guests below, so I agree that this is much better and more important useable space. To say nothing of ther TV that swings thru the bulkhead between the salon and berth. My kids love it! Plus, we had Catalina custom add a bunk conversion for the salon table, so now I really can sleep four adults and two kids very easily below without even considering having to put anyone in the cockpit. I don't think there's any boat belwo the 42 in the Catalina line that offers as nice a sleeping arrangemnt for two tall adults. Besides, I can actually sit up in that berth as well as comfortably attend to my congigal duties. Try that in any of those aft berths! Why would you trade all that just to squeeze an extra person onto a settee for cocktails? Kurt
Jon, you are so right. I absolutley agree with you on the usable space issue. My wife, two children and dog have plenty of room below and when it comes to sleeping, the forecastle berth with centerline queen matress is a dream! I figure I'll spend more time sleeping below than I will entertaining a lot of guests below, so I agree that this is much better and more important useable space. To say nothing of ther TV that swings thru the bulkhead between the salon and berth. My kids love it! Plus, we had Catalina custom add a bunk conversion for the salon table, so now I really can sleep four adults and two kids very easily below without even considering having to put anyone in the cockpit. I don't think there's any boat belwo the 42 in the Catalina line that offers as nice a sleeping arrangemnt for two tall adults. Besides, I can actually sit up in that berth as well as comfortably attend to my congigal duties. Try that in any of those aft berths! Why would you trade all that just to squeeze an extra person onto a settee for cocktails? Kurt
Stop egging me on
Gee Kurt, you really got me going here. We chose the C310 over other boats from 30 to 36 feet for the features it offered that appealed to us. I thought of an analogy everyone might understand. Automobiles! My wife and I rarely have more than just the two of us in our cars, so the amount of room in the back seat is of no concern to us. We tend to buy 2-door coupes. Now, someone that needs to fit three or more people in a car would probably prefer a 4-door sedan with more rear seat room which was possibly a bigger car as well. But it makes no sense to recommend that everyone buy a bigger 4-door sedan with larger rear seat area. This is especially true if the front seat room is compromised to allow for the larger rear seating, which for two people is wasted space. I would only recommend one car over the other if I knew what the person’s situation and intended use was. To continue the comparison, smaller cars have other well-known advantages like easier parking and better gas mileage that might make them preferable. I know this is stretching it, but I couldn’t resist. Anyway, we’re looking forward to our two-week cruise in August. Hope everyone is having a good summer (at least in this hemisphere) sailing season.
Gee Kurt, you really got me going here. We chose the C310 over other boats from 30 to 36 feet for the features it offered that appealed to us. I thought of an analogy everyone might understand. Automobiles! My wife and I rarely have more than just the two of us in our cars, so the amount of room in the back seat is of no concern to us. We tend to buy 2-door coupes. Now, someone that needs to fit three or more people in a car would probably prefer a 4-door sedan with more rear seat room which was possibly a bigger car as well. But it makes no sense to recommend that everyone buy a bigger 4-door sedan with larger rear seat area. This is especially true if the front seat room is compromised to allow for the larger rear seating, which for two people is wasted space. I would only recommend one car over the other if I knew what the person’s situation and intended use was. To continue the comparison, smaller cars have other well-known advantages like easier parking and better gas mileage that might make them preferable. I know this is stretching it, but I couldn’t resist. Anyway, we’re looking forward to our two-week cruise in August. Hope everyone is having a good summer (at least in this hemisphere) sailing season.
different strokes
Jon; It's different strokes for different folks. All the Catalinas are excellent craft! You simply can't go wrong with whatever you choose. We love our new 310 and are truly thrilled that everyone else loves their craft, no matter what the size, as well. It's all a matter of matching features to needs and wallet size. Truth is, I'd probably be happy on any Catalina boat in the line, and all for different reasons. Good luck on your two-week cruise. With two small inexperienced little sailors on our hands (aka as the kids)we're going to spend the summer puttering around the Bay, perhaps do a little ocean cruising (day trips) and spend the rest of the time relaxing in the pool at the Marina. Check me out on the 310 owners list and send me an E-mail so we can exchange insights and stories about the 310! Good luck and much happiness in all! Kurt
Jon; It's different strokes for different folks. All the Catalinas are excellent craft! You simply can't go wrong with whatever you choose. We love our new 310 and are truly thrilled that everyone else loves their craft, no matter what the size, as well. It's all a matter of matching features to needs and wallet size. Truth is, I'd probably be happy on any Catalina boat in the line, and all for different reasons. Good luck on your two-week cruise. With two small inexperienced little sailors on our hands (aka as the kids)we're going to spend the summer puttering around the Bay, perhaps do a little ocean cruising (day trips) and spend the rest of the time relaxing in the pool at the Marina. Check me out on the 310 owners list and send me an E-mail so we can exchange insights and stories about the 310! Good luck and much happiness in all! Kurt
Room to swing a cat
Spend a few more bucks and get a 36. You have room to swing a cat down below!
Spend a few more bucks and get a 36. You have room to swing a cat down below!
Buy two
Why not spend and extra $80,000 and get two 310's. That way you can raft them, have plenty of room to entertain guests, swing a cat down below, and solve all the other concerns reagrding space or lack there of. Kurt
Why not spend and extra $80,000 and get two 310's. That way you can raft them, have plenty of room to entertain guests, swing a cat down below, and solve all the other concerns reagrding space or lack there of. Kurt
Kids aboard
Speaking of kids aboard, I initially scoffed at the idea (wife's) of a small TV/VCR on our C30. Then we had a long motor on a cloudy day. Ran the TV on DC in the cockpit. It was a kick watching Kirk Douglas as we tooled along five miles off shore. Kids loved it.
Speaking of kids aboard, I initially scoffed at the idea (wife's) of a small TV/VCR on our C30. Then we had a long motor on a cloudy day. Ran the TV on DC in the cockpit. It was a kick watching Kirk Douglas as we tooled along five miles off shore. Kids loved it.
It's silly but true
Mark; My wife and I as a rule don't watch much TV at all and we certainly don't let our kids watch TV much at all when we're at home. So at first it seemed awfully silly to put a TV/VCR in a boat that is designed to help us "escape it all." Having said that, I'm very glad we did. With two kids (ages 3 and 7) on board it's sometimes a blessing to be able to let them watch a video down below when the weather is rough up top and I need my wife to help me crew rather than coddle the kids. A couple weekends ago it was rainy weather and we hunkered down below, made a big pasta dinner and watched The Wizzard of Oz on TV. It was great! I really think the TV/VCR combo is worth the money. Kurt Kurt
Mark; My wife and I as a rule don't watch much TV at all and we certainly don't let our kids watch TV much at all when we're at home. So at first it seemed awfully silly to put a TV/VCR in a boat that is designed to help us "escape it all." Having said that, I'm very glad we did. With two kids (ages 3 and 7) on board it's sometimes a blessing to be able to let them watch a video down below when the weather is rough up top and I need my wife to help me crew rather than coddle the kids. A couple weekends ago it was rainy weather and we hunkered down below, made a big pasta dinner and watched The Wizzard of Oz on TV. It was great! I really think the TV/VCR combo is worth the money. Kurt Kurt
TV in rough seas...
You guys have a lot stronger stomachs than I have. I tried to watch a movie once in an active mooring and after 5 minutes I was looking for the dramamine. Really made me queasy!!! :>(...
You guys have a lot stronger stomachs than I have. I tried to watch a movie once in an active mooring and after 5 minutes I was looking for the dramamine. Really made me queasy!!! :>(...
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