Yachtworld Review 2013

Unapologetically optimized for a couple, the 310 was a departure from other brands of this size because it didn’t make any promises it couldn’t keep – it’s a very functional boat.  Displacing only 10,300 pounds, the Catalina 310 sails well in light air.

The construction of the 310 mirrored its predecessor, the 32. The hull is solid fiberglass, the deck is cored with plywood, and the cabintop with end-grain balsa. A grid-and-beam system and a liner were then installed. Two keels were available, a deep fin that draws 5’ 9” and an optional shoal wing keel that saves two feet below the waterline. A large spade rudder keeps her very maneuverable in tight spaces.

The double-spreader masthead rig supports a high aspect mainsail. Standard equipment on the original boats included a Dutchman flaking system and a 135% genoa. The shrouds terminate on the cabintop, leaving 18” wide decks for easy movement fore and aft. Four self-tailing Lewmar winches manage the lines – two primaries and two on the coachroof – and are led aft for easy singlehanding.

On a beam reach, she’ll do 6.0 to 6.5 knots in 12 to 15 knots of breeze, and like most cruising boats, will need to be reefed when winds exceed 17 knots. Under power, she’ll cruise at 6.3 knots at 2500 RPM with a two-blade fixed prop.

Cockpit & Deck

Catalinas are renowned for their cockpits and the 310 is no exception. This cockpit will easily accommodate eight for cocktails, especially with two perched on the stern rail seats. Access is easy via the walk-through transom that also has a space for two transom lockers, the emergency tiller attachment and a transom shower with hot and cold fresh water.

A large fold-out table attached to the binnacle separates two 80” long seats. The cockpit is wide, which is nice for moving around, but people with short legs may find it difficult to brace themselves when heeling. Instruments are mounted near the wheel and there’s a large locker to port that can stow lines or even a deflated dinghy.

Creature Comforts

Below is where the Catalina 310 really shines for two. Although children or the occasional guest can be accommodated in the aft berth, this boat is really built for a couple due to its open floor plan.

The master stateroom forward has a walk-around queen berth which is better than on some boats 10’ longer. There’s plenty of stowage in lockers and drawers, a door for privacy, and a window-type opening that connects the saloon and cabin. When only two are aboard, everything can remain open and connected, which makes the boat seem larger.

The galley in the Catalina 310 isn’t huge, but it is useable.

The saloon is surprisingly large with an L-shaped settee to port and a two-seat straight settee to starboard. The galley is L-shaped too, and has a single sink, a two-burner Hillrange stove/ oven combo and a top and front loading Adler-Barour reefer which makes it easy to reach everything without having to disappear inside. Two handy cutlery “drawers” tip out and hold a chef’s selection of tools. Having few real separations, the boat provides an airy and generous space for two rather than a cramped and compartmentalized boat for four.

The head is fully enclosed with a marine head, sink, shower and cabinets. Tankage is pretty generous with 55 gallons of water under the master berth forward and 20 gallons of fuel aft. The fuel tank runs athwartship.

Aft is a double berth that runs athwartship, and a nav station that although compact, is pretty clever in its design. Outboard of the small desk, there’s room for the installation of electronics and the berth serves as the seat. The desk is hinged diagonally so it can open or close for better access to the berth. Most of the navigation will be done at the saloon table, leaving the desk to be used as extra galley countertop space.

For a 31 foot boat, the 310 has a most regal companionway. The steps are large, easy to maneuver and are nothing like a ladder. Better yet, the whole cover hinges open to provide good access to the engine, a freshwater-cooled, 25 hp, 3 cylinder Universal diesel that burns about a half a gallon an hour at cruising speed.

Accomodations

Large Owners cabin forward with a centerline berth. A large bank of drawers, lockers port, and starboard. Double berth aft for guests.

Enclosure Curtain for aft berth

Comfortable Galley with oven, refrigerator, stove, and microwave. 

The Head also has a separate shower.

Galley

• Two burner LPG Stainless steel stove with oven 
• 12 volt refriegerator
• Microwave oven

Electronics

• Garmin 545 GPS Map, chart plotter with US and Bahamas Charts
• VHF with ram mic and masthead antenna
• Depth/Knot/Log- Tridata in pod (ST60)
• ST4000 Autopilot
• Kenwood AM/FM/CD/IPOD Jack, HD, Stereo

Electrical

• MarineAir 16,000 BTU air conditioning
• 30 AMP shore power circuits
• 1 - 50 Ft shore power cable
• Marine Battery Charger Charles LT500SP
• DC Electrical system with two batteries, selector switch and panel with breakers
• AC Dockside Power with 6 outlets and Polarity indicator, with circuit breakers
• 1 - 115V 30 amp Shore power cord and Adaptor
• Anchor light on Masthead
• Deck Light and streaming light on mast
• Cabin and Navigation Lights
• Battery Condition Meter 

Deck and Hull

• Danforth Anchor
• Electric Anchor Windlass
• Ronka 22 Pund Anchor with chain and rode
• One piece fiberglass hull white
• One Piece fiberglass deck with grey and white two-tone
• Molded in gel coat waterline - Midwatch Blue
• Molded in non-skid texture surface
• Fiberglass hull and deck liners
• Walk through stern with removable helm seat
• Opening deck hatches, (3) aluminum framed with screens
• Bimini
• Cockpit cushions
• Stern Boarding ladder
• Anchor locker on foredeck
• Hand Rails on the top cabin SS
• Lead keel with SS bolts
• Wing Keel Shoal Draft

Mechanical

• Universal Diesel Engine, Model 25 Fresh water cooled
• Pedestal Steering, brake, Engine Controls with panel and Tachometer
• 3- blade Propeller
• Bilge Blower
• 32" Destroyer Wheel, SS pedestal guard
• 5" illuminated Binnacle compass
• Emergency Tiller

Disclaimer

The company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change or withdrawal without notice.

Disclaimer

The Listing Brokerage Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel regardless of information provided. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice. PLEASE NOTE: All electronics are listed for verification purposes but not warranted in the selling price of the boat.

Engine hours are as of the date of the original listing and are a representation of what the listing broker is told by the owner and/or actual reading of the engine hour meters. The broker cannot guarantee the true hours. It is the responsibility of the purchaser and/or his agent to verify engine hours, any warranties expressed or implied and/or any engine service as well as all other representations noted on the listing brochure.

All the yacht brokerage agents at the listing company are Independent Contractors.