Performance of wing and fin keel on Catalina 30

[Al Dancho]

I am considering on purchasing a CAtalina 30. Lake levels on Great Lakesare down so I am considering on a wingkeel model. What are the performancedifferances between the two?

[Mark Gale]

I have a 30 with a fin and sail on Lake Michigan. We draw 5'4" and probably could not get into a couple of neat places we have been before. So, fin vs. wing is a consideration as we think about moving up to a 34. In response to my questions, people have said the wing does not point as high and can slow you off the wind. It also is supposed to be tough to get off the bottom if it ever runs aground. You do have the ability to sail in pretty shallow water, though. I have always placed a high premium on being able to go to windward, so a fin is probably right for me. Check out the Catalina 34 web site. There's a pretty good section there on one versus the other.

[Charlie]

Al,My last boat had a Fin, Sailed well. Now I have a Wing Keel and I don't see much ,if any,differance to windward. Most of the places where I sail on the East coast are rock bottom so I am vary carfull. I do agree that there are a lot of places that are more accessable to us now. charlie