My regular keel (4') 7.3 points much higher than a Catalina 25 in my harbor, this might have a lot to do with a few things:
1. sail condition - my sails are pretty good and his are a bit blown out.
2. Experience - I've been sailing for 20+ years and he only has a few years under his belt, but he does race so he has gotten some good lessonsfrom that.
3. boat set up-I've got new halyards, sheets, set up to single hand, hank on sails, inboard jib tracks etc. His halyards and sheets are rough and he only has a 130 on a furler and outboard tracks.
ETA: I know this is a 2yr old post we are replying to, but I'm hoping maybe we can get more 7.3 owners to participate on this forum.