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Catalina 250 Specific Forum

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kevinmac
Admiral

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USA
732 Posts

Initially Posted - 10/02/2005 : 16:01:00

Well, my wife and I have made our decision, and as soon as we get some details from the dealer, we plan to order a C250WK this week. Based on our preferences, and advice we have gotten from this forum (and BTW, this forum was a significant factor in our choice of boat), we are ordering the stock boat with the following options:

135 roller furling headsail.
Canvas package (bags, covers and such).
Teak and Holly floor.
The outboard bracket that someone recommended, (can't find the message) that moves the motor out away from the transom.
Yamaha 8HP outboard with XLS, electric start and (decadent) power tilt. I am undecided about whether to remote it, we will be getting a tiller steered boat, and where to mount the remote so that it won't be in the way and getting stepped on all the time is a puzzle for me.

We are asking the factory to quote installing shore power/battery charger and will compare that to local costs.

I know there are 1000 things we will have to get after the boat arrives:
-safety equipment
-electric bilge pump
-bottom painting
-VHF radio, and a GPS/plotter/depthsounder if not too expensive

And that is only the beginning of the list. I need to find the info about Arlyn's soft link, so I can put that together.

The boat will get here in December, so I will have a good while to work on getting it fitted out and ready before it is warm enough to go sailing. Or maybe I just buy some really nice long underwear and try to find crew crazy enough to go with me...it won't be my wife until April at least... :-)

I will be keeping the boat in a slip in St. Helens, Oregon most of the time, and trailering it once in a while to Puget Sound, possibly other places.

If anyone has any final advice on all these choices, I am still really trying to learn, and do the right thing. Although I owned a Coronado 15 20 years ago and use to race on a small river here, this is my first keelboat, and it is a whole new world.

Also, if anyone out there happens to live in Portland, OR or St. Helens, I am looking for advice on where to get the bottom painting done, and where to get some other work done that I am not comfortable doing myself.

Thanks for all your advice so far.

Oh, we have named it in advance. See below for name. It's a long story, but you could make the case that we bought the boat because the charter companies would not let us take our two dogs on board their boats...

Kevin Mackenzie
'05 C250WK "Dogs Allowed" Hull number ?

Kevin Mackenzie
Former Association Secretary and Commodore
"Dogs Allowed"
'06 C250WK #881
and
"Jasmine"
'01 Maine Cat 30 #34

Edited by - kevinmac on 10/02/2005 16:03:00

River Harley
Navigator

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132 Posts

Response Posted - 10/02/2005 : 17:19:55

Welcome to the C250 "family." We got ours in 2002 and have had no regrets. Before our 250 we had a Catalina 22 and 27. We did have it (the 250) equipped with a bimini and propane cabin heater. As for recommendations for work done on your boat, I can't really help as far as the Portland area goes. I reside in Vancouver but we keep our boat in Olympia. If you spend much time in the Olympia area with your boat, I can HIGHLY recommend Schurtz Marine located next to the Swantown Marina. We have turned to them for most of our boat maintenance/work needs. They are very professional, do the work right, and have "gone the extra mile" for us on numerous occasion.

For the softlink info. go to Arlyn Stewart's "Tech Tips" section on his website (He posts frequently on this forum.) We have the softlink with extended motor bracket as well. As far as attaching the hard line to the tiller, I just couldn't get myself to drill into my rudder, so, I came up with a different way of attaching it to the rudder. I took two adjustable hose clamps, attached them together, then wrapped and tightened the entire band around the rudder corresponding to where the hard line will attach. I positioned a metal ring under the band to attach the line to. I also placed a strip of rubber under the band all the way around to protect the rudder. When I'm not using the link I simply detach the hard line and bungee at the rudder and hull ends, then just clip them onto the motor somewhere out of the way. When I'm ready for the softlink, all I have to do is clip them onto their respective positions. Hope this helps.

Good luck and have fun

River Harley

Edited by - on

atgep
Master Marine Consultant

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1009 Posts

Response Posted - 10/02/2005 : 17:42:49

You may want to consider the factory furler option. Jerry(frog) one of the furlers and does not like it very much. I have a Harken(17 years old and it works perfectly). I would inquire about the brand you are getting and then ask this forum.

