Thoughts on the 326
I'm looking at a 326 to buy. It's in nearly new condition, with in-mast fucling and only 20 hours on the engine. I'd appreciate any thoughts you all might have on this model. Especially in regards to performance. Thanks, KevinKev, I have a 2001 320 and love it. My slip neighbor has a new 326. The boats are nearly identical except that the 326 has some key improvements the primary one being that the ports open in rather than out...critical if you want to keep them open under sail and avoid have a sheet of shroud rip of a port. If you are wanting a racer then keep looking for another boat. If you are looking for a performance cruiser then look no more. I bought mine to have pleanty of room to entertain and also go reasonably fast when the winds were good. The boat accomplishes both. I have in mast fucling which doesn't seem to impact performance in any significant way compared to similar boats with full batten sails given that many sailors don't really learn the art of sail management. I find that the convenience of in-mast fucling more than outweights the theoritical degredation in performance. If you were purchasing new than I would get the 333 over the 326 but if you are buying used (I recommend gently used) then I wouldn't hesitate purchasing the 320 or 326. In any event no matter how new have a survey done by a qualified maring surveyor so you know what you are purchasing.
We own a 2002 326 and are very happy with the boat. We primarily cruise, not race, so it meets own needs very well. It is a very comfortable, easy to sail mid-size boat. We have the standard main, but believe the in mast fucling is also a plus (we will get it in the next boat). There are some things we do like better in the 326 over the new 33, but agree you won't go wrong with a gently used 320 or 326. Good Luck! Harmers
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