[C320-list] New (to me) 320 owner - 3 questions and first impressions

[heynewt--- via C320-list]

Hi 320 owners,

Couple of quick questions on my recently purchased 2003 C320 and then
initial thoughts on the boat if you care to read them.

1. I am not able to get the settee table to collapse down into its pedestal
so that we can convert it to a bed. It goes down about 6 inches then
slowly stops. Even crawling on it with full weight won't get it down. Is
that a common problem?

2. I was warned by a couple of brokers the pre-Seldon in-mast furling rigs
on the 320s and 350s were prone to jamming, but I didn't have any issues
with the few times we flew it. The main was 2 years old and pristine so
that might have helped. But I do have a lot to learn about setting and
trimming that in-mast sails. It did feel fairly stiff on the unfurl and
furling, especially in the initial stage. What's the maintenance schedule
for getting that inner spindle lubricated? Is that something an owner can
do with the mast on the boat?

3. I plan on replacing the diesel fuel tank, which is in the aft starboard
quarter of the boat. (My old C36 developed a pinhole leak in the fuel tank
that filled the bilge with diesel one weekend). Trying to figure out the
most efficient way to remove the 320's fuel tank if anyone has any
experience/ideas.

Now first impressions:
I recently purchased Halcyon, a 2003 C320 - Hull #944 - up in Deale, MD. I
brought her down through the Chesapeake and ICW to Oriental, NC over 6
days. This is my 4th sailboat and my previous boat was an '85 C36. I
downsized to the 320, because our kids were adults now and moved away, and
we only needed a 2-person boat. Also, getting old sucks as arthritis is
starting to dictate how large a boat/sails I feel like I can handle in
higher winds.

All of my experiences with Catalinas were with that C36, and I can't say
enough good things about Catalina's thoughtful, upgraded design features
for the C320. So many nice touches like the aft, corner cockpit seats,
that cool plate holder above the sink, all the really sturdy Garhaur
hardware under the boom, good engine access both front and back, including
easy access to the shaft and seal. And that queen bed aft cabin on a 32 ft
boat, just wow.

The original owners had her quite a bit in the Bahamas. She came with
ample solar, wind generation, and a watermaker. She's apparently been very
well-maintained her entire life. Onboard were every owner's manual
including the original Catalina ones from 2003.

The Yanmar diesel, despite 2300 hr, was pristine, and I was given 15 years
worth of maintenance records for it. I can't tell you how reassuring it is
to start a 300 mi journey in a boat you barely know and have a clean engine
that has clearly been correctly serviced. We did about 80 hrs of motoring,
and never had a hiccup.

Though it was mostly motoring, we sailed a few times, including once in the
Albemarle Sound in some white-knuckle moments with 23-26kts of wind off our
starboard quarter taking on those short-period 3-4ft swells which assaulted
the stern and tried to make the boat head up. I was pleasantly surprised
that the C320 handled those conditions with as much stability as my C36
would. Also, I felt I got less of the hard "slapping" from the hull as it
came off the top of those swells hard into the trough than I used to with
the C36. In those conditions, it always felt the C320 under sail was well
within its design parameters. It was, of course, too much for the
autopilot, but I didn't expect the AP to handle that scenario.

The biggest design flaw I noticed was having the aft cockpit seat right up
against the back of your legs as you steer if you stand right behind the
wheel. 4" more of clearance would've been great. Also the V-berth isn't
great for taller crew, as you all know, but I didn't get complaints.

And even all the previous owners never, apparently, found a good spot for a
microwave. It sits on the port side refrigeration lift-door, blocking the
door to that aft storage compartment as well. Must be better solutions for
that.

Overall, I'm just so impressed by this boat. Feels so much bigger than a
32 footer, especially inside. It's a really comfortable boat both to sail
and live on. But I have a lot to learn about it.

Please do alert me if there are common issues that all new owners should
check (beyond the obvious ones which apply to all boats) for 20+ year old
320. Thank you all in advance.

Robert Newton

[Troy Dunn via C320-list]

Welcome to the email list.

The 320 is a great sailboat.

It’s very common for folks to have issues with the salon table. You can
search the email list for past discussions. Assuming the table is
functioning correctly, more weight doesn’t generally resolve issues with it
going down. It’s typically a finesse move where you have to give it a
short pulse of energy directly over the gas strut. The fact that yours is
moving a few inches leads me to believe something else must be wrong.
Might have to unscrew the table from the strut and disassemble the whole
unit to see what is going on.

