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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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New C25 owner Sail #21

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Sid
Navigator

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129 Posts

Initially Posted - 09/04/2003 : 10:21:24

I just purchased a 77 C25 SK. I would like for any tips on things to watch for/double check on the early C25. Also, my boat did not come with the manual bilge pump. Any recommendations on pump size needed, location, and installation? Thanks in advance for any help.
Sid

Edited by - on

svmoxie
Past Commodore

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USA
331 Posts

Response Posted - 09/04/2003 : 13:52:33

Welcome to the family Sid,

First step is keeping the water out. So check your thru hulls, check for leaking ports, and add a bilge pump. A manual pump could be mounted on a board and stored in a locker rather than mounted in place. Size wise, go larger. I am partial to the Guzzler 500 manual pump.

Second is to keep the sails up. Check all your standing rigging, running rigging, sails, etc.

Third is safety. Check your running lights, anchor lights, PFDs, ground tackle, etc.

Fourth is maintenance and upgrades. I would suggest that you look through the tech tips section and pick things that you want to do.

Finally, join the Association. It will be the best 20 bucks you spend on your boat.

Congratulations again on the new boat!

Clif Thompson
Treasurer C-25/250 National Association.
svMoxie '81 25 sk

Edited by - on

deastburn
Captain

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USA
334 Posts

Response Posted - 09/04/2003 : 15:07:41

Welcome aboard!

Be prepared to be somewhat overwhlemed at first, but this web site will guide you through eveything you need to become a confident owner of your C25. It is a great little boat.

I agree with Clif on the bilge pump. A Guzzler 400 or 500 is an excellent pump with readily available spare parts. Mine is mounted on the port side of the lazarette in the cockpit, and a 1 1/8 (I think) inch hose is led from the bilge through into the lazarette to the pump, and from there to an outlet in the transom. I also have it Y'd through a switch to the outflow from the holding tank. This is legal only if you have a lock on the lazarette hatch (in port you are supposed to keep it locked so that you cannot pump out your holding tank). You may not have a holding tank, in which case the point is moot.

Typical things to check on a C25 that is new to you are
--window leaks (easily fixed with windhsield sealant)
--thru hulls (make sure they are firmly attached and close off securely)
--standing rigging, esp. the spreaders and chainplates on older C25's
--rudder, pintles and gudgeons (all are subject to sudden and catastrophic failure, but that failure is easy to prevent)
--safety equipment (lights, PFD's, fire extinguisher(s),flares at a minimum)
--galley--the alcohol stove, approach with care and check it out
--any intrusion through the deck core (chainplates, stanchion mounts, grab handles, wires from the mast in particular)for integrity (leaks rot the balsa wood core and can become expensive fixes).

The most useful equipment for that first weekend is a tube of Life Caulk and a basic set of hand tools.

Then you can begin to do the cosmetic work, but you have all winter for that...

Dave on "Wood Duck" (#2616)

Edited by - on

deastburn
Captain

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334 Posts

Response Posted - 09/04/2003 : 15:10:01

Oh, I almost forgot--yours is an SK, so don't forget to check the keel cable and pin, as well as the general condition of the trunk.

Dave on "Wood Duck" (#2616)

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lcharlot
Master Marine Consultant

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Antigua and Barbuda
1301 Posts

Response Posted - 09/04/2003 : 22:14:58

If your boat still has the original cast aluminum spreader sockets, you should replace them ASAP with the retrofit stainless steel sockets, available as a kit from Catalina for around $50. There have been a few failures of the old aluminum sockets, resulting in the mast crashing down.

Larry Charlot
Catalina 25 #1205 "Quiet Time"
Folsom Lake, CA

Edited by - on

RichardG
Admiral

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USA
990 Posts

Response Posted - 09/05/2003 : 12:38:16

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>I also have it Y'd through a switch to the outflow from the holding tank. This is legal only if you have a lock on the lazarette hatch (in port you are supposed to keep it locked so that you cannot pump out your holding tank).<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

Dave:

I have a similar setup where a Y-valve allows me to pump out both the bilge and the holding tank with the same Guzzler pump. Does the Y-valve switch or the pump (or both) need to be in a lockable lazarette?

