Catalina vs Irwin

[jssailem]

When insuring my 1974 boat the company took my declaration, a copy of BoatUS's valuation and copy of online value from NADA, then agreed on the value. I suspect it has to do with how much value you want to declare vs risk of you sinking it for the insurance. My premium works out to be about 2% of the declared value.

 

[TanzerTom]

This is a a major thread drift, but is that an annual premium or monthly?

I was really looking for a comparison of the sailing characteristics of two specific boats. Forums seem to focus on how to fix stuff that breaks. This has drifted onto a discussion of why to get a boat surveyed and the advantages of doing so. But thanks for the discussion. I always learn something from the exchange.

 

[jibes138]

I've sailed a couple of Catalina 30's owned by some friends. One was a tall rig and the other a standard rig. The tall rig had a hard time tracking, it was really hard to keep it on a steady course. The boat is very voluminous for her length so the interior is roomy for creature comforts. We were racing in the Whitebread around shelter island in the standard rig and a squall hit us that knocked down all the boats flying chutes or cruising chutes. The Cat30 handled the conditions well. Sad to say we didn't win the race. The chop around oriental varies a lot depending on wind direction. It is only about 20 feet deep in the whole sound and river with shallower shoals. I've seen the chop bad enough to really pound my 35 going into it. Can't comment on the Irwin. The chop is bad if the wind is directly down or up the river where the fetch is long enough to let it build, otherwise it's not too bad.

 

[TanzerTom]

I've sailed a couple of Catalina 30's owned by some friends. One was a tall rig and the other a standard rig. The tall rig had a hard time tracking, it was really hard to keep it on a steady course. The boat is very voluminous for her length so the interior is roomy for creature comforts. We were racing in the Whitebread around shelter island in the standard rig and a squall hit us that knocked down all the boats flying chutes or cruising chutes. The Cat30 handled the conditions well. Sad to say we didn't win the race. The chop around oriental varies a lot depending on wind direction. It is only about 20 feet deep in the whole sound and river with shallower shoals. I've seen the chop bad enough to really pound my 35 going into it. Can't comment on the Irwin. The chop is bad if the wind is directly down or up the river where the fetch is long enough to let it build, otherwise it's not too bad.

Thanks! That is exactly the kind of information I'm looking for. Good point on wind direction and chop. The tracking issue on the tall rig sounds more of a trim problem, but I haven't sailed a cat30... thus my question here. Good feedback, so thanks again.

 

[JohnVTX]

I have a tall rig and have no issues with tracking. Great boat with a lot of sail. I have a 135 Genoa, fully battened main and an asymmetrical I fly occasionally. I control the heel in heavier winds with traveler

 

[jibes138]

The mast on the tall rig is the same height as the mast on my 35. That moves the center of effort higher so when heeled might cause more weather helm?

 

[JohnVTX]

The mast on the tall rig is the same height as the mast on my 35. That moves the center of effort higher so when heeled might cause more weather helm?

Easily controlled with Traveler

 

[TanzerTom]

Thanks, more good information.

 

[PGUTIERREZ]

I on my 5'th Catalina: 22, Capri 25, 30 fin keel tall rig, 36MK2 (aka "crash boat" & 36MK2 wing keel. First C36 trucker dropped & totaled on US 2 going from MI to upper Missippii River (a long story - visit CATALINA 36 association). Had my C30 for 8 years. Dream to sail, lots of fellow owners willing to help out, easy to sell as builder is still in business. When you are spending a nice chunk of cash, be it a home, car or boat, always remember there may be a day when you want to sell it. The C 30 will SAIL well and, IMHO when the time comes, be an easier sell. My wing keel 36 probably might point marginally less than fin 30 - but I only race a few times. FYI: love folding prop but dock maneuvering a bit more challenging. If you have the financial means, move up to C32, C34 or C36. Personally don't care for Winnebago on water like much wider & slower C35.

 

[TanzerTom]

Thanks. All that is what led me to narrow my search to just the c30. Then my friend's Irwin came along. Seems Irwins have a spotty past with some being good and others being not so good. The complete refit if my friend's in '05 was a deal changer. Except one rather eventful trip from Carolina coast to the Bahamas the boat has been a day sailer in the Southport NC area. Light use on new Beta, new standing rigging, new everything experiencing loads. I was not crazy about the feel of the Irwin and wondered if the c30 would be better. I have little time on larger, wheel steering boats but the comments on here seem to indicate I would notice little difference.

 

[Padrone]

I also have had and enjoyed a Catalina Tall Rig for a number of years, sailed in a number of similar sized boats but find it hard to beat for value and comfort. As has been said previously, I can endorse that it has "Good Manners" providing you are aware of how to correctly trim.