The fuel tank can only go out through the little door in the aft, port side
of the aft cabin and then through the cabin and up the companionway. One
of our members designed a duplicate fuel tank and had it made. You can
order that model number and save some money.

Good luck

Troy Dunn
Hull #514

[heynewt--- via C320-list]

Hi Troy,

Thanks for the welcome and for those tips.

I'll try that finesse move on the table before I go through the
trouble of taking
the whole unit apart. That's also good to know about the fuel tank
route through
the port side door.

I'll definitely search the archives for that fuel tank model number as well,
those new fuel tanks from Catalina Direct are pricey.

Best,

Robert Newton
Hull #944

[Stephen Cox via C320-list]

>

> The fuel tank can only go out through the little door in the aft, port side of the aft cabin and then through the cabin

> and up the companionway. One of our members designed a duplicate fuel tank and had it made. You can order

> that model number and save some money.

>

From previous emails quite some time ago, I believe you may have to take the door and it's frame off to get the tank through the opening into the aft cabin.





Cheers,



Stephen Cox

Tegwen, C320 MK2 #1141

[Mark Seyler via C320-list]

If you don’t need the increased fuel capacity from the tank Jeff Hare designed, you can also order the original design tank from Ezell for less than Catalina Direct would charge.

Mark Seyler
Sent from my iPhone

> On May 25, 2026, at 9:08 PM, Stephen Cox via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:
>
> 

[Chris via C320-list]

Hi, on your comment about the helm seat position... You may not be
aware that the centre section of seat can be repositioned so it hangs
on the boarding ladder with the seat rotated 90 degrees forward around
the horizontal axis. This make a higher perch seat and much more leg
room and is ideal for long periods at the helm.
You will find slots cut in the sides of the seat which act as hanging
hooks on the ladder horizontal bar.
Have fun!
Chris
(Ex c320 476)

On 26 May 2026 01:58, heynewt--- via C320-list

[heynewt--- via C320-list]

All of these tips are great, thanks for the responses. I'm looking into
the fuel tank options now I didn't realize I had! Not looking forward to
that removal tho.

>> the centre section of seat can be repositioned so it hangs

on the boarding ladder" << Haha, had no idea. That's a great option
for sitting higher behind the wheel, thanks.

Robert
#944

[P.F. Ross via C320-list]

Chris,

Over 31 years I've wondered what those slots were for. Wow!

Learn something new every day, thx!

Frank Ross
Beta Wave #206

[John Meyers via C320-list]

Regarding the tank remplacement - There is a VERY good Mainsheet article
about a year ago with pictures and step by step how to.

I had mine replaced by a marina at the insistence of my First Mate knowing
how I usually mess things up. Ezell has the tank (they will build) that
they sold to Catalina for the 320 that works great

John Meyers
Wind Chime 1997 #406
Muskegon

[Jeff Smith via C320-list]

I considered Jeff Hare’s tank design but I ultimately purchased the stock tank from Ezell. It is a drop-in replacement without any additional work needed. You do need to remove the hatch in the aft berth, but that is easy enough to do. I suggest a drill pump or a fuel polishing system into external diesel tanks to empty the old tank. I did not add the inspection ports on my new tank. Their location would not be easily accessible. Also, if I remember correctly, you might need one on each side of the baffle. I replaced all of my fuel lines, but my boat is a 94. Also, some have relocated their Racor to the stern area so they can use a bigger Racor with a drop-in paper filter versus the canister filter we currently use.

One modification I made was to add an electric fuel pump made by Facet in line between the tank and the Racor. It helps bleed the system. Or more accurately, I just turn on the electric fuel pump after doing any filter changes and do not typically need to bleed the system.

Good luck,
Jeff

[Diane Fowler via C320-list]

I have my 2003 currently for sale. I also used to have a 36' Catalina
and downsized due to divorce. We live in FL and have air conditioning,
flexofold prop +++. If anyone is admiring your new boat , send them to
port Charlotte. Hull # 948

Captain Diane Fowler, CRS, GRI, e-PRO

Entrepreneur / REALTOR®
Experience Real Estate Group, LLC
[1]https://dianefowler.eresuccess.com

Cell/Text: (239) 850-4935
[2]dian...@aol.com
"A referral of your friend is the greatest compliment anyone can give
me."