You will love the furler(if it works)

Tom.

Edited by - on

frog0911
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1349 Posts

Response Posted - 10/02/2005 : 20:07:03

I second the motion by Tom, on the furler. If the boat comes with a Snapfurl I would not get it. The Snapfurl on my boat has never operated properly. The furling line is always popping off the furling drum when I deploy the jib. Which means I have to stop and run up to the bow and pull the sail back in, put the line back inside the drum line retainers and then sit there and guide the line by hand while the General pulls out the jib. If single handing I have to fall off and let the wind pullout the jib while I guide the furling line onto the drum. I think Catalina is putting the CDI furler on their new boats now so you should be okay. I would definitely check with the dealer before ordering.

Edited by - on

kevinmac
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
732 Posts

Response Posted - 10/02/2005 : 21:56:54

Thanks, I will ask. I looked at a fairly new model the other day, it had CDI furling. But I will ask...

Kevin

Edited by - on

fredflemming
1st Mate

Members Avatar

USA
29 Posts

Response Posted - 10/03/2005 : 12:55:10

Welcome to the family, Kevin. By reading this forum you have already gotten one of the key benefits of owning a 250. Here are some things to think about for your new boat, somewhat in order of importance or fun:

Second reef in mainsail - If she doesn't come with this from the factory, send your main out to a sailmaker NOW to have this added (costs approx 2 boat units). The 250 needs to be sailed flat. Next spring you will be eager to get out on the water and therefore you will run into some high winds. Being able to double reef the main is key to comfortable sailing in winds above 20 knots. While they have your sail, have them add chafing protection on both sides at the height of the spreaders.

Speedtech knot meter - Not very expensive, no hole needed in hull, lots of fun to see your speed change as you learn to adjust the sails.

Boat cushions - Nothing fancy or custom but your fanny will thank you.

The folding sports seat by Westmarine and others is REALLY comfortable. Apply self-adhesive bathtub anti-slip plastic flowers to the bottoms to keep from sliding all over the cockpit.

Sea Eagle depth gauge - less than one boat unit, no hole thru hull, easy to do it yourself.

Forward hatch bug screens - if you overnight out. The forward hatch provides ALL the ventilation so you will want to be able to keep it open.

One other tip, despite your desire to see your new boat, definitely wait until the dealer has cleaned it up from its trip and had a chance to prep it. I saw mine right after it came off the truck and it was FILTHY!!

Not a good first impression.

Best of luck.

Edited by - on

welshoff
Captain

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USA
253 Posts

Response Posted - 10/03/2005 : 13:29:13

Kevin,
Congrats on your decision!

If you make it to the South Sound, there is some good sailing and nice areas to hang out. If you want some local knowledge, let me know I would be glad to give you some input.

Edited by - on

sandiego
Deckhand

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USA
1 Posts

Response Posted - 10/04/2005 : 00:11:52

kevin,
doesn't sailboats of oregon have a new 250wk in stock?
if so why are you getting that one?
JustAsking!

Edited by - on

kevinmac
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
732 Posts

Response Posted - 10/04/2005 : 09:59:39

If you want to email me privately (just click on my user name), I'll explain. In 10 words or less, the condition of this "new" boat is unsatisfactory to me, and there are some other issues. Also, as I recall, it has wheel steering and I prefer tiller.

Kevin

Edited by - on

kevinmac
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
732 Posts

Response Posted - 10/04/2005 : 10:00:52

Oh, and Wil, thanks for the offer! I hope to take you up on it next year...

Kevin

Edited by - on

tmark
Deckhand

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USA
15 Posts

Response Posted - 10/06/2005 : 11:54:25

Kevin,

West Marine has a 30 day, 10% discount for new boat owners.

Edited by - on

Ray Seitz
Captain

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USA
416 Posts

Response Posted - 10/06/2005 : 12:09:40

Kevin,
Congrats on your decision! Per our discussions via e-mail you are making a better choice

than your original inclinations

. I too decided to purchace a Catalina somewhat based on this forum, it is indeed a great selling feature for Catalina.

