Tall Rigger or not ;d

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Tom K

Hello everyone. My wife and I have only been sailing for a few months and have fallen in love with it. We have been taking sailing lessons at a local sailing school and will finish our lesson the first of January. At that time we are planning on renting for a few months. But we have both fallen in love with the Catalina 30. I see there are Tall riggers and we have been wondering if there is a big difference between the tall rigger and the regular Catalina 30. We also see Catalina's of sale from 1975 to 1988 that fall within the price range that we feel we can afford. Is there any reason not to purchase a older boat. They seem to look great on the internet photo's. Any advice will be more than welcome. Thank Tom
 
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John

Tall rig

My 1983 Catalina 30 tall rig is my third boat and I started with a smaller boat and moved up slowly. I prefer it over the standard as we have a lot of light winds in July and August. I don't know how willing or capable you are but I have repaired or replaced most of the systems on the boat. I enjoy the work, but older boats even cared for ones will require work/time/money.
 
May 23, 2004
117
Catalina 30 Stockton, CA
Probably Tall Rig

I'm assuming that by Long Beach, you mean Long Beach, CA. If so, I believe that you'll find the tall rigs to be the preferred version for Southern CA, given the predominately light winds. This is in contrast to SF Bay where the reverse is true. Having said that, both versions will succeed in both areas. You can find the specifics on the Catalina 30 Association's website (see link), but, in general the differences are that the tall rig has a mast that's 2' taller and a small bowsprit, giving you a somewhat larger mainsail and a larger jib. With regard to your second question, I'm a great fan of buying older boats (my C-30 is a 1981). If you find a well-maintained and equipped older boat at the right price, go for it. Condition is much more important than the year. Although I have the 5411 11hp Diesel in mine and haven't had any problems, you'll be better off by going a bit newer and getting the larger Diesel (I think they started in 1983 or so). Assuming that you are in Long Beach, CA, you're fortunate in that there should be plenty of Catalina 30s to choose from, if not in Long Beach, nearby. Good luck.
 
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Tom K

Tall Rigger

Bob& John Thank you very much for you input. It's great to find a forum where you can get good advice. By the way we are sailing out of Long Beach California. Thanks Again Tom
 
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John

C30 TR

I have a1988 C30TR wing keel with bow sprit Its agreat boat I think You should try to find a boat with every thing you want in it becouse It costs alot of time and money to add equipment .I think that the newer boats are nicer in side and have better equipment John
 
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