Cat 30 and Light Air

[Clark]

The Admiral and I plan to move up in size and the Cat 30 is on our short list. I'd like some feedback from C30 owners on its performance in light air (~5 knots). We'll be keeping our boat on Lake Guntersville in AL and the winds are rarely 10 - 15. Please include in your comments whether your experience is based on a wing; fin; and/or tall rig.Thanks so much for your help!

 

[Moody Buccaneer]

She's heavy ...

Cat 30's are not great light air boats. The tall rig with bowsprit helps, but they still have a small sail area for their weight.I love my 30, but she's happier when the wind blows 15+.The 30 has a D/L of about 300, that's a tank by today's standards.Her SA/D is less than 20:1Both of these numbers are good for a breeze, but not so good for light air.For good light air performance look for boats with a D/L closer to 200 and a DA/D close to 20 or higher.Of course the C30 is one of the best 30's ever built (had to say that 'cause I have one). Many people describe them as a small big boat. They have the feel of many 35 footers. 11,000 pounds in 30 feet makes her a solid feeling boat, just don't expect her to light your fire in 5~6 knots of breeze.

 

[Edward 14244]

Agree with all Moody Buccaneer said

I would be lucky to get 2 knts speed in 5 knts true wind with a Cat30 (and that is the tall rig). Feathering prop may help a bit (I have a 3-bladed fixed one). The fun starts at say 12 knts. Had a gusty 15-25 knts wind over the week-end and that is what she is good at.But it is probably the roomiest and best laid-out 30-footer you will ever encounter.BTW its a wing keel, but that probably doesn't make a lot of difference.If you actually want to sail in 5 knt winds I suggest you look for a much lighter boat.

 

[larry w]

5 kts of wind

Not much besides a stripped-out race boat is going to go very well in five knots of true wind speed, but at about 8-10 kts, a C-30 with a 155 genny will go very nicely.

 

[Clark]

Thanks Guys . . .

I appreciate your input. I took a cursory look at Cats that fit the parameters for SA/D and D/L and the C270 looks attractive. Not a lot of those around and they seem to be pricey for a 27. Larry, the typical forecast here is 5-10 with most of the wind closer to 5. Not looking for greased lightning . . . just the ability to move. I was in a race earlier this year in an O'day 240 and ate up a C28 in light air (they couldn't even finish) so that model is a little lower on my list.

 

[Clark]

Weird; what happened to Moody's post???

Apparently it was Black Holed.