The Catalina Yachts Catalina 30 MkII - Tall Rig Tall Rig 1986 vs Catalina Yachts Catalina 30 MkII - Wing Keel Wing Keel 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 - Tall Rig Tall Rig 1986 at 29,1 ft versus Catalina Yachts Catalina 30 MkII - Wing Keel Wing Keel 1986 at 29,1 ft. At 10 201 lbs and 10 300 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 - Tall Rig Tall Rig 1986 and 10 300 lbs for the Catalina Yachts Catalina 30 MkII - Wing Keel Wing Keel 1986. Comparable displacement means broadly similar seakeeping behaviour and load capacity, though hull form and ballast ratio will still produce noticeably different sailing characteristics.
Draft is a practical consideration that many buyers underestimate until they're already at the marina. The Catalina Yachts Catalina 30 MkII - Tall Rig Tall Rig 1986 draws 5,2 ft, compared to 3,1 ft for the Catalina Yachts Catalina 30 MkII - Wing Keel Wing Keel 1986. That 2,1-foot difference affects which anchorages you can access, which haul-out facilities will take you, and how carefully you need to read the tide tables in shallower cruising grounds.
The Catalina Yachts Catalina 30 MkII - Tall Rig Tall Rig 1986 uses Sloop rigging.
Hull speed is rated at 6,7 knots for the Catalina Yachts Catalina 30 MkII - Wing Keel Wing Keel 1986 and 6,7 knots for the Catalina Yachts Catalina 30 MkII - Tall Rig Tall Rig 1986.
Bottom line: The Catalina Yachts Catalina 30 MkII - Tall Rig Tall Rig 1986 and Catalina Yachts Catalina 30 MkII - Wing Keel Wing Keel 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.