Edited by - on

kevinmac
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
732 Posts

Response Posted - 10/06/2005 : 21:37:01

Hmmm. Harder to join you than I thought. The boat show price I was quoted a couple of weeks ago disappeared, even though I have been in constant communication with the dealer, and the only delay was that the dealer did not have access to a boat they could demonstrate, and I had to go find some nice folks to show me the boat without them. (The dealer *did* find Wil for me, and he gave me my first look at the boat, but we did not get to go sailing.) Anyway, I bear the dealer no ill will but prefer the discounted price to the undiscounted one. They are going to work on seeing what they can do with it, and I should also say that they *did* offer me their portion of the discount, but it is the Catalina portion that is "gone".

I told them I could wait until the next boatshow in January. Their risk is that it gives me some time to look for a used boat somewhere close to me, and so they may lose the new boat sale. My risk is that Catalina may raise the price...

Oh well. I will have one sooner or later. Anyone know of a C250WK with tiller steering and a trailer available out there somewhere reasonably close to Portand, OR?

Oh, and when did the step (on the combing) and the 3rd generation rudder come out?

Thanks.

Edited by - kevinmac on 10/06/2005 21:41:21

atgep
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

1009 Posts

Response Posted - 10/07/2005 : 07:08:30

DO NOT GIVE THAT DEALER A DIME!
It would seen that now would be a good time ot buy a boat. Sounds like a little bait and switch. If you look around, you will find one for a good price. Here is a dealer in TX that has a new one in stock. I am sure someone here could go and give an initial look over for you.

http://yachtworld.com/core/listing/pl_boat_detail.jsp?currency=USD&units=Feet&checked_boats=1099371&slim=quick&

Tx is pretty far, but...people have traveled farther to get their babies.

My 2 cents.

Tom.

Edited by - on

Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 10/07/2005 : 07:23:56

The coaming step happened in 97 model and the 3rd rudder late 2000.

Edited by - on

tbader
Deckhand

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USA
24 Posts

Response Posted - 10/07/2005 : 09:18:15

Kevin:
It is incredible to me how dealers are willing to jerk around a ready customer with cash in hand. I had a similiar experience with a Catalina dealer over the discounts on a new 250. Decided to buy a 4 year old boat instead and have never regretted it! I'm not a businessman, but that seems like a strange way to treat a customer who shows up on your doorstep with cash ready to buy a brand new boat (and trailer!).
Patience is a virtue. It took me over a year to secure my 250. It was worth the wait.

Edited by - on

kevinmac
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
732 Posts

Response Posted - 10/07/2005 : 10:06:28

Thanks to all of you. Tom, thanks for pointing out that boat. I guess I should add three other critera - I am looking for a tiller rather than wheel (I am too fat to get betweent the backstay and the wheel easily), I would like to have a trailer, and I would like to find one with a 4 cycle engine of 8 to 10 HP. The one you pointed out, as well as a couple of others that friends have pointed out, are wheel steering.

Another friend, who is a search engine master, found about five other boats for sale, but they all seem to be on the east coast. It is so expensive to go that far just to look at a boat...I am not sure how to accomplish it. If I find one that sounds nice, maybe someone on this forum will know the boat, or live near it and be willing to take a look...I dunno.

Anyway, I don't bear ill will to the the dealer, or feel jerked around. I do think it is short sighted of Catalina to have incentives that only last 10 days. When I walked into the boat show (as Ray noted) I was leaning toward the Hunter 25. When I walked out, I was a C250WK buyer, assuming I could find one to sail and do some proper research on it. Sheesh, Catalina thinks I should impulse buy their boat? Not me...

As I said at the start, everybody who is anybody at Catalina is in Annapolis. The dealer says when they come back, he will try to get the Catalina portion of the discount for me.

Oh, another perspective from a friend who works in insurance. He says that Katrina (which happened more or less since the boatshow) will cause a lot of boat orders for replacement boats. This might make Catalina less hungry for orders than usual (although it won't help my Seattle dealer a whit).

Edited by - on

atgep
Master Marine Consultant

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1009 Posts

Response Posted - 10/07/2005 : 12:42:36

I do understand about the wheel. Don't let that be a show stopper. You could do several things with an unwanted wheel.

1. Remove it! It does not change the boat at all. You could put a table recepticle or something in it's place to cover the hole. Or put down a teak grate to cover the blankoff plate. You could then, sell it, or keep it for a future owner. The stock wheel setup is not that great anyway according to arlyn.
Get the tiller stuff you need and now you have a the boat you want.

