Mast stepped versus keel stepped?

[Pat df]

Hello all,
  This is my first time posting in this forum. I came about this website a few days ago upon doing my research on Catalina yachts. I had and sold my Catalina 30 ( hull # 5730 ) three years ago. Mainly the reason was lack of time to use it, now I regret it. Anyway it seems that sailing is in my blood and I just love Catalina's, the 30 served my well. I'm starting to look again for a boat and it will be either a 30 again or 34. I need to do my homework on the C34's since I am least familiar with them. I read the history of the C34's and it stated that the first year 1986 had a deck stepped mast and from 1987 through 1994 it has a keel stepped mast then changed again to deck stepped in 1995. Could I get some input on the pros and cons of both? Was it for making more room or structural purposes etc. Thanks in advance.

                                               Thank you,

                                                   Pat

[Stu Jackson]

Pat

Welcome aboard.  This MB is search-able, and we're here to help you find some of the answers to your questions.

A search on keel stepped gives you lots of topics, and here's a good one to start out with:

http://www.c34ia.org/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=1406&highlight=keel+stepped


There are basically no performance differences between the two arrangements.

It was simply an option.

You can also check the FAQs including this one:

http://www.c34ia.org/faq-pages/faq-c34-owners-review.html

Read on.