What law dictates the requirement (state, federal, inland, etc)? Anyone have a link to the exact language of the law? I was previously only aware of the 3-mile limit.

RichardG 81 C25 SR/FK "Sanity"

Edited by - on

osmepneo
Past Commodore

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1420 Posts

Response Posted - 09/05/2003 : 13:17:43

Sid, welcome to the Cat25/250 family. We all started out as a newbie with our boats and over the years have developed some experience and skill in handling her. In time you will feel comfortable sailing your new baby.

for the SK, the most important thing to check is the cable on the keek. Check and replace it if you have any doubt abouts its security. Too many stories around of SK's failing and boats sinking. Proper maintenance is very critical.

I'd be interested in hearing about your boat, ob, sail condition, electronics, whether you plan to race, cruise or day sail, where you're located, your sailing experience, etc., etc.

Looking forward to getting to know you through these pages and perhaps at some class activities in the future.

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

Edited by - on

Sid
Navigator

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129 Posts

Response Posted - 09/05/2003 : 15:34:46

Boat is in great shape , considering her age. All systems function. The po added a holding tank for the head, pressure water, magma grill and also a marine a/c. Interior is in good shape (still the gold brown cushions <img src=icon_smile_shock.gif border=0 align=middle>). Sails (main, jib, and genoa) are in good shape and stiff. Could use a cleaning though. OB is a 1996 6hp Suzuki with alternator for the battery banks. Also has shore power. Keel cable and winch replaced two years ago, used for one season, then placed in covered storage.
There is a small repair that needs to be done in front of the forward hatch. A po had placed a screw in the deck and it ended up leaking and causing a dry rot spot about three inches in diameter. I'm hoping I can fill with epoxy and then refininsh the surface. The area around is solid and no dry rot or moisture present. There is also only a small electric bilge and no manual pump. Those are the two pressing items. There are the usual gelcoat spider cracks. Nothing bad but a possible pre-spring paint of the deck, accompanied by rebedding all deck fittings, may be project #3.
I've been sailing for 14 years, starting on small Sunfish, Dolphins, etc and have owned a US18 for the past three. I've chartered a couple of 25s, O'day and C&C, both inland and offshore. We (Admiral and I) plan to sail primarily in Canyon Lake, Texas and the Gulf Coast.
Two weeks ago, we saw a C25 owner on his boat enjoying a cold beverage in a slip at Canyon Lake Marina (which is also home to This Side Up, a C25 forum member). I can't remember the boat's name, but I told my wife "That's a C25," and the owner replied, "Yes it is" and raised his glass. Fellow forum member also?
I look forward to meeting fellow owners, both local and online.
Thanks for the info and help.
Sid

77 C25 #21

Edited by - on

bren737
Captain

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291 Posts

Response Posted - 09/05/2003 : 17:12:54

Sid,

Welcome to the forum and the C 25/250 family! More locally, welcome to the Canyon Lake family! Where do you live? I have a 250 which I dry-slip up on the hill at the marina. Steve Steakley has a 250 WK one dock over from Derek ("This Side Up") and the person you probably spoke to a couple of slips down from Derek was Buzz Maring on "Freya". All great people!

Buzz may be able to help you considerably on the issues with an older C 25. "Freya" is # 68 and he's done a wonderful job of bringing her back to an excellent condition.

See you at the lake!

<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3d608b3127cce8dd11c37790c0000001010" border=0>

Bren Peterson
C250WB, #642, "Ruah"
San Antonio, TX

Edited by - on

Buzz Maring
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1766 Posts

Response Posted - 09/06/2003 : 10:47:20

Two weeks ago, we saw a C25 owner on his boat enjoying a cold beverage in a slip at Canyon Lake Marina (which is also home to This Side Up, a C25 forum member). I can't remember the boat's name, but I told my wife "That's a C25," and the owner replied, "Yes it is" and raised his glass. Fellow forum member also? - Sid

Hi Sid,

Yep, Bren was right ... that was ME! <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle> Cool!

Welcome to the group! I'll be more than happy to lend you a hand any time you need it ... I've done a lot of stuff to my boat, and I've got a lot more that I'd like to do. These are GREAT boats ... you're going to love her!

