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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Pre-launch help

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Kirk McKay
Navigator

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USA
111 Posts

Initially Posted - 07/03/2002 : 18:54:27

Greetings:
We just bought our first boat and are now accepting any and all words of wisdom before we put her in the water. (Catalna 25-1982) Any tricks or such we should be aware of? Help me out here...

Kirk

Edited by - on

jwilliams
Captain

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USA
357 Posts

Response Posted - 07/03/2002 : 20:34:32

Kirk,

This forum is the best thing...afloat?

When I got my C25 four years ago, I had never sailed anything but a sunfish.

Participating with these folks has been a journeymans' course in sailing and trouble-shooting our boats. Of course, read everything you can, but books are general and theoretical. The folks that sail their 25's know whazzup and are willing to share it...warts and all.

Be sure to visit the national association web page for tech tips and stuff. http://www.catalina25-250.org/index2.htm

Stay tuned and post your first experiences for our enjoyment and awe.

Jim Williams - Half Moon Bay, CA (sail on SF Bay)
Hey Jude
C25fk

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 07/03/2002 : 21:20:38

WARNING: This site can be addictive... <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

But seriously, tell us more about your boat--swing or fin keel, standard or tall rig, stainless or aluminum spreader brackets, stem fitting with a strap down the bow, where will you sail her, and did you get her surveyed when you bought her? If the answer to the latter is "No", I'd recommend it even though it's too late to use the information to decide on the deal or the price. For a few "boat units" ($00s), you will learn a tremendous amount about your boat and the priority projects you can look forward to. The surveyer will point out any areas where moisture indicates leaks getting into deck or cabin top coring, possible weak points in the rig, and the condition of everything below the waterline, to name just a few things.

Also, are you an experienced sailor? If not, have you looked into lessons?

Welcome, Kirk--you picked a fine boat and found a great resource (this one) for continually learning about her.

Dave Bristle - 1985 C-25 #5032 SR-FK-Dinette "Passage" in SW CT

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 07/03/2002 21:36:28

Edited by - on

Douglas
Master Marine Consultant

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1595 Posts

Response Posted - 07/03/2002 : 22:10:59

Hi Kirk: Welcome to the board and C-25s. Could you give us a little more information about your boat. Year, keel type, and rig, tall or standard ? Will you be trailering or keeping the boat in a slip. There are lots of things to do and learn . One of the best things you can do is develop a good safty check list. Us it each time you sail and it will help you develop a routine so you don't forget things. Keep all Coast Guard required gear up to date. Flares ect. Dont try to learn it all at once. Take it easy and enjoy your experiance and there is no such thing as a dumb question.

Doug&Ruth
Wind Lass
Tacoma Wa.

Edited by - on

Kirk McKay
Navigator

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USA
111 Posts

Response Posted - 07/03/2002 : 22:11:34

OK, here's what I know. Both my wife and I have successfully completed an ASA sailing course. We've rented and done the solo thing from the sailing school, but they somewhat limit where you can go at this point(yea, ok, probably for a good reason...) I really don't like renting things, and figured that I could probably get a nice used boat instead of continually paying somebody else. We bought the Altair and will be sailing "her" from Deale, MD on the Bay. I really don't know if it's a tall or standard rig, but will try to figure that out. Seems to me that I read a post about that...
It's a fin keel, I read too many negative posts about the wing(lots of positive as well, but you remember the bad ones!) This week I've been sanding and painting the hull, had the outboard tuned up, and tomorrow I'll wax the rest of the hull...It would have been nice to do this when it wasn't 99 degrees! We didn't have a survey done, but the previous owner did 5 years ago and we read it with interest. It's going in the water on Friday so if there are any really important tricks, speak up now! I'll certainly post more as it becomes available, but welcome all opinions now!

Kirk

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 07/03/2002 : 23:39:15

As far as I know there aren't any "tricks" to know about Catalina 25's, just the usual ones associated with sailboats in general. Experience is really the only trick that needs to be learned and since this is your first boat I would recommend taking things slow and easy for a couple of reasons. Firstly, you are relatively new to sailing and you have done the wise thing by taking lessons. Just remember to sail within your abilities, because you don't want to sour either yourself or your wife on sailing by having a bad experience right out of the gate with the new boat. Secondly, take it easy with the boat, because even though it is new to you it is still twenty years old. Over time, with help from this forum, you will become familiar with your boat and it's systems and know what areas to be addressed.

