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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

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pakek
Deckhand

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2 Posts

Initially Posted - 12/15/2002 : 20:46:44

Hello-
I'm considering purchasing a Catalina 25 as my first boat of any significant size. Basically I've been seeing boats from '79-'82 in the 7500-10000 dollar range. The boat will be sailing the waters off of the East end of Long Island- LI Sound mostly- maybe an occasional trip to Block Island. The Catalina 25 seems to fit my needs across the board. Any suggestions as to what I should look for as I take a closer look at these boats?
Thanks,
Paul

Edited by - on

osmepneo
Past Commodore

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USA
1420 Posts

Response Posted - 12/15/2002 : 21:59:51

Paul,

Once you find the boat and are prepared to make an offer, make that offer contingent upon a satisfaactory marine survey. The surveyor will identify potential problems and will be a source of advise on how to correct. This works just like when you buy a house.

I think if you are going to sail the eastern end of Long Island, you will want a fixed keel. In my opinion, the water forces can be severe and cause the swing keel to damage the keel trunk. If the boat was converted to a wing (mine was and others on the list have done that) I think it would be good to check out the condition of the trunk, even before making an offer for a boat. If it hasn't been damaged, good, if it has and it has been well repaired, good; if it has been damaged and either poorly repaired or not repaired, bad. Then it would be time to walk away.

Sails are important. How old are they and what kind of use have they had? Older sails will drive a boat for cruing, but if you decide to race, well I'd want new sails.

Is there water in the bilge? Is it rain water, or did it leak in thru a crack somewhere?

What perks have been included? Electronics? Etc.?

Off the top of my head, those are the things I look at when I'm looking at a new boat. Hope this helps.

Don Peet
c25, 1665, osmepneo, sr/wk
The Great Sacandaga Lake, NY

Edited by - on

Douglas
Master Marine Consultant

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1595 Posts

Response Posted - 12/16/2002 : 01:19:29

Go to the tech tips section C-25 and read the survey artical.

Doug&Ruth
Triska (Alberg 29)
Tacoma Wa.

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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 12/16/2002 : 09:47:09

Here are the links that Douglas referred to:

Shopping for a Catalina 25
http://c25c250.best.vwh.net/restricted/summertm.html

Self-Appraising a Catalina 25
http://c25c250.best.vwh.net/restricted/summert2.html

Good Luck.

Don Lucier, 'North Star'
C25 SR/FK
On the hard, 200ft from Lake Erie

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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 12/16/2002 : 10:26:54

I second the survey advice--and found that by following this forum I was able to ask the surveyor some very good questions. An important function of the survey is moisture readings--particularly in the cored areas of the cabintop and deck.

Regarding vintages, I'd look for something in the '84 and later range. In the later years, Catalina started using true thru-hull fittings (instead of bronze pipes stuck in holes in the hull), added a molded fuel locker in the cockpit that got the gasoline out of the big port-side sail locker (that is open to the bilge), upgraded chainplates and spreader brackets, changed from a cast iron fin keel to glass-encased lead, and made other smaller improvements. Most of these things can be retrofitted, but not the fuel locker.

By the later '80s, the swing keel was replaced by the fixed wing, which draws only a couple of inches more than the retracted swing. Some earlier swingers have been converted to eliminate the maintenance chores and potential for hull damage from an unplanned drop (broken cable or fitting). As Don suggests, if you're keeping her in the water and sailing in Long Island and Block Island Sounds, a fin is great and a wing just about as good. The wing makes trailering easier. I think it draws about 14" less than the fin.

Enjoy your quest, and report back as you go along!

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

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pakek
Deckhand

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2 Posts

Response Posted - 12/16/2002 : 13:37:42

Thanks for the links and the advice. I'll let you know how things progress.

Edited by - on

Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 12/16/2002 : 20:28:48

In addition to this site's swap meet, check out
www.boatraderonline.com

and

www.boats.com

You will find lots of catalina 25's there
I'm looking for a 25 too.
Frank Gloss

Frank

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Gary B.
Admiral

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USA
969 Posts

Response Posted - 12/17/2002 : 10:35:32

IMHO: Don't necessarily stay away from older C-25s. Mine is a '78 model, and I like it a lot. The to-hulls can be changed, but mine are original and fine. Have never had a problem with the fuel locker, but am contemplating installing a "shelf" in the port locker anyway, as it is SO deep that retrieval gets challenging. I think that overall condition, outboard, sails, electronics, etc. are much more important than AGE alone. My boat has newer rigging, both standing and running, a great sail inventory, a good trailer, super outboard, and is pretty much in the condition I want her. I wouldn't trade for lots of newer boats. Frankly, they're ALL getting old, but a 70s vintage in great shape might be a much better deal than a later one that's stripped or in poorer shape.

Gary B.
Encore! #685 SK/SR
(in freshwater, a real plus, IMHO)

Edited by - on

osmepneo
Past Commodore

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USA
1420 Posts

Response Posted - 12/17/2002 : 15:55:53

Gary alludes to a significant point: the cost of the boat is not just the purchase price you pay for it, but needs to include an extras that you might want. New sails, new o/b, new rigging, new electronics cost and drive the cost of the boat up, up up. One advantage of buying a less expensive boat is that the additions can be programmed over several years, so that the cost is too great at any one time.

Don Peet
c25, 1665, osmepneo, sr/wk
The Great Sacandaga Lake, NY

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