The Catalina Yachts Catalina 30 MkII - Fin Keel Fin Keel 1986 vs Catalina Yachts Catalina 30 MkII - Tall Rig Tall Rig 1986 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
On paper these two are close siblings in the size department — Catalina Yachts Catalina 30 MkII - Fin Keel Fin Keel 1986 at 29,1 ft versus Catalina Yachts Catalina 30 MkII - Tall Rig Tall Rig 1986 at 29,1 ft. At 10 201 lbs and 10 201 lbs respectively, both sit in a similar weight class — either should pair comfortably with most mid-size SUVs and half-ton trucks, though always confirm your specific tow rating with the motor added.
Both boats are rated for 8 passengers — a good fit for a family of four or five plus guests. Comfort at capacity is another matter; the longer hull typically means more seat options and better weight distribution.
Both boats sit in a similar displacement bracket — 10 201 lbs for the Catalina Yachts Catalina 30 MkII - Fin Keel Fin Keel 1986 and 10 201 lbs for the Catalina Yachts Catalina 30 MkII - Tall Rig Tall Rig 1986. Comparable displacement means broadly similar seakeeping behaviour and load capacity, though hull form and ballast ratio will still produce noticeably different sailing characteristics.
Both boats draw a similar depth — 5,2 ft and 5,2 ft respectively. Marina access and anchorage options should be broadly equivalent between the two.
The Catalina Yachts Catalina 30 MkII - Fin Keel Fin Keel 1986 uses Sloop rigging.
Hull speed is rated at 6,7 knots for the Catalina Yachts Catalina 30 MkII - Tall Rig Tall Rig 1986 and 6,7 knots for the Catalina Yachts Catalina 30 MkII - Fin Keel Fin Keel 1986.
Bottom line: The Catalina Yachts Catalina 30 MkII - Fin Keel Fin Keel 1986 and Catalina Yachts Catalina 30 MkII - Tall Rig Tall Rig 1986 are closely matched on paper. A sea trial on both in representative conditions is the only reliable way to find which one suits your sailing style, home port, and intended cruising ground.