Seaworthyness of Catalina 30

[davidpm]

Originally Posted by Valiente

As I've mentioned before, I've seen Catalina 30s broach on a run in a race situation in as little as 22 knots. To my mind, this is because their relatively small rudders and go-fast hull form can get tricky for the average helmsperson. While I agree that you can do a lot with active helming and sail trim to keep going in higher winds, I think this (and in higher, six-foot-plus waves) that the unsuitability of the Catalina 30 outside of its coastal haunts becomes clear.

I would rather be working to windward toward shore on one, personally, than on a run away from it.

That's interesting. Last year, our first year with the boat I had an odd experience with it.

We were beating and working against the current which was apparently faster than I expected. We were making about 3 knots but the helm was very very tender. It did not want to hold a course. Then I noticed that accounting to the gps we were going backward.

Maybe the rudder configuration had something to do with it.

[davidpm]

Originally Posted by capttb

Catalina 30's have DRIFTED to Hawaii, (see attached article) so in MOST cases you just have to STAY on the boat.
The Log.com News
I make it a rule that after anyone on board has "chummed" 3 times I'll turn downwind and head for shelter, unless waves are VERY big and you start to surf, going downwind makes a rough day easy.

What a weird story. How did it get dismasted? Go figure?

[Valiente]

Originally Posted by davidpm

Maybe the rudder configuration had something to do with it.

I consider the rudders of Catalina 30s a little on the small side, but it's not something that is readily apparent in the sort of conditions in which the vast majority of Catalina 30s usually sail.

I like to use the Catalina 30 (arguably the most popular production boat ever) as an example of a near-perfect short-haul coastal sailboat and club racer. I like them, but I have seen at first hand how in some adverse conditions their performance limitations are made immediately apparent. Broaching while surfing would be one, and the lightness of the rig would be another. Some of these issues can be overcome by experienced crew and particularly helming.

Also, that really wide companionway makes me nervous, but if you're getting pooped on a C-30, you probably have other, more pressing concerns!

[Gene Smith]

If you go looking for that kind of weather in a 30" Catalina you'll get hammered.

If you get caught out in that weather there are some things you can do to make the loads on your rig lighter.

I've had a ReefRite headsail furler for 3 years now. With the ReefRite's Kiwi slide (replacing hanks) system it's possible to change the headsails at sea. The furling foil has a gate where the Kiwis slide in like slugs on a mainsail. Drop the Genoa and the sail is contained in the foil below the gate. Lash the sail, pull the Kiwis out of the gate and send the Genoa below.

Now you can load the heavy-weather high cut 95% jib's Kiwis into the foil. Hoist it up and sail!

You'll need a pennant on the head of the little jib to allow the furler halyard car to reach maximum hoist and not twist if you want to furl it. If not- just drop the little sail as if it was hanked on. Bag it and hoist back up the Genoa.

Sailing with a half rolled up 135 Genoa is not an answer. The cloth is too light, the position of the rolled up sail is too high, and the sausage of furled cloth in the forestay makes windward sailing tough!

A small heavy high cut (to allow the sea to splash under) jib and a double reefed main can handle 30 kts in relative comfort. AND we can work to windward!!!!!!!

We still don't chase after 40 knots!

Once you've sailed with the ReefRite you'll know. The remote controlled lock on the furling drum is tops too!!!!!!

[sailingdog]

Other options include using a GaleSail, which hanks on over the furled roller furling headsail.

Keeping the main sail's reefed shape as flat as possible is one reason I prefer a TWO-LINE reefing system, rather than the one-line system that many people use. The two-line system gives you far better control over the reefed main sail's shape, by allowing you to properly tension the reef's clew and tack points independently.

Adding a third reef, if you typically sail in heavier winds is a very good solution.