On May 26, 2026, at 8:28 AM, heynewt--- via C320-list
<c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:

All of these tips are great, thanks for the responses. I'm looking

References

1. https://dianefowler.eresuccess.com/
2. mailto:dian...@aol.com

[Chris via C320-list]

It is a game changer for long spells at the helm…

I found I had to trim the ends of one of the plastic steps on my ladder so it fits between the inside edges of the seat then you are good to go!

Chris

From: P.F. Ross <pfr...@gmail.com>
Sent: 26 May 2026 14:30
To: C320...@catalina320.com
Cc: Chris <cini...@btinternet.com>
Subject: Re: [C320-list] New (to me) 320 owner - 3 questions and first impressions



Chris,



Over 31 years I've wondered what those slots were for. Wow!



Learn something new every day, thx!



Frank Ross

Beta Wave #206

On Tue, May 26, 2026, 2:16 AM Chris via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com <mailto:c320...@lists.catalina320.com> > wrote:

Hi, on your comment about the helm seat position... You may not be
aware that the centre section of seat can be repositioned so it hangs
on the boarding ladder with the seat rotated 90 degrees forward around
the horizontal axis. This make a higher perch seat and much more leg
room and is ideal for long periods at the helm.
You will find slots cut in the sides of the seat which act as hanging
hooks on the ladder horizontal bar.
Have fun!
Chris
(Ex c320 476)

On 26 May 2026 01:58, heynewt--- via C320-list

[Dave Hupe via C320-list]

I tried the helm seat today on the ladder.... not knowing previously.  However, the slots did not fit on the rung due to the thick step pieces. So......Chris, you said you trimmed the step piece shorter/narrower until the seat slots can fit down on the ladder rung???
Dave Hupe 
1994 C320 #32

Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer

On Tue, May 26, 2026 at 11:51 AM, Chris via C320-list<c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote: It is a game changer for long spells at the helm…

[Troy Dunn via C320-list]

I really doubt that Catalina intended the helm seat to be used this way.
Those notches were designed to allow you to hang the seat over the stern
rails (not the boarding ladder) or the lifelines so it is out of the way
for when you are at anchor. Sitting on the seat placed as described with
the safety latches in place probably puts some stress on those latches as
well as putting outward stress on the four small screws that hold the
ladder to the sugar scoop. If it works for you however, that's great.

Also, some folks may not realize this but the princess seats (the perches
on either side) while being great to sit in...also will eventually create
cracks at the bases of the aft railing due to cycle stress of the welds.
The heavier the "princess" the quicker the process.

I'm also curious if folks are missing the proper cushions for that helm
seat...it should be a raised cushion that places you significantly higher
than the cushions over the stern seats. I want to say at least 6" higher
but I'm not currently at the boat.

FWIW-

Troy Dunn
Hull #514

[Chris via C320-list]

That's right - trim the step narrower. I did it with a junior hacksaw
in 2 mins (it is soft plastic) in situe. Then shaped the ends a little
with a coarse file to match the original profile.

On 27 May 2026 00:06, Dave Hupe via C320-list

[Chris via C320-list]

I see what you mean Troy.
My logic was that if the ladder screws could support me standing on the
ladder ( I'm not svelt) and the catches were capable of fulfilling the
role of making the ladder a capable guardrail i.e. withstand full body
weight at speed impacting horizontally, then the partial load of
repositioning the seat as a perch would be well within those levels.
Certainly less than the mounting of an outboard on a bracket on the
stern rail which is common.
Clearly cyclical loading would have an impact over time too but the
machine screws holding the ladder hinges and catches do look pretty
beefy. Not sure what the sheer strength of M6 screws is after 20+ years
in a marine environment but even if one did give way the ladder would
not fall off catastrophically.
I'm curious to know where my train of thought is at fault?
Best
Chris

On 27 May 2026 02:42, Troy Dunn via C320-list

[Troy Dunn via C320-list]

Chris-

Think you've summed it up nicely. Will it fail catastrophically without
warning? I could not see how. Should one keep an eye on those latches
and the fiberglass around the screws for signs of cycling failure? Yup.
Again, if it's working not an issue as long as folks are checking up on
those parts. I'd also keep an eye for signs of cracking at the welds on
every pulpit, rail, and stanchion base as these all will start failing over
time. (i do this during spring commissioning) The biggest culprit there
is folks using those item to pull the boat to the dock and or allowing
their dock lines to contact those lifeline supports, in some cases it's
almost unavoidable. Another great example of how over time, cycle fatigue
leads to part failure that seems perfectly able to withstand the use in the
short run.