Again, welcome aboard, and good luck. Fair winds and following seas!

Don Lucier, North Star
C25 SR/FK

Edited by - dlucier on 07/03/2002 23:41:25

Edited by - on

jm
Captain

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Canada
290 Posts

Response Posted - 07/04/2002 : 09:34:30

1. If the boat is being crane lifted in, (vs trailered) make sure the lift operator knows where the proper hull lift points are.. (at the quarter rear and mid-bulkheads - put 4 sticky-arrow-labels indicating "lift here" on each side of the boat. (is there a picture on the site somewhere showing these ?)

2. Make sure the O/B engine is installed while on land - its easier than heaving it over the stern rail while afloat.

3. Check your galley sink thru hull fitting - if its the old to-hull, you may want to check to see how intact it is, and/or replace it with a real mushroom-head through hull. (sorry if this is short notice)

3b. likewise, (based on personal experience), make sure the knotmeter and depth sound transducer through hulls have good seals. Difficult to dry test, perhaps easier to just loosen them off, juice 'em up with some bedding compound and re-tighten them.

4. keep a good long lead of rope at both the bow and stern in hand during lift in (nothing worse than trying to jump aboard quickly and toss a rope back to shore). Don't ride in the boat while its being lifted.

5. make sure all your fenders are out and on the correct side (dock side) during launch (duh!)

6. if your mast is down - check your wiring continuity and masthead light bulb, check the masthead sheaves for wear, etc. etc.

7. have chilled champagne (or the like) in hand to christen the launch

Cheers..

Edited by - on

Gary B.
Admiral

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USA
969 Posts

Response Posted - 07/04/2002 : 10:47:03

I don't think you mentioned trailer....anywhoo, I decided years ago to never again dip my painted EZLoader in salt. While a freshwater ramp launch is acceptable, I always find an affordable sling into salt. It's easy to see the lift points from the water in, but marking them for the return trip OUT of the water is useful, since you can't see the keel, etc. This is especially useful for a swinger.

I would suggest you start with a smaller headsail when going out the first time. I don't have a furler...We have strong winds here on the Columbia River and its easy to get overpowered with the 150 in heavy air, especially to weather.

If you know someone with more experience....ask him or her to go with you on your first trip or two. He or she may have great advice about rigging the boat, running lines, setting up your reefing system, etc. There are LOTS of variables in the layouts and features of C25s, so, while we'd love to be specific, it's difficult without knowing the specifics of YOUR boat...If I was there, I'd go with you

Gary B. Encore! SK/SR #685 in Kalama, WA

Edited by - on

Phredde
Navigator

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125 Posts

Response Posted - 07/15/2002 : 18:28:56

Kirk - Five years ago I was in the same.....boat. Here are a few more words of wisdom:

* If its really blowing, don't go out, at least until you are comfortable
* Reef early and often
* The 'how to sail' videos are helpful
* Watch and learn from your neighbors
* Once you figure it out, teach 'the admiral' and your crew. You'll want them proficient if you are at the other end of the boat.
* Stay sober, or at least....
* Wear pfd
* Practice, Practice, Practice
* Have insurance
* Stay calm and don't panic

But most of all have fun!!!

I hope this helps,

Phredde

Phredde
Catalina 25
San Francisco

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5895 Posts

Response Posted - 07/15/2002 : 20:09:42

Kirk,

It's difficult to give you specific suggestions over the net. If there is a C-25 owner locally, ask him/her to help you launch, raise the mast and set up the rig. Your seller should be willing to help out the first time. Having a person on site, who knows the boat and rig, is worth more than all the words we can type. If you can't find a local C-25 owner, ask an owner of any similar boat to help. Although the rigging might be slightly different from their own boat, they should be able to help you sort things out.

I don't have the time just now, but in the next day I'll try to provide you some more specific information.

