Catalina 30 - Tall or Short rig?

jkb · #1 (**permalink**) 10-07-2002

On Lake Ontario, which would be a better boat for general cruising, and a little bit of racing? A Catalina 30 Tall Rig or Short rig?

Sailmc · #2 (**permalink**) 10-08-2002

No question the tall rig is preferable. It points higher and has a little more sail area. The standard rig is good for high wind areas like San Francisco Bay where it regularly blows 25 Kts. If you try to race with it you will be left at the starting line.

Chris S · #3 (**permalink**) 10-08-2002

I have a Catalina 27 Tall rig and would not own a standard rig(where I live). I race regularly and there is a major benefit to the tall rig vs. standard. From time to time I will be overpowered upwind but with a little mast bend or by lowering the traveler to leeward it''s an easy enough fix. But off the wind having a tall rig makes all the difference. With the tall rig you also get a 4'' draft wich also helps upwind performance. The standard rig has a 3 1/2'' draft I believe which hurts you upwind compared to the deeper keel.

By the way...I sail in Fl and can''t comment on the Lake conditions but I would say go with the tall!

Regards,
Chris

RyanMI25 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-09-2002

The standard rig Catalina 27 is also 4'' draft. The only way to get something other then 4'' draft is if you have a wing keel.

Over here in Lake St Clair all the Catalina 30''s are tall rig.

Chris S · #5 (**permalink**) 10-10-2002

Actualy, there was a shoal draft in 73'' that draws 4 feet. A buddy of mine has one.

Respectfully,
Chris

Chris S · #6 (**permalink**) 10-10-2002

Make that 3.5''

Chris