Catalina 320 Used Boat Review

In 1993, Frank Butler's storied company updated its image with a scoop transom, modern appendages and an innovative layout, but he still likes a solid fiberglass hull. We like the result.

By
Darrell Nicholson
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2
2002 Catalina 320. Photo courtesy of Yacht World.
The Catalina 320 narrows significantly forward, which means the saloon will adopt a triangular shape with the apex at the access for the forward V-berth. Shrouds are set well inboard, which means you'll be living with those terminal extensions. (Bright side: They are easy to inspect.) Photo courtesy of Yacht World.
The Catalina 320 is pleasing to the eye, partially a reflection of a finer bow entry. While it has a modest overhang at the bow and almost none at the stern, with a waterline of 28' it's clearly the product of the nearly plumb bow/reverse stern thinking so prevalent in architectural circles these days.
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Catalina 320 Used Boat Review
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Darrell Nicholson
Darrell Nicholson
Practical Sailor has been independently testing and reporting on sailboats and sailing gear for more than 50 years. Its independent tests are carried out by experienced sailors and marine industry professionals dedicated to providing objective evaluation and reporting about boats, gear, and the skills required to cross oceans. Practical Sailor is edited by Darrell Nicholson, a long-time liveaboard sailor and trans-Pacific cruiser who has been director of Belvoir Media Group's marine division since 2005. He holds a U.S. Coast Guard 100-ton Master license, has logged tens of thousands of miles in three oceans, and has skippered everything from pilot boats to day charter cats. His weekly blog Inside Practical Sailor offers an inside look at current research and gear tests at Practical Sailor, while his award-winning column,"Rhumb Lines," tracks boating trends and reflects upon the sailing life. He sails a Sparkman & Stephens-designed Yankee 30 out of St. Petersburg, Florida. You can reach him at darrellnicholson.com.

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2 COMMENTS

  2. Thanks for all your informative reviews.

    Have you-all reviewed the Catalina 36?
    My 1992 (Mk 1) tall rig, shoal draft, is still going strong!! I’ve had it since 1993.
    Larry Blanchard
    Age 74
    Chesapeake Bay
    (Deltaville, VA)