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Catalina 320
Designer: Gerry Douglas  ·  Builder: Catalina Yachts (Usa)  ·  First built: 1993
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About the Catalina 320

Designed by Gerry Douglas and built by Catalina Yachts beginning in 1993, this 32-footer represents a thoughtful evolution in coastal cruising sailboats. With its fin keel featuring a lead bulb and spade rudder configuration, the Catalina 320 delivers responsive handling while maintaining the stable, forgiving characteristics that have made Catalina a favorite among cruising sailors. The boat's moderate displacement of 11,300 pounds strikes an appealing balance between performance and comfort. A generous beam of 11.75 feet creates spacious accommodations below, while the masthead sloop rig with 520 square feet of sail area provides adequate power for both coastal passages and daysailing. The 6-foot draft opens up most harbors and anchorages, though it's deep enough to track well in variable conditions. Built with fiberglass construction and powered by a reliable 27-horsepower engine, the 320 exemplifies Catalina's reputation for producing well-built, value-oriented cruisers. The comfort ratio of 22.36 indicates a motion that favors livability over pure speed, making extended coastal cruising and weekend getaways particularly enjoyable. This design appeals to sailors seeking a capable, comfortable platform for exploring coastlines and island-hopping adventures.

Market Price Estimate Beta
$29,000 – $90,000
typical asking price
Median $64,000  ·  39 listings used
All listings
$29,000 – $90,000 39
Rate a listing price
$
About this estimate
  • Prices are based on recent asking prices from public listings — not actual sale prices, which are typically lower.
  • Condition is not factored in. A well-maintained boat with new sails and engine can be worth significantly more than a project boat of the same model.
  • Location affects price. Boats in landlocked states or areas with fewer buyers often sell for less than those on the coast.
  • Year of manufacture is not filtered. Older examples of this model will generally be priced lower than newer ones.
  • Included equipment varies widely. A boat with a full suite of electronics, dodger, and new standing rigging may command a large premium.
  • Outliers are automatically excluded using statistical filtering to improve accuracy, but some bad data may remain.
Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 32.50 ft / 9.91 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 28.00 ft / 8.53 m
Beam 11.75 ft / 3.58 m
Max Draft 6.00 ft / 1.83 m
Displacement 11,300.00 lb / 5,126 kg
Ballast 4,000.00 lb / 1,814 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 520.00 ft² / 48.31 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/bulb & spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Gerry Douglas
Builder Catalina Yachts (USA)
First Built 1993
Associations Catalina 320 International Association
Related Sailboats ["Pearson 33 2" · "First 32S5 Beneteau" · "Ericson 32 3" · "Caliber 33" · "J32"]
Owner Reviews

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Known Issues & What to Watch For
Medium Hull/Deck
The deck-to-hull joint on the Catalina 320 uses an inward-turning flange bonded and through-bolted, but the toerail fasteners are known to leak over time, allowing water to migrate into the balsa-cored deck sections and cause delamination, particularly around the bow and side decks.
Medium Hull/Deck
The balsa core used throughout much of the deck is vulnerable to moisture intrusion at any deck hardware penetration. Chainplates, stanchion bases, and winch pads are common entry points; saturated core in these areas is frequently found on survey.
Medium Hull/Deck
The portlight frames, particularly the fixed ports in the cabin sides, are known to develop leaks at their bedding, allowing water to run down the interior liner and create hidden moisture damage behind the headliner.
High Keel
The lead bulb keel is attached via steel keel bolts that are prone to corrosion at the hull-keel interface. Rust staining in the bilge and weeping around the keel joint are common; keel bolt condition should be carefully assessed by a surveyor.
High Keel
The keel-to-hull joint on early production 320s is known to develop a gap or stress cracking at the forward end of the keel stub, sometimes accompanied by water ingress into the bilge. This area should be closely inspected for cracking or sealant failure.
1993–1998 models
High Rigging
The chainplate knees are glassed to the hull liner rather than to the hull itself on some production runs, and the bonding can degrade over time. Flex or movement at the chainplates under load is a known concern and should be investigated.
Medium Rigging
The standard mast step is deck-mounted, and the compression post below it bears on the keel structure. The compression post foot and its contact point should be inspected for crushing or movement, as inadequate support here can cause structural deflection.
Medium Engine
The Universal M35B diesel (common in early 320s) is mounted in a relatively tight compartment with limited access to the raw water impeller and heat exchanger. Overheating due to deferred impeller service is a recurring issue on this model.
1993–2002 models
Medium Engine
The engine raw water seacock is mounted low in the hull and can be difficult to access for routine service. On older boats the original bronze or plastic seacock may be corroded or frozen in place; its condition and operability should be verified.
Low Accommodations
The holding tank and associated plumbing in the head compartment are known to develop odor permeation through aging sanitation hose. The original hose often needs full replacement on boats over 15 years old regardless of apparent condition.
Medium Electrical
The original DC wiring on early Catalina 320s used undersized wire runs to some circuits and relied on a small bus bar arrangement that is marginal for added electronics loads. Owners who have added chartplotters, autopilots, and VHF often find voltage drop and overloaded circuits.
1993–1998 models

