Catalina C27 Tall vs. Std. Rig Fin vs. Wing Keel

[mmazour]

As I continue to do research trying to learn as much as I can about the C27. I have come up with a question or curiosity.

Quick background. We will be using it on Lewis and Clark Lake in South Dakota, our previous boat was a S2 7.3 24' had it for a year and I loved it. It is/was the only boat I have ever sailed so I can not make any comparison myself, but everyone I talked up there said it was a great boat that sailed better than most. I am currently boating on the 19' runabout stinkpot.

We are about 2 years from pulling the trigger on one. I have decided on a year range of 1985 - 1989, based on price, market availability and just because...Inboard Diesel, Pedestal Steering.


What are the advantages/reasons for the 4 different configurations:
Catalina C27 Tall Rig Fin
Catalina C27 Tall Rig Wing Keel
Catalina C27 Std. Rig Fin Keel
Catalina C27 Std. Rig Wing Keel
Just looking for preferences, opinions and comparisons.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Simple options: the keel depth is based on the need for sailing in thin water. If you have enough water depth it's not an issue for you. Many claim they don't point as high as fin keeled boats.

Tall rig is for lighter air. If it gets windy where you sail, you need to reef sooner.

 

[Time Out]

I have a 1987 Catalina 27 standard rig fin keel, It points very well and does good in rough weather, Ive never sailed a wing keel or tall rig 27 so I cant really compare but what Stu says about the different configurations makes sense. My standard rig fin keel sails great compared to other boats I have sailed in that size range. I'd say the 27 is a great choice.

 

[mmazour]

I have found a couple different threads covering the subject of wing vs. fin but none that did a direct comparison on C27.

I have to admit I am a bit confused as to why the draft difference between the fin and wing is only 7 inches. It just does not seem like a number that justifies the extra tooling costs and performance hit. Now on the 270 at 18 inches, 280 at 17 inches, 309 at 23 inches and 320 at 23 inches, these seem to be substantial difference.

Well from the way it sounds I think the Tall Rig Fin Keel is the configuration I'd prefer; points, sails fast and useable on light and heavy wind days. But I am sure in the end I will go for the nicest one I can find for the best price in any configuration.

 

[irisimo]

i have c27 tall rig fin. it draws 4'10". it is very stiff, fast, points well but i live in florida and i have to be very careful where i go to. my draft is a real concern. i grounded many times, i can't go where many boats my size or bigger can go to. But on the other hand i've been 10 -12 foot seas and 25 -30 knot winds. it was rough but i didn't feel my life was in danger. everything is a trade off.

 

[shipwreck66]

One note regarding wing keels, anyone ever have anything get really fouled around one such as a loose anchor line (yours or someone else's) or other submerged, unseen objects such as 50 ft of baited trot line that someone lost track of, I have. Sounds stupid, but a friend's O'day had this occur a couple years ago.