I have a Catalina 30 with a Tall rig, bow sprit, and fin keel. Currently I have a 150% Genoa.
I have been contemplating having the Genoa cut down to a 135 and am trying to get some input from everyone. Here is my thinking,
First, the 150 is a lot of sail to tack (read as, there is a lot of sheet to pull in on every tack and yes I might be getting a little lazy as I get older).
Second, this boat's sweet spot when close hauled seems to be around 12-15 knots apparent. After that, she gets a bit over powered. I typically put 1 reef in the main around 18 knots apparent and put the second reef in around 22 knots apparent. I have to furl in part of the genoa to help keep her balanced at those wind speeds and when we heave to, so we can reef I have to furl in part of the genoa or else she heels over quite a bit while hove to.
Third, at least as far as new Catalina's are concerned they are usually delivered with a 135 and not a 150. If there is a reason they scaled back the sail size, should I do the same?
Does anyone have any experience with the difference between the two head sails and/or what kind of performance changes might I expect to see if I do have it reduced / is the 150 overkill?