2. Get a different size wheel. Or a folding wheel.

3. Move exising pedastal a couple of inches?

Just a couple of ideas to consider. Most details on a boat can be modified to better suit the owners.

I am sure you will find help if you want a far-and-away boat looked at. Remember, it is YOUR money and you have time on your side.

Tom.

Edited by - on

welshoff
Captain

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USA
253 Posts

Response Posted - 10/07/2005 : 13:36:12

Kevin,

Check with The Anchorage in Colorado. They are a Catalina dealer and usually have some used C250's as well (www.theanchorage.com). They have a couple used C250's on their web site and one new boat as of today. Like Tom said, you can always remove wheel and go back to tiller steering. You could probably get or make a cover plate for the hole in the cockpit floor or repair completely with fiberglass. Probably could sell the wheel and pedistal for the cost of a good tiller and repairs to cockpit floor?

I talked with them when I was looking for a C250 last year. They were very helpful. They are closer than the east coast and about as far as California (from up here in the great NW). Note: if you get used boat from them, they sail in fresh water and do not have the sun they get in California (easier on the topsides). Just a thought.

Edited by - on

kevinmac
Admiral

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USA
732 Posts

Response Posted - 10/07/2005 : 21:05:21

Thanks guys. I guess I am a wimp, but I can't get interested in modifying the boat to remove the wheel. Just more of a project than I want. I did talk to Steve at The Anchorage, when I was considering the Precision 23. All of their current 250s are either wheel steering or water ballast, so I guess the search continues. You did give me an idea though. I think I will search out the other Catalina dealers, see what folks have in stock...

Anybody know where I can find a Catalina dealer list?

Kevin

Edited by - on

bear
Admiral

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USA
909 Posts

Response Posted - 10/07/2005 : 22:05:32

Google????

Edited by - on

tmark
Deckhand

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USA
15 Posts

Response Posted - 10/07/2005 : 23:29:32

The Catalina site has a ZIP code list of dealers. I bought mine at a dealer 100 miles south of Fresno at Sailboats of Bakersfield. I could have gone down and picked up at the factory in Woodland Hills but the people in Bakersfield brought here, put it in the water and set it up. I'm thinking the base boat was 25-26k and the trailer was 5-6k. I have the Wing Keel, wheel, canvas, cushions and a 9.9 Honda for just at 30k. No trailer. You could call them pick it up in Bakersfield be back home in 2 days from there. I just retired today and have a class B license....make me an offer.

Hmmmm might be some places closer though.

Edited by - on

frogger
Navigator

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USA
184 Posts

Response Posted - 10/10/2005 : 07:27:09

After my wife and I decided on the Catalina 250 WK, we went to boat shows etc., but the most helpful info came from this site. After similar dealer presentations we searched for about a year and found our dream boat, loaded exactly like we wanted, and in immaculate condition. It's a 2000. We just recently had a renaming ceremony. Love it! It's great even if just to sit on it and enjoy. Good luck in finding yours.

Edited by - on

kevinmac
Admiral

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USA
732 Posts

Response Posted - 10/10/2005 : 09:26:33

Terry,

That price is about where the dealer was with the Catalina incentive, shipped up here to Oregon.

Not sure what you are suggesting I make you an offer on. Your boat? Or transporting a boat to Oregon? Either way, thanks. Let me know...

Kevin

Edited by - on

bill bosworth
Navigator

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USA
172 Posts

Response Posted - 10/10/2005 : 13:41:09

Kevin;
I'm sorry things didn't go your way on buying the boat, will they extend the Anapolis boat show specials to you??
I found our boat and my friends on this web site, in the swap meet section. I had to be patient and wait a little while.
Best of luck, I don't think you'll regret your decision to buy the c250 we shure haven't.
Bill
c250wb #134 Serendipity

Edited by - on

kevinmac
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
732 Posts

Response Posted - 10/10/2005 : 16:03:07

Thanks Bill. I am waiting to hear if Catalina will extend the Annapolis boat show special to my Seattle dealer. If so, that will make the deal.

I also have a line on a used boat possibility.

It will happen eventually.

Edited by - on

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