Wing keel version 34 - too tender?

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Chris

I'm looking to move up in boat size but would like to stay with a shallow draft. Had a bad experience with an earlier wing keel boat (not a Catalina) - the boat was very tender. How does the Catalina 34 wing keel version sail ---is it very tender? When do you need to reef to keep the family sailing comfortable? Any comments would really be appreciated -- thanks
 
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Stu Jackson C34 1986 #224

Catalina 34 Wing Keel - Association Website Refere

Chris Your question can be more specifically answered on the Meesgae Board on the C34 website. Use the link, click on Message Board. Answer: NOT a problem at all. The ay it works is that the wing keel is heavier to offset the reduced moment arm because of the shallower draft. If you're thinking of buying a C34, look here: http://www.c34.org/faq-pages/faq-c34-owners-review.html and also check out the rest of the site. It'll be very helpful to you in thinking about a C34. Stu C34 IA Secretary
 
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Tom S

If its anything like the C36 wing keel its not

tender at all. In fact, just the contrary. The wing keel is heavier than the already substantial fin keel. I have the standard mast on the C36 (Wing Keel) and I have very rarely gone over 15-20 degree's and thats with full main and a 135 Jenny flying in over 20-22 knots hard on the wind (tall rig and 150 might be just a bit different but its still fairly stiff) Tenderness has a lot more to do with just the keel configuration, whether its wing or fin or full, etc. It has to do with sail area, sail balance, (not to mention blown out sails don't help) weight distribution, (Ratio of keel versus overall weight) and also very important is the shape of the hull. These Catalina's have a pretty good hull form stability, in other words, they might go to 10-20 degs, but once there "lock down" and it takes a LOT to get them much further, you'd almost have to try and even then its tough. All in all these mid 30's size Catalina's are a moderately stiff boat. Wing or not.
 
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RonD

C320 Wing Keel

Not the 34, but the 320/wing rides very well. I'll generally reef in the main at around 25 knots, the Genoa if it goes over that, and have sailed it at 32+. With good sail trim, you can balance the helm very nicely while close-hauled, even with main & Genoa reefed. Don't think I've ever had the "rail in the water." Personally, I dislike the feel of extreme heeling (to me over 15 deg) & believe the boat handles better/safer if it isn't. The main issues with the wing keel vs fin is (a) you have a bit more leeway due to reduced keel area, and (b) your acceleration is slower due to the added weight. If you are a racer, that's an issue. If you're a cruiser, the shallower draft is nice to get in & out of places otherwise marginal.
 
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Pete

Catalina 34 on Lake Erie

Chris, 1570 is equipped with a roller furling main, 150 genoa and a wing keel. I begin to reef about 16-20 knots. The boat has been know to sail faster and easier to handle when reefed a bit. Consider sailing one at a dealers, sail with a friend or charter one to get the info you need to make a decision. Pete
 
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