Steve Milby "Captiva Wind" C-25 T/FK #2554

Edited by - on

Kirk McKay
Navigator

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USA
111 Posts

Response Posted - 07/16/2002 : 09:32:20

I thought I'd let you all know how we've been doing.
The Altair was launched on Friday the 5th I had a buddy motor with me on Saturday(to help with lines)to the new marina. The marina where I did the hull painting and waxing didn't have any space left this far into the season. We made it over to the new slip with no problems, thanks mainly to some kind people that were very helpful at the first marina. They pointed out exactly where to go to get into the channel, which was very helpful. When we were ready to cast off, people appeared from nowhere to help us with our lines!
On Sunday, my wife and I did more cleaning and prep work for our first sail. The boat was really starting to look good(for her age.) In the afternoon we took her out into the bay for a short two hour sail using only the main. It was good to get a feel for how she handles! There wasn't a lot of wind, but that was good for the first sail! We made it back to the marina and even managed to get tied up without to much difficulty.
This past weekend we took her out on Saturday and sailed for about four hours out across the bay. The winds were much stronger in the bay than they were in the harbor. We motored out and then got the main up. After a few minutes we decided to go for it and put up the Jib. I did all I could to keep it on a beam reach to keep our speed down(or I guess just more easy to handle.) The GPS said we were doing in the low 6mph area and sometimes a little faster! All in all it was a great sail! We then went back to the marina for dinner and chilled adult beverages. We decided to stay on the boat that night. Bad choice, it started raining and continued all night(I had left the screen in the companionway.) Sunday didn't look to be a good day to sail we packed up early and headed home.

Kirk

Edited by - Kirk McKay on 07/17/2002 12:28:16

Edited by - on

Douglas
Master Marine Consultant

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1595 Posts

Response Posted - 07/17/2002 : 13:18:57

Hi Kirk:
Do you have a Dodger? Ruth and I love to spend the night on the boat and get away from the kids for a night. Living here in Washington a Dodger is almost a must. We can keep the hatch boards out most of the time without and rain comming aboard. If you dont have one you might consider throwing a tarp over the boom to make a tent. It will keep the rain out and give you some shelter so you can look around. We love nights when its raining its wonderful to listen to the rain hitting the deck.
It sounds like you are having lots of fun learning how to sail. It sure makes a big difference once the jib goes up. Easyer to steer and more power. Hope your also doing your homework by reading about sail handling. The worst thing to do if your new is scare yourself. Just remember if it gets to snotty just drop the sails. Glad to see you here and keep us posted with your progress.

Doug&Ruth
Wind Lass
Tacoma Wa.

Edited by - on

Kirk McKay
Navigator

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USA
111 Posts

Response Posted - 07/17/2002 : 15:04:46

Now why didn't I think of that? We do have a Bimini on board, but since it was slightly overcast on Saturday(and that we really want to watch the sails closely)we didn't have it up Saturday night. It really seems to be in the way no matter what you do with it, but I'm sure it will come in handy on many a hot and sunny day on the bay! There's always something to learn....

Kirk

Edited by - on

capn rick
1st Mate

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USA
36 Posts

Response Posted - 07/17/2002 : 16:02:37

Just installed a Bimini on my boat (#2438 "Cavale")using 2 Schaeffer
genoa cars bodgered up to support the bimini bracket. Bimini will (with a little WD40 and coaxing with a mallet at 1st) slide fore and aft on the genoa track to cover the hatch opening completely if it rains. Thanks to the 'tech tips' for that idea!
Rick Stieg

Edited by - on

Todd Frye
Navigator

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USA
222 Posts

Response Posted - 07/17/2002 : 17:27:08

Kirk,
Hope I don't sound like I'm spending your hard earned money, but I just recently installed an auto tiller on my C-25 SR / SK (with help from this board). This upgrade has let me really focus on sail trim and the learning curve has been much faster, for an old dog. As I'm sure you must have a wish list for your boat, I would suggest the AP as a great addition to the comfort and safety of your boat. My wife has severe arthritis so cannot hold onto the tiller or sheets, so when I go forward to hoist the sails, the AP keeps me into the wind, without her having to run things from the cockpit. When it gets hairy, I'll take the tiller, but I find I can savour the experience better by delegating steerage to the AP. Fair Winds. Todd Frye

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