FAQ: Tall Rig vs. Standard Rig

What's the best choice, the tall rig or standard rig?
Which would you choose if you were buying a C34 now?

Advantage of tall rig: better light air performance. Disadvantages: You have more weight aloft, and you must reef sooner (Bob Greenhaus).

Ultimately, it depends what wind conditions you most often encounter in your area and how thin the water is. I'd rather have the tall rig with say a 135% genoa than handle a larger genny (harder to tack and reef) on the standard rig. I had the the tall rig/wing keel combination on my C27, stayed with it on the C34 and won't do it any differently on my next (C380, C400, C42?) Catalina (Bob Greenhaus)

I agree with Bob's assessment of the 135% genoa... With a 150% genoa, the C34's a bit tender when the winds get going past 18-20 mph... My sailmaker tells me that his calculations show that 140% is about right for a tall rig C34 under coastal cruising conditions... 120% would be better for blue-water cruising. (Bryan Pfaffenberger)

Important: The opinions expressed here are those of the individual contributors to this page, and not those of the Catalina 34 National Association or Catalina Yachts, Inc. Additionally, this material has not been reviewed by Catalina Yachts, Inc. for technical accuracy. This page's maintainer cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information or the desirability of suggested modifications or upgrades. Please obtain assistance from a competent marine mechanic or boatyard prior to making any significant modifications to your vessel.