We are looking at getting a 2001 Catalina 310. Any tips or words of caution from anyone? Is everyone happy with theirs? Any problems specific to the model? How well does it sail? Anyone have any experience on the 310 in heavy weather? ANY input would be great. -Jay
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RonD
Related C320 experience
The C320 is the slightly larger "sister" and handles very well. I have the shoal keel version with the 130% Genoa, Yanmar engine, and a 3-blade prop. I have been generally quite pleased with the boat's design, quality, and performance. A good value for the money. The boats (310/320) are basically designed for coastal cruising and general sailing. Personally, I prefer the C320 cabin layout to the C310, but that's a very individual choice. It is comfortable and conveniently layed out for overnights at at an anchorage/mooring/slip, yet out on the water there are plenty of hand-holds below to allow safe movement. Storage & tankage (fuel, waste, and water) is adequate for this type of cruising -- but not for anything involving extended off-shore work. Access to through-hulls & systems is generally good. The swiftest racer in town it probably ain't, but it has performed solidly in 28-34 knts of wind without being overpowered (reefed in, certainly, the few occasions that I've attempted it.) Not the greatest in light air, but that could be more the Skipper than the boat. A 150% Genoa or a Spinnaker might help if that condition's dominant. A whisker pole rig would be a real plus if you do any extensive down-wind cruising on the Genoa. I've had mine 20-25 miles offshore moving up the coast in the Gulf of Maine taking a steady, all-night pounding in 3-5 ft waves with a short period. Water over the bow quickly drained off. The boat took it better than the crew. With an Autopilot, I can generally single-hand things, though picking up a mooring or anchoring is best done with help. The jib winches aren't really close enough to the helm to handle both functions while tacking unless the Autopilot has the helm under control. The traveler lines can be brought back to the helm to allow trimming the main (e.g., to de-power, handle a jibe, etc). Hope that helps. If buying a used boat, get a good independent surveyor who knows Catalinas to go over it carefully. --Ron
The C320 is the slightly larger "sister" and handles very well. I have the shoal keel version with the 130% Genoa, Yanmar engine, and a 3-blade prop. I have been generally quite pleased with the boat's design, quality, and performance. A good value for the money. The boats (310/320) are basically designed for coastal cruising and general sailing. Personally, I prefer the C320 cabin layout to the C310, but that's a very individual choice. It is comfortable and conveniently layed out for overnights at at an anchorage/mooring/slip, yet out on the water there are plenty of hand-holds below to allow safe movement. Storage & tankage (fuel, waste, and water) is adequate for this type of cruising -- but not for anything involving extended off-shore work. Access to through-hulls & systems is generally good. The swiftest racer in town it probably ain't, but it has performed solidly in 28-34 knts of wind without being overpowered (reefed in, certainly, the few occasions that I've attempted it.) Not the greatest in light air, but that could be more the Skipper than the boat. A 150% Genoa or a Spinnaker might help if that condition's dominant. A whisker pole rig would be a real plus if you do any extensive down-wind cruising on the Genoa. I've had mine 20-25 miles offshore moving up the coast in the Gulf of Maine taking a steady, all-night pounding in 3-5 ft waves with a short period. Water over the bow quickly drained off. The boat took it better than the crew. With an Autopilot, I can generally single-hand things, though picking up a mooring or anchoring is best done with help. The jib winches aren't really close enough to the helm to handle both functions while tacking unless the Autopilot has the helm under control. The traveler lines can be brought back to the helm to allow trimming the main (e.g., to de-power, handle a jibe, etc). Hope that helps. If buying a used boat, get a good independent surveyor who knows Catalinas to go over it carefully. --Ron
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roger marshutz
310
I have a 310. Bought it new 18 months ago. this was my 5 boat..starting with a Cal 20 up to a Islander 30. I love the 310. The best boat I've had. Easy to sail along and really comfotable for my wife and I. Not really designed for 2 couples but the aft berth is big and does work well but with out the privacy of a door. I sail out of Marina Del Rey, CA. Weather here is mild so I've never had to sail in 25 knots except for a few miles. The autopilot to me is a must. I have a few minor complaints. If you want more feed back email me at <rogerfofo@earthlink.net>
I have a 310. Bought it new 18 months ago. this was my 5 boat..starting with a Cal 20 up to a Islander 30. I love the 310. The best boat I've had. Easy to sail along and really comfotable for my wife and I. Not really designed for 2 couples but the aft berth is big and does work well but with out the privacy of a door. I sail out of Marina Del Rey, CA. Weather here is mild so I've never had to sail in 25 knots except for a few miles. The autopilot to me is a must. I have a few minor complaints. If you want more feed back email me at <rogerfofo@earthlink.net>
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Kevin
Catalina 320
Ron, Thanks for the information on the 320. I am trding up to a new 320 from a Hunter 260. While waiting for delivery, can you share any specifics around must-haves or things to watch for which may be potential probelms. Any advice you can offer is greatly appreciated! Kevin
Ron, Thanks for the information on the 320. I am trding up to a new 320 from a Hunter 260. While waiting for delivery, can you share any specifics around must-haves or things to watch for which may be potential probelms. Any advice you can offer is greatly appreciated! Kevin
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Kevin
Congrats Jay!
