I'll looking to purchase a used Catalina 30 and would like to know the difference in performance between the tall and standard rig, and the hight above waterline for both rigs. Thanks, Chuck.
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Don
I can give you some info.......
I often crew on a tall rig, wing keel 30. We figure the mast is 47ft 8in. There are times it won't go under Destin bridge. The VHF antenna always hits and is nerve wracking. A standard rig fin keel is faster upwind than tall rig, wing keel. I would vote for a standard rig, because of bridge clearance in this area.
I often crew on a tall rig, wing keel 30. We figure the mast is 47ft 8in. There are times it won't go under Destin bridge. The VHF antenna always hits and is nerve wracking. A standard rig fin keel is faster upwind than tall rig, wing keel. I would vote for a standard rig, because of bridge clearance in this area.
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LaDonna Bubak - CatalinaOwners
tall rig vs. standard
Someone will surely correct me if I'm wrong on this one but my understanding is that tall rigs are more suitable for racing cuz there is more sail area, therefore you go faster. No? For cruising/daysailing, the standard rig would probably be better cuz you won't have to reef as often nor as early. LaDonna
Someone will surely correct me if I'm wrong on this one but my understanding is that tall rigs are more suitable for racing cuz there is more sail area, therefore you go faster. No? For cruising/daysailing, the standard rig would probably be better cuz you won't have to reef as often nor as early. LaDonna
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Jon W
Tall speed, Std. height
The following comments are not C30 specific. My experience has been primarily with a C25 and C310. I find it almost impossible to answer a question about tall vs standard rig speed without knowing the typical wind speeds the boat will be used in. Where there is frequently enough wind to move a boat at hull speed, then there is no real advantage to a tall rig at all, and carrying extra mast weight and windage may actually be a disadvantage. But as the wind gets lighter, the tall rig’s advantage in speed increases. PHRF usually indicates a difference of maybe 8 seconds per mile, but that’s for an average wind speed, and it varies from area to area. In my experience, the tall rig may be a tenth of a knot or two faster at best. I sail in Puget Sound where the wind is usually 15 knots or less (sometimes much less), but I have also been beaten by standard rig boats on occasion. In this region I only need to reef a couple of times a year. I personally would always prefer a tall rig option for this part of the country. Even though I do some casual racing, I think of it more as a test of my, and my boat’s sailing efficiency. It helps to improve my sailing skills, and keep me sharp. Even when not racing, I enjoy sailing as efficiently as possible. On the other hand, I know some people who just enjoy being out on the water. My point is that except in high wind locations, and issues of bridge clearances, I see no disadvantages to a tall rig, and some possible advantages. Also, be careful about height above waterline if you're trying to cut it close. It can vary, based on how fully loaded a particular boat is for one thing.
The following comments are not C30 specific. My experience has been primarily with a C25 and C310. I find it almost impossible to answer a question about tall vs standard rig speed without knowing the typical wind speeds the boat will be used in. Where there is frequently enough wind to move a boat at hull speed, then there is no real advantage to a tall rig at all, and carrying extra mast weight and windage may actually be a disadvantage. But as the wind gets lighter, the tall rig’s advantage in speed increases. PHRF usually indicates a difference of maybe 8 seconds per mile, but that’s for an average wind speed, and it varies from area to area. In my experience, the tall rig may be a tenth of a knot or two faster at best. I sail in Puget Sound where the wind is usually 15 knots or less (sometimes much less), but I have also been beaten by standard rig boats on occasion. In this region I only need to reef a couple of times a year. I personally would always prefer a tall rig option for this part of the country. Even though I do some casual racing, I think of it more as a test of my, and my boat’s sailing efficiency. It helps to improve my sailing skills, and keep me sharp. Even when not racing, I enjoy sailing as efficiently as possible. On the other hand, I know some people who just enjoy being out on the water. My point is that except in high wind locations, and issues of bridge clearances, I see no disadvantages to a tall rig, and some possible advantages. Also, be careful about height above waterline if you're trying to cut it close. It can vary, based on how fully loaded a particular boat is for one thing.
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David
Here's another thought
The bow sprit on the tall rig just looks cooler! I know that's got nothing to do with performance, but it does matter. I have a tall rig & I am very pleased with it. In 15 knots of wind, I can easily carry hull speed (6.5 or better) and have surfed at 7+. For me, the extra 60 sq ft of sail or so really is nice when others are just floating...
The bow sprit on the tall rig just looks cooler! I know that's got nothing to do with performance, but it does matter. I have a tall rig & I am very pleased with it. In 15 knots of wind, I can easily carry hull speed (6.5 or better) and have surfed at 7+. For me, the extra 60 sq ft of sail or so really is nice when others are just floating...
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K. Kuehn
Tall Rig vs Std Rig
My experience has been with a tall rig with a fin keel and upgrade main & 150% genoa. The boat is considerably faster than a std. rig with a fin or wing keel, as well as a tall rig with a wing keel. Some early 30's had a Scheel keel which were pretty quick also. I found she sailed fastest when on the wind with up to 22 degrees of heel, then performance dropped. I also found that you when the wind starts to climb up to and above 12 kts (white caps starting to form), it's time to consider taking in a reef. With my sails, tall rig, and deep keel, and when the wind was up, I thought she performed best over a broad wind range with a full genny and a reef. (I only had one reef point in my main). Had to sell her because in the Florida canal community where I live, it was difficult getting her out into the harbor because of the deep keel (5 ft 4 in.) Terrific boat. Closely inspect the chainplates for the upper shrouds though.
My experience has been with a tall rig with a fin keel and upgrade main & 150% genoa. The boat is considerably faster than a std. rig with a fin or wing keel, as well as a tall rig with a wing keel. Some early 30's had a Scheel keel which were pretty quick also. I found she sailed fastest when on the wind with up to 22 degrees of heel, then performance dropped. I also found that you when the wind starts to climb up to and above 12 kts (white caps starting to form), it's time to consider taking in a reef. With my sails, tall rig, and deep keel, and when the wind was up, I thought she performed best over a broad wind range with a full genny and a reef. (I only had one reef point in my main). Had to sell her because in the Florida canal community where I live, it was difficult getting her out into the harbor because of the deep keel (5 ft 4 in.) Terrific boat. Closely inspect the chainplates for the upper shrouds though.
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BW
I have a tall rig 30
and I think the tall rig sails faster than the standard (generally speaking). I sail in Lake Erie which is very shallow this year and the full keel limits me from certain marinas and harbors. Not a big deal, but you need to know your waters.
and I think the tall rig sails faster than the standard (generally speaking). I sail in Lake Erie which is very shallow this year and the full keel limits me from certain marinas and harbors. Not a big deal, but you need to know your waters.
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