Hi All, I was wondering if there were any comments out there about the catalinas. I have been shopping for a 320 around '97 vintage. I understand this is not a bluewaterboat but it seems to be a lot more solid than many other manufacturers I have looked at. I looked at many mid 80s 34s and they seem to hold up well. I didn't notice any stress cracks on any of the catalinas I have seen as opposed to Hunters which just about every one I have seen has had issues with wet cores and stress cracks. comments?
When I was looking at 34's my observation was the same, they always seemed to be in better shape then the same year from other production boats. I have sailed on the 32's and 34's and they sail great, really nice upwind, a little squirrely down wind with a following sea. However, I would think most spade rudderboats would be, perhaps others can comment about that.
We have owned our Catalina 320 for 3 years now and love it. We had looked at 34 but didn't care for the layout. Ours is a 1998 hull #489. Great owners group. Good luck with your search.
I traded my first Catalina 320 in on another one with no regrets. Both were charter boats, so got their share of abuse. With good sails and a folding prop, it'll race to its handicap and I've found it to be a very comfortable boat. That's why I stuck with it when trading. The boat is also supported by a very active and well informed owners' association.