Regards-

Troy

[Hunt Bartine via C320-list]

This is my first year with my 320. Ive installed a 200 watt solar charger with a 20amp MPPT controller to provide maintenance charging with the boat on a mooring. My batteries are the original sized deep cycle AGM's ( Diesel truck size) about 5 years old. although they held small  charge with 9-10 volts available over the winter and would recharge to 12-13 volts, now on the water the solar does not seem capable to keep them adequately charged and I am 99% sure they need replacing. I am planning to purchase 2 group 31 batteries as replacements. Firstly i would welcome any advice/ thoughts on removing the very large current ones installed under the  starboard cabin settee, and any other recommendations. I do not plan on having any electronic equipment operating while the boat is moored not in use , but do plan on running the fridge and other items on primarily weekend use and overnights. I have replaced the majority of incandescent bulbs with LED's and have roughly calculated max usage with the fridge operating at less than 50 amp hours. 

Gynnie Anne- '97, North East, Md Hunt Bartine | 21 Southridge | Kennett, PA 19348215-630-7471 mobile
"WORK HARD, STAY HUMBLE,  BE THANKFUL"

[Jack Brennan via C320-list]

Hunt:

Some thoughts:

AGMs are notoriously touchy when it comes to charging and can go bad easily. Dual-purpose batteries such as Interstate aren't much better. I never got more than a couple of years with any of them. What I did was install four six-volt Duracell golf-cart batteries for a total of 460 amp hours at 12 volts. Three years on, they are bullet-proof and provide way more power than I need, even on longer cruises.

You have to wire the batteries in pairs, in series, so they become single 12-volt batteries. My boat had a small wooden floor in the starboard dinette locker for the batteries to sit on. I removed that, which gave the batteries just enough room to fit, and placed them in plastic battery boxes. Trojan batteries are a little taller and more difficult to fit.

Of course, disconnect the solar panels BEFORE you remove the batteries. Put blankets over the panels if you are meticulous. Go online to find proper wiring diagrams for the battery bank.

I have 320 watts of solar. On sunny days, the battery bank is topped off my early afternoon on cruises. I run the fridge 24/7 year round and don't skimp on electronics in the evening. I haven't used the 110-volt charger in years.

Jack Brennan
Sonas, 2998 Catalina 320
Tierra Verde, Fl.


________________________________
From: C320-list <c320-lis...@lists.catalina320.com> on behalf of Hunt Bartine via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com>
Sent: Wednesday, May 27, 2026 9:26 AM
To: C320...@Catalina320.com <C320...@Catalina320.com>
Cc: Hunt Bartine <hbar...@yahoo.com>

Subject: Re: [C320-list] New (to me) 320 owner - 3 questions and first impressions

[David Nolte via C320-list]

I had no idea. I thought the slots were to hang the seat on the lifelines when you are at anchor and want to access the swim platform. Now I need to get down to the boat to check that out!

David Nolte
Beach House 004
Severna Park, MD

David Nolte

[David Nolte via C320-list]

Sorry to hear that Diane, good luck!

David Nolte
Beach House 004
Severna Park, MD

David Nolte

[David Nolte via C320-list]

Troy, I agree with all your points. They all make perfect sense. That is how I use the seat and the cushion.

Thanks,

David Nolte
Beach House 004
Severna Park, MD

David Nolte

[Bob Wyllner via C320-list]

Whaaatt! I had no idea either. Lol.

Will have to blow the dust off of mine and check it out.

Thanks Chris

On May 27, 2026, at 5:17 PM, David Nolte via C320-list <c320...@lists.catalina320.com> wrote:

I had no idea. I thought the slots were to hang the seat on the lifelines when you are at anchor and want to access the swim platform. Now I need to get down to the boat to check that out!

[wdoc1--- via C320-list]

Could one of you take photos of the seat and cushion and email or text them to me?Thank you in advance!Bill (wd...@aol.com, 443-280-0881)Diversion #714Middle River MD