Shoal Draft

[Free Spirit]

anyone ever have any issues with a shoal draft, since im buying a vessel that has a shoal draft, i am guessing theres not much difference then a full keel..but i figured i'd ask. its a 30' Catalina draft is 3'10. Perfect for what im looking to do. just moving here, im hearing about the shallowness of the waters near the passes, etc. i just do not want any nightmare down the road:naughty:. cya.

having it taking out soon for its survey, any info. would be helpful.

Free Spirit

 

[wonkodsane]

I think the reason your initial post didn't get any responses was because your question is a little vague.

As for differences between keels, I've not heard any pros or cons with regard to any of them on the C30 that aren't already the same pros and cons for any other vessel with a different style keel.

 

[Ed Schenck]

Two issues come to mind. You can race it but you can't win. And two, at least comparing H37Cs, the fin keel bilge is much deeper. This allows for things like a big battery bank low and centered. Those issues do not outweigh the advantage of a shallow draft in Lake Erie and when we were in Florida.

 

[JIM B]

Wing Keel?

The Catalina 30's have been made with fin keels, wing keels and shoal draft keels. If you have an MKII and the draft is 3'10" it sounds like you have a wing keel. If that is the case, you are not if for any nightmares. Just don't run aground Both you and I have shallow draft but I dread the day I run aground in soft mud!

 

[caguy]

I think the reason your initial post didn't get any responses was because your question is a little vague.
As for differences between keels, I've not heard any pros or cons with regard to any of them on the C30 that aren't already the same pros and cons for any other vessel with a different style keel.

What are the pros and cons? Boy, talk about vague.

 

[jimmcgee]

Free Spirit,
I've had a '95 Catalina 30 with a wing keel for three seasons and a friend of mine has a 2000 C30 with a wing. We sail on Barnegat Bay where 10' is considered deep water, sand bars get rearranged after storms and I've bumped bottom in the middle of the ICW below the 72 bridge. It's not a matter of if you'll run aground but when so a shoal keel is the way to go. IIRC Madeira Beach is somewhere around St. Pete Beach? If so I think you have similar conditions sailing on Tampa Bay?

There are no "nightmares" with the wing. Catalina has built a ton of them and Catalina only uses lead keels. As far as I know there are no differences in the bilges between the two.

You'll hear two criticisms of the wing: They don't point as high as a fin keel and they're tougher to get off if you go aground. Both tend to be exaggerated.

I talked to a lot of folks with 30's before I bought mine (some of whom race theirs). The actual difference in performance is very small and will only be an issue if you race. The condition of your sails and your skill at sail trim will have more effect on performance than the keel type.

As for getting unstuck I've heard that in general wings can be more of an issue with mud bottoms like the Chesapeake, but so far I've been OK with the sandy bottom here. That said if you're sailing in thin water Sea Tow or Tow Boat US is cheap insurance and well worth the money -- just in case

You're buying a very good boat, one of the most popular ever built. As long as the surveyor gives her a clean bill of health I'd say go for it! We love ours.

Best of luck,
Jim

 

[Free Spirit]

jimmcgee,

Thanks, im pretty pleased about my choice. It's a beauty...she is clean. Yes, she will be in the St. Pete area. The Catalina 30' has been taken care of: 150% roller furling, Genoa, and Spinnaker, inboard 25HP, Univ. has no more then 500 hours, used only on weekends. The owner added upgrades on the galley..all new, worktop, gas stove,davits; excellent shape for all the information they've given me. The previous owner does not have any issue with sea trial or survey; no issues of hauling her out. that tells me theres no surprise issues. :dance:
Owner willing to wait, i am still settling in, and still making runs up north, etc, it will most likely be after the holidays. :neutral: that's unfortunite, Ive been banging my head for selling my previous vessel; but this one I am looking at is so much nicer and newer. Just the hassle of moving her down here was just to much.
I should not have an issue anyway from what you had informed me of, the draft is 3'10, sand bars will not be an issue. Hell, the hard bottom up north was not issues for me. Yes, I already have boat U.S. so I am good with that. As for racing, it's not the boat, its the capt. ; As of now just looking to enjoy the water and piece of mind!
It does have a 3 blade propeller, I plan on replacing that with a 2- blade upon hauling her out (as long as I do buy her). I have a good feeling of this vessel and boating here. Like you stated, its not the structure: fin keel, or full keel, it's the pilot.
I appreciate your info., I will keep contact. Take care.

Free Spirit

 

[Free Spirit]

CAGUY,

My questions or should I say concern were answered by Jimmcgee. I appreciate your responce.

Free Spirit

 

[Free Spirit]

Jim B,

Looking at MkII and a Catalina 30', your correct the MkII is the wing keel. I really wanted to buy an MKII, but the Catalina 30', shoal draft is the one that Ive decided on. She is mint...I feel like a smuck how I kept my vessel up north, this is kept REAL CLEAN! To surprise me like that, that takes alot.

 

[Free Spirit]

Ed,
Thanks for that unique responce! Just looking to have fun on the water. I do not really see a difference with the bilge. It does not present an issue with me. My question was pertaining to the issues under the water that I need to know of. Anything must be better then hard bottom!

Free Spirit

 

[Free Spirit]

Vague, it depends how you look at the question. Everyone thinks differently and has a different perception. I like vague, you recieve more of nutrual responce; unbiased opinion.

 

[GreenLight]

I sail a MKII wing keel/bowsprit/tallrig on the Chesapeake where " if you havn't been aground, you haven't been sailing". I also race on a larger fin keel boat. The big difference that I've seen is that where you can list a fin keel to come off the bottom with a wing keel you have to keep the boat upright to power or pull it off ... Also although the rated draft is 3"10 when you are heeling your draft may actually be deeper but it is still probably a matter of inches