Short answer: The Catalina 320's masthead rig makes headsail area and handling central, while keel, furler and owner modifications mean the actual boat must still define the cut. Use published data to check plausibility, never to approve final sail dimensions.
Published model reference values
| Published LOA | 9.91 m |
|---|---|
| Published rig | Masthead sloop |
| Published I / J | 13.28 m / 3.76 m |
| Published P / E | 11.58 m / 4.04 m |
Rig changes, furlers, mast rake, hardware, class updates and previous owner work can change the usable luff, foot, clew and sail controls. The sailmaker should reconcile the actual boat, existing sails and current rules.
Define the replacement sail's job
Catalina's published material lists a relatively tall masthead foretriangle and 48.35 m² rated total area with a 100% foretriangle. For a cruising owner, the first decision is therefore not simply 'new genoa' but how much of that foretriangle the normal crew can tack, furl and reef efficiently. A 135% or 150% sail may exist in an older inventory, while a smaller modern working sail plus a light-air reacher can reduce effort and distortion when partly furled.
What the sailmaker needs to verify
Identify fin- or wing-keel configuration, model year, spar, furler, maximum hoist, luff tape, track length and shroud clearance. Check whether the mainsail is conventional, loose-footed or modified and record reef hardware and backstay clearance. Catalina specifications are useful plausibility checks, but the existing sail, measured rig and installed hardware decide finished dimensions.
- Model year, fin or wing keel and rig modifications
- Actual I, J, P and E plausibility against published data
- Furler model, luff tape and usable hoist
- Track range, shrouds, lifelines and clew height
- Reefing hardware and backstay clearance
- UV cover direction and year-round storage exposure
Worked buyer scenario
Hypothetical owner: a couple coastal-cruises with an older 150% genoa that is exhausting to tack and spends much of its time partly furled. They compare a high-clew 110–120% working genoa against a smaller jib and separate reacher, then ask the loft to show expected crossover, track position and UV-cover details. The mainsail is assessed at the same time for reefed balance.
Questions to put in the quote brief
- Which actual-boat measurements will you take or require the owner to take?
- What exact cloth, weight, construction and reinforcement are proposed?
- What full-size and reduced wind range is the sail designed to cover?
- Which hardware, covers, freight, fitting and commissioning are included?
- How are fit adjustments, recuts, repairs and warranty handled in Australia?
Sources and verification
Published values above were checked against these references. Confirm current rules and manufacturer information before relying on them.