Looking for a Catalina 320, 34 mark ii or 309
 

I'm currently in the market for a new (to me) sailboat about 12 years old or younger. The boat will be used to sail eastern LI sound. I'm particularly interested in a Catalina 34 or 320, or possibly a 309 or 310. -- although I'm open minded. Yachtworld has less 34's available than you might think (or so it seems) and I thought I'd give a shout out here just in case.

Re: Looking for a Catalina 320, 34 mark ii or 309
 

you can look at sailboatlistings.com. On front page look for your state and click. It will give you all boat for sale in your area.

Re: Looking for a Catalina 320, 34 mark ii or 309
 

If the 34 is on your list, don't discount the 36... very little difference in boat size and a different enough layout to give you something to think about.. esp galley-wise

Re: Looking for a Catalina 320, 34 mark ii or 309
 

The good news is the C34 is a very popular and well built boat with a very loyal ownership base. The bad news is because of this, people tend to hang on to their C34s much longer than the average boat owner and when they do come up for sale, do not last long on the market. Go to the C34ia.org website. There is a message board for listing C34s for sale. There is also a lot of information on the boat, even a listing by year and hull number of practically every C34 made.

Re: Looking for a Catalina 320, 34 mark ii or 309
 

That's quite a mix of boats. I am trying to love the 34 but the galley and storage are really making me want a 36.

The 320 has a huge cockpit locker, great cockpit but the doors to the berthes below are tiny to the point that my kids complained getting into the v-berth and aft-berth - it's actually ridiculous. You have to turn sideways to get your shoulders through. Otherwise, this would be high on my list. It has more storage and better galley than the 34 but smaller berths.

Currently looking for my next ride also but nothing has lit me on fire yet. The good ones sell fast so if you are searching Yachtworld.com make sure to focus on more recent listings.

Re: Looking for a Catalina 320, 34 mark ii or 309
 

Right good tip, thanks. And yes, I've noted the relative derth of 34s -- that certainly counts in their favor.

Re: Looking for a Catalina 320, 34 mark ii or 309
 

I have had my C320 for about 2 years, and have been happy with it. I like that the cockpit has room for several guests, and also like the walk-through to the swim platform. I haven't felt cramped below, but that is a subjective judgment that probably varies for each owner. (I looked at at a 310 when I was shopping, at it was just enought smaller to make a difference to me.) There is a C320 owners association, at www.catalina320.com, with hull information, etc.

However, the 320 is my first keel boat, and I chose it in part because I thought it was the biggest thing I would feel comfortable singlehanding (which I knew would be lot of my sailing). With more singlehanded sailing under my belt, I think I could have considered the Catalina 36, which does have more room below. If I were doing more cruising I would definitely appreciate the larger head, and larger aft cabin. But if you mostly day-sail (as I do), it may not make a big difference.

Either way you are looking at a good set of choices. Good Luck to you.

Mark Sailor
S/V Reality
C320 Hull #232

Re: Looking for a Catalina 320, 34 mark ii or 309
 

I have an older C-34 and there is a C-320 at our marina that I've been aboard. I was quite surprised how much more room I had down below than the 320.
if you are considering any Catalina's, definitely spend some time on the individual web sites. The C-34 owners site was a big help when I was in boat search mode and has continued to be a big help in ownership mode.

Re: Looking for a Catalina 320, 34 mark ii or 309
 

Are you dead set on the age and model (Mk II) of a C34? There are a few older 34s around in the New England area that look to be in pretty good shape. I just bought an '86 this fall, it's in good shape just needs a few things here and there. I expect it to keep me sailing happily for many years to come.

Re: Looking for a Catalina 320, 34 mark ii or 309
 

What he said- if you can find one in good shape, don't worry too much about the age as much as how well it has been taken care of. We have had sailboats made out of fiberglass since the 1950's and have yet come to the useful end of life on a fiberglass hull. So I would take a well maintained older boat long before a neglected newer one. A boat can become a money pit in 12 years if not maintained well. Also in 12 years lots of electronics are outdated/worn out. So look for a boat that has been well maintained and updated along the way.

Also I would not fixate on one model of boat, there are lots of others in the same price range such as Beneteau, Hunter and others as well that are just as good for the sound.