Upgrading from a Cat Capri22

[JBCatalina22]

I currently own a newer model Cat Capri 22 tall rig, fin keel with the selden mast setup.

I absolutely love sailing it. I like the speed and handling etc. I've been sailing for about 15 years now, working my way up from dinghies to the Flying Scot and now the Capri 22.

I sail mostly with my girlfriend who also loves the boat. We overnighted for the first time in it on a four day trip and we both know now that this is a hobby we want to take farther. While this boat would serve us well for another year or two, I was interested in looking into something bigger. While the size works for the two of us, and I don't mind her peeing inches from my head while I try to sleep, if we ever wanted to bring a third person along, personal space would become an issue.

I'm looking at the Catalina 315 and wanted to know if anyone out there spent any time on it. Any advice or warnings? I'm not too excited about the main roller furling that comes standard or the beam but I've never owner anything bigger than a 22'. I know the 315 would be very comfortable inside but I also need to know that we can still have fun sailing it around. Last thursday we were on the bay with 25kt winds and 5' waves and had a blast and we also had 5kt winds yesterday were we were able to maintain descent speed with the spinnaker. I realize you can't directly compare the two but maybe someone has sailed both and can tell me what I'll miss and what I'll appreciate with the upgrade.

Thanks in advance,
Justin

 

[jsalley]

The 315 is essentially an upgraded C309 - same hull, cabin layout, systems, etc. with a few changes to the cockpit and additional cabinetry and trim in the cabin. I owned a 309 for seven seasons until recently upsizing. It's a great boat - fun to sail, fast for its size, easy to singlehand. I never had any problems with the in-mast furling, but I don't race. Construction quality is excellent, and equipment is generally oversized so works well and is robust. The boat can handle most anything you're likely to encounter on the Bay. I had an asymmetric spinnaker the last couple of seasons, which really increased the fun factor. Check out the 309 forum on this site, which might give you some additional insight into the 309/315.

BTW, the St. Mary's River is one of my favorite cruising destinations. Beautiful area!