Looking for a Weekender? Try This Comfortable Catalina.

The Catalina 320 was introduced in 1993, along with its little sister, the Catalina 270, as the first in a series of designs intended to compete with more contemporary, roomier, Euro-styled designs. It was an instant success; Hull No. 1,000 came off the line in March 2004, and Catalina Yachts revamped it in 2007 as the Catalina 320 Mark II, a.k.a. 320 mk II.

The 320 mk II has gotten a lot of attention, but with so many used Catalina 320s out there, a close look at the model's popular first generation is in order.

The most notable difference between the Catalina 320 and previous Catalina designs is the way the beam at the transom, when compared with the maximum beam, is considerably increased. The beam at the transom of the Catalina 320 is 87 percent of the maximum beam, while that of earlier models was closer to 60 percent. This is an industry trend that means up to 10 percent more interior volume for a given length. In addition to extra space for accommodations, the design considerably increases cockpit space.

The 320 measures 32 feet and 6 inches long; beam is 11 feet, 9 inches; and draft is 4 feet, 3 inches with the standard wing keel. A deep draft keel with bulb is an option and draws 6 feet. Displacement of the shoal-draft model is 11,700 pounds and 11,300 pounds for the deep-draft version.

Hull construction is basically a solid-fiberglass laminate with a spun-bound polyester fabric incorporated in some areas. This material is primarily used to build up laminate thickness and is not typically considered a "core constructed" composite. Balsa wood and plywood core materials are used in the deck and cabin structures. The interior of the 320 is made up of molded fiberglass liners, which in most cases serve a dual role as structural reinforcement and foundations for berths, lockers and joinerwork. Vinylester resins in the first layers of hull laminate reduce the possibility of osmotic blistering, and Catalina offers a five-year warranty against blisters. For more than 30 years, Catalina has built tens of thousands of boats following these methods with remarkable success.

Some 1993 models had improperly routed wiring that resulted in chafed and broken wires. Catalina retrofitted these early 320s with PVC conduit and redesigned later models to eliminate the problem.

On deck, the T-shaped cockpit with pedestal-mounted wheel steering offers comfortable seating for five adults. The centerline helm seat mounted just forward of the stern rail is removable, and the center section of the stern rail folds aft and down, making for a handy swim platform and boarding ladder. The side decks are uncluttered except for the necessary genoa track, and the mast shrouds are well inboard for easy passage and improved sheeting angles. There's a locker on the foredeck for anchor and rode storage.

The 320's interior is designed more for the port-to-port cruiser and less for sailors making overnight or extended passages. Comfortable accommodations for two couples or a small family include a V-berth cabin forward, followed by the main salon with a settee to port and convertible, U-shaped dinette to starboard. The galley is aft to port and has a stove, oven, top-loading icebox and double sink. A small navigation table just forward of the galley, in a pinch, could serve as extra counter space. The head and entrance to the quarter-berth cabin is opposite the galley. The head includes a toilet, sink and integral shower; the quarter berth cabin has a large, athwartships double berth and hanging locker. Adequate storage exists below the berths, though hanging locker space is limited. Current production boats, this one included, all too often overlook inclusion of a wet locker for foul-weather gear.

Throughout the years, Catalina has used Yanmar, Westerbeke and Perkins diesel engines of either 27 or 28 horsepower as standard auxiliary power. All are fresh water-cooled, all are dependable, and all have good service support just about anywhere. In addition, each provides sufficient power for this 11,000-plus pound boat.

The performance of the 320 will well satisfy the average weekend cruiser and may surprise the weekend racer. Although the waterline length is considerably shorter and the sail-area-to-displacement ratio is about the same as Catalina's 34-footer, the 320 has better boat speed. With the factory-supplied 150 percent genoa and fully battened mainsail, she will point to within 40 degrees of the apparent wind, and the wide beam and the low center of gravity of the fin and bulb keel result in a stiff boat. The helm is light and well balanced – so well balanced that some complain it is difficult to feel and keep the boat in the groove.

In 1993, when the Catalina 320 was introduced, the suggested list price was $59,950, which covered sails and a long list of standard equipment, including furling gear, self-tailing winches, electric refrigeration, hot and cold water and even a battery charger. By spring 2004, a similarly equipped new boat was twice as expensive, costing more than $120,000.

In updating the model, Catalina built new molds, added some inches to the V-berth, redesigned the interior and widened the cockpit. The new Catalina 320 mk II is stylistically akin to the Catalina 309. But the hull, sail plan and weight distribution remain the same as the original Catalina 320, meaning the MkII can compete in one-design fleets with the rest of the family.

Catalina Yachts has endured the ups and downs of the recreational boating market for decades by giving sailors what they want. While many of us dream of sailing to the far corners of the Earth, most of us do our sailing close to home and for all-too-short of periods of time. For those of us in the second category, the original Catalina 320 offers a well-designed and affordable choice.

Jack Hornor, NA is the principal surveyor and senior designer for the Annapolis-based Marine Survey & Design Co. Hornor writes for BoatU.S. Magazine and other marine publications.

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