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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
 153
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
 16.58
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
 35.4
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
 229.8
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
 22.36
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
 2.1
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 7.09 kn
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
 2.33
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 1,175.55 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc) Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure. 16.59
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 43.58 ft / 13.28 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 12.33 ft / 3.76 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 38.00 ft / 11.58 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 13.25 ft / 4.04 m
SA Fore 268.67 ft² / 24.96 m²
SA Main 251.75 ft² / 23.39 m²
SA Total (100%) 520.42 ft² / 48.35 m²
Est. Forestay Length 45.29 ft / 13.80 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Yanmar
Engine Model 3GM30F
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 27
How It Compares

vs. Caliber 33, Ericson 32 3, First 32S5 Beneteau

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Catalina 320 ★
32.5 ft
Caliber 33
32.5 ft
Ericson 32 3
32.5 ft
First 32S5 Beneteau
32.5 ft
LWL
Catalina 320 ★
28.0 ft
Caliber 33
29.5 ft
Ericson 32 3
25.8 ft
First 32S5 Beneteau
27.8 ft
Beam
Catalina 320 ★
11.8 ft
Caliber 33
11.3 ft
Ericson 32 3
10.8 ft
First 32S5 Beneteau
10.8 ft
Displacement
Catalina 320 ★
11 lbs
Caliber 33
13 lbs
Ericson 32 3
9 lbs
First 32S5 Beneteau
9 lbs
Ballast
Catalina 320 ★
4 lbs
Caliber 33
6 lbs
Ericson 32 3
4 lbs
First 32S5 Beneteau
2 lbs
Sail Area
Catalina 320 ★
520 sq ft
Caliber 33
540 sq ft
Ericson 32 3
497 sq ft
First 32S5 Beneteau
455 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Catalina 320 ★
153 s/nm
Caliber 33
168 s/nm
Ericson 32 3
—
First 32S5 Beneteau
—
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Catalina 320 ★
16.6
Caliber 33
15.7
Ericson 32 3
17.4
First 32S5 Beneteau
16.6
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Catalina 320 ★
35.4 %
Caliber 33
46.9 %
Ericson 32 3
42.9 %
First 32S5 Beneteau
32.2 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Catalina 320 ★
22.4
Caliber 33
26.1
Ericson 32 3
22.8
First 32S5 Beneteau
20.5
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Catalina 320 ★
2.10
Caliber 33
1.93
Ericson 32 3
2.03
First 32S5 Beneteau
2.07
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Catalina 320 ★
229
Caliber 33
226
Ericson 32 3
253
First 32S5 Beneteau
191
Hull Speed
Catalina 320 ★
7.1 kts
Caliber 33
7.3 kts
Ericson 32 3
6.8 kts
First 32S5 Beneteau
7.1 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Catalina 320 ★
2.3
Caliber 33
2.3
Ericson 32 3
2.2
First 32S5 Beneteau
2.8
Resources & Community
⚓ Class Association Catalina 320 International Association 💬 Owners Forum Owners Forum & Discussion
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