Solo Sail Catalina 320

It was a mellow day out of Santa Barbara on our Catalina 320. But when I'm solo, mellow and low key are okay with me. Consequently, this is a pretty slow going video, but it's kind of relaxing. At one point, I had some dolphin talking to me; I think they were talking to me anyway. Their squeaks sound like birds but there weren't any birds around.
While I was happy with my three to four knots of boat speed, a guy on a powerboat was having to use his auxiliary 25 hp outboard and said it's really slow going because he was only going "5-6 mph" (not "knots" of course). So he called for a tow. I doubt they can tow him any faster than he was already going!

[@wildebeest3]

Thanks for sailing quietly. Makes a better video when you only talk about important stuff. Love that there's no stoopid background music! Well done...

[@kylecarscaden3953]

if I get a sailboat one day I want a Catalina 320. Nice quality and not too expensive to maintain or dock at a marina. Plus I love the layout with the curved sofa. Enjoy it!

[@rogerbsailor]

Hi Kyle, Our previous two keelboats were not standard, cookie cutter, production boats. This time around, we were still reluctant to go that traditional route of Hunter, Catalina, Beneteau, etc. But for various reasons, we investigated those options. We checked that field of boats and narrowed down to Catalinas. We thought the 34 was the way to go, with a nice aft bed. We checked out a 34 in person and discovered that even though the 34 is a bigger boat, the 320 has the same beam but the aft bed has more space (basically more head room in bed, not so claustrophbic). And the shorter length meant major savings for us with slip fees initially and every month (with a bow pulpit mod, we're able to be in a 30' rather than a 33; a 3' overhang allowed in our harbor). Now that we've had the boat four years, we have found that she is a pretty decent sailing boat, comfortable top side and down below, great for multi day anchoring at the islands, and we are very glad with our choice. Even though she is 21 y.o., we've done some replacements (like canvas) and she really looks like a new boat.

[@kylecarscaden3953]

@@rogerbsailor that's awesome. I agree on the slip fees etc. bigger boats seem to mean bigger headaches and the 320 is just such a nice fit for a good amount of sailors

[@teeheeteeheeish]

There’s a nice 320 for sale near me… might go look at her. Ironically I like the interior of the discontinued 310s a little bit better, but the 320s look great.

[@rogerbsailor]

We like our 320 very much. You mentioned the discontinued 310s. The 315 is the latest version in that size range. Catalina says the hull length of both models is 31'. The hull length of the 320 is 32.5, I think. The beam on the 320 is 2" wider. So there's a little more volume in the 320 than either the 310 or 315. www.yachtworld.com/yacht/2013-catalina-315-8941746/

[@bradkuether3561]

Hull number? Looks close to my boat, #1006.

[@rogerbsailor]

Hi Brad. We are #881, a 2002 version. Pretty close.

[@anickmarieweed4343]

Really like your dodger and bimini setup, where is from? Brand? Thanks!

[@rogerbsailor]

Hi, just saw this comment. Castro Canvas in Oxnard CA. His dad (RIP) did our previous boat. Great job both times.

[@MrRichard965]

As a solo sailor you should have you lifelines secure

[@rogerbsailor]

You're right. I should have hooked them up before leaving the harbor. But to tell you the truth, I figured once I was out there, I was safer to stay in the cockpit rather than leaning out on the side deck to hook them up. I am just getting ready to go to the boat again. I might solo sail again, and I was checking the weather. Then your note popped up! Crazy timing!

[@teeheeteeheeish]

@@rogerbsailordon’t sweat it.

[@erents1]

Getting reading to purchase a Morgan Catalina 38 and bring it to Ventura Harbor, I look forward to lazy days like this in order to learn the ropes!

[@rogerbsailor]

Have fun!