Too Tall for Catalina 309

[GKuffner]

I am seriously considering a Catalina 309 but find that I can't stand straight up behind the wheel under the bimini. I'm only 6"2" and don't consider my self to be exceptionally tall. Do tall sailors have to get a sunburn? Do you think that it was just the setup on the boat that I was on? Is there a limit to how much headroom there can be under the bimini due to the location of the boom? To be comfortable I would like about 75" of headroom under the bimini. I want to stand under the bimini and look out over the dodger.Gary

 

[John24107]

yes....

and no. The real limit is the boom height. If the backstay is preventing it from being higher, the bimini can be modified to allow the stays to pass through. or, the bimini can be installed forward of the stays but that would probably put you in the sun when at the helm. So, what you really need to know is the height of the boom from the cockpit sole.

 

[GKuffner]

too tall - reply

With the main fully extended, the boom is 73" off the deck as measured between the wheel and the companion way. Therefor the headroom under the bimini is less than 72".Gary

 

[Phil]

Modify the sail (Bimini cut)

Even if your boom is too low you can always have it raised by a sailmaker. They do what they call a bimini cut. They cut the foot at the bottom to make room for a higher boom. Sometimes cut at an angle so the gooseneck doesn't move. I had the same problem with the factory sail on my C27. I installed a new full batten main and to my surprise it was cut higher in the back than the original and therfore I didn't need to have it modified. Standing up is too important. You won't miss the 2 square feet of sail area.