Must be a wave of Hunter to Catalina movement. I'm also joining the ranks of Catalina owners. Kevin
Must be a wave of Hunter to Catalina movement. I'm also joining the ranks of Catalina owners. Kevin
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Bill B
C-310 info
We love our 310 and it does everything we need and want it do which is day sail & week-end overnights here in Casco Bay and 1 to 2 week cruises in the Gulf of Maine. Those are the things it was designed to do and it does them very well. I wouldn't want to try and cross an ocean in it, although I'm sure it could be done. Some things to seriously consider are: AUTOPILOT, I don't have one and wish I did. 3 BLADE PROP, the 2 blade seems to be prone to vibration. or, a FEATHERING PROP, the 310 has a lot of "prop walk" in reverse. If you will be doing a lot of backing a feathering prop might be a necessity. DODGER, we have one and it's one of the best features of the boat, which is saying a lot. BIMINEY, We don't need on here in Maine, but if you'er in a hot, sunny clime... 150% GENOA if your area is prone to light air. We have the 150 and don't have to start rolling it up until the breeze hits 18-20 Knots and even then it's more for comfort than being truly overpowered. GPS CHART PLOTTER at the helm. The greatest thing since sliced bread! One thing to note if you get the fin keel. Catalina's spec sheets list the draft at 5'9" it's actually 6'5", I know, I found out the hard way! I know you'll enjoy the 310, it is a wonderful boat and a great value!
We love our 310 and it does everything we need and want it do which is day sail & week-end overnights here in Casco Bay and 1 to 2 week cruises in the Gulf of Maine. Those are the things it was designed to do and it does them very well. I wouldn't want to try and cross an ocean in it, although I'm sure it could be done. Some things to seriously consider are: AUTOPILOT, I don't have one and wish I did. 3 BLADE PROP, the 2 blade seems to be prone to vibration. or, a FEATHERING PROP, the 310 has a lot of "prop walk" in reverse. If you will be doing a lot of backing a feathering prop might be a necessity. DODGER, we have one and it's one of the best features of the boat, which is saying a lot. BIMINEY, We don't need on here in Maine, but if you'er in a hot, sunny clime... 150% GENOA if your area is prone to light air. We have the 150 and don't have to start rolling it up until the breeze hits 18-20 Knots and even then it's more for comfort than being truly overpowered. GPS CHART PLOTTER at the helm. The greatest thing since sliced bread! One thing to note if you get the fin keel. Catalina's spec sheets list the draft at 5'9" it's actually 6'5", I know, I found out the hard way! I know you'll enjoy the 310, it is a wonderful boat and a great value!
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Jay Williams
Thanks!
Thanks guys, all the info I can get helps! Bill, the ones we are looking at do have all the things you mentioned (except the chart plotter, bummer!)and then some. I nver thought I would have brokers and seller competing for my business. I guess it really is a buyers market right now. Wish me luck, hope to be in a 310 in the coming weeks! -Jay
Thanks guys, all the info I can get helps! Bill, the ones we are looking at do have all the things you mentioned (except the chart plotter, bummer!)and then some. I nver thought I would have brokers and seller competing for my business. I guess it really is a buyers market right now. Wish me luck, hope to be in a 310 in the coming weeks! -Jay
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