The other feature I couldn’t live without is the walk-through transom so popular on Catalinas. With a husband with back issues, and a 42-pound dog, there is no way I could get them up and down into a dinghy on the stern of most racing boats. The hot and cold transom shower keeps sand off the boat and gives Breeze, our dog, her fresh look.
it…could use a bit of adjustment there. Since our boat was a Northern boat, she had the factory dodger, but no Bimini. We had our Bimini made locally by Tom of Jackie’s Canvas. It was fascinating to play with the angles of the stainless to see what worked best. If we lowered the Bimini frame to fit the boom, only short people could stand under the Bimini. So, life is a compromise, and so is our Bimini, I guess. Interestingly enough, we were shopping for 1998-2000 Catalina 320s, when our friends, Russell and Kathleen Vance, from our sailing club, mentioned that they once owned a 1997 Catalina 320 and that the broker told them it drew 4’ 4”. But when they had her hauled and measured, they found she really drew 4’ 10”. Now, in other parts of the world, that is not a big deal, but in southwest Florida, it can be a
REVIEW YOUR BOAT SOUTHWINDS is looking for sailors who like to write to review their sailboat — whether it is new or old, large or small. It can include the following: Year, model, make, designer, boat name Specifications: LOA, LWL, beam, draft, sail plan (square footage), displacement Sailing performance Comfort above and below deck Cruiser and/or Racer Is it a good liveaboard? Modifications you have made or would like General boat impression Quality of construction Photos Essential (contact us for photo specs) We have found that our readers love reviews by those who own the boats — comments are more personal and real All articles must be sent via email or on disc For more information and if interested, contact editor@southwindsmagazine.com or call (941) 795-8704
(If you hate your boat, we aren’t interested — you must at least like it) 30
November 2012
SOUTHWINDS
Capt. Diane Fowler, boat owner and boat review author.
deal breaker. So, I joined the 320 association and started asking questions. I also called Catalina in their new headquarters in Largo, FL, and found out hulls produced in late 1995 thru 2001 really drew 4’10”, although the manufacturer’s brochures in the late ’90s say 4’ 4”. One broker in Sarasota had a beautiful 2000 for sale with teal ultra-leather interior cushions. I told him my discovery and he told me I was wrong. But, the 320 website confirmed the draft…we needed to buy a newer hull. We found #948 in Winthrop Harbor, IL, in September 2011. She was built in 2003. The winter was fast approaching, and I thought I would miss the racing season in Florida. But God was watching. Ray had just gotten on an airplane to Chicago to take his Mom out for dinner, when I found the new listing on Yachtworld.com. I left him a voice message to, “Rent a car; call Tim the yacht broker at The Sail Place in Waukegan, IL, and GO SEE IT NOW!” Everything fell into place! We bought her. Tim sold us a feathering prop and installed it for us. We arranged a truck and shipped her to Charlotte Harbor Boat Storage to be put back together (but, that’s a whole ‘nother story). We found another priceless bonus. For a mere $24 per year, you can join the 320 Association. Any time you have a question, you post it online, and three hours later, you have four answers from around the world. One active participant lives in Australia with his 320. Mainsheet magazine, the magazine for Catalina owners, has always been entertaining and educational. They even have tools you can borrow! When you need a part, just call Largo, FL, and have it shipped out. Production boats do have a lot going for them! Overall, for the money, we still believe Catalinas are the only choice. Could one live aboard? Sure. I love sleeping on the supercomfy mattress aft with the A/C blowing cold and steady. Once, racing in Marco Island, in February of 2012, I even used the heater function. The boat is easy to maintain with little teak (just the drop boards). I am totally in love again! www.southwindsmagazine.com