'See you at the lake ... email me if you need anything (buzzmaring@aol.com).

Buzz Maring
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3df23b3127cce9306a9b3abad0000001010" border=0>
~~Freya~~
C-25 SK/SR #68

Edited by - on

tinob
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1883 Posts

Response Posted - 09/06/2003 : 18:17:43

Hi Sid,

Welcome to the club. Go slow at first, listen to the boat, She's a good teacher. Any questions She doesn't provide answers to, bring here. If this group doesn't have the answers for them they possibly don't exist. Pay special attention to the swing keel maintenance requirements.

Val on Calista # 3936

Val Bisagni]<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3df11b3127cce94709c5ff2e90000000010" border=0>

Edited by - on

Derek Crawford
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3321 Posts

Response Posted - 09/07/2003 : 12:35:18

Hi Sid! Welcome to Canyon Lake and the wonderful C25/250 people there. If you need any help just holler!
Derek

<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3dc30b3127cce942c608d6f1e0000001010" border=0>
TRFK#2262"This Side Up"

Edited by - on

John V.
Admiral

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USA
559 Posts

Response Posted - 09/07/2003 : 22:05:35

Hi Sid, Welcome to the group. you will find a lot of great people here and though many of us only sail togther here on the net we all love the C25/250. I also have a 77 sk/sr #153. people here will talk extensively about "to hulls" and Through Hulls. Your PO may have already made the modification, the original fittings were just glassed in and in some boats could be pulled out by hand. The great thing about the 77s is that the hull was laid up strong. In re doing my to hulls and adding two additional I found the hull cores taken out were nearly 3/4 in thick.

Have fun. I'm a northern fresh water sailor so my season is over. The north channel gets cold by the end of August. perhaps when I retire I'll be able to trailer sail warm waters. Till then I'll talk to the rest of you guys who still have boats in the water.

John V. Nin Bimash II
77 C25 sk/sr #153

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Sid
Navigator

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129 Posts

Response Posted - 09/08/2003 : 14:48:57

We'll be launching the boat at Canyon Lake for the first time this weekend. Which ramp is the best to launch at with the swing keel? I have a tongue extension if neccessary. We plan to rig the boat Friday evening and put her in Saturday morning. If any CL sailors are available to help, laugh, and relive their first time battling the mast, I'd appreciate it.
We plan to spend Saturday night at Canyon Lake Marina.Thanks,
Sid

77 C25 #21

Edited by - on

Buzz Maring
Master Marine Consultant

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1766 Posts

Response Posted - 09/08/2003 : 17:29:52

We plan to rig the boat Friday evening and put her in Saturday morning. If any CL sailors are available to help, laugh, and relive their first time battling the mast, I'd appreciate it. - Sid

Hi Sid,

What time of the day Friday will you arrive? If you are there early enough, I could help you step the mast. In fact, I could bring my mast-raising A-frame if you'd like to see how that works. My anchor light burned out this weekend, so I've been thinking about bringing the A-frame to the lake to drop my mast and replace the bulb ... if we also use the A-frame to raise your mast, I could kill two birds with one stone. Here is a link to a recent thread that describes this mast-raising system:

[url="http://www.catalina25-250.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=3633"]Mast Raising System[/url]

As far as which ramp to use at Canyon Lake ... I'm not familiar with any of the other ramps on the lake, so I don't know if there is a better one than the one at Canyon Lake Marina. That is the ramp I used to launch my boat, and I didn't have any problems. Bren "dry slips" his C-250 WB at CLM, so he uses the ramp all the time ... he hasn't had any problems either. Since you've got a tongue extension for your trailer, you can use that if you can't get your boat to float off the trailer before your tow vehicle's back wheels are in the water ... I didn't have to use an extension when I launched.

'Glad to hear you are about to "splash" ... let me know about your plans and how I might be able to help out. BTW, we're having a pot luck dinner & party at the Hill Country Yacht Club that Saturday night ... I'd be happy to have y'all as my guests if you're interested in attending ... it's a good group!

'See you soon!

Buzz Maring
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3df23b3127cce9306a9b3abad0000001010" border=0>
~~Freya~~
C-25 SK/SR #68

Edited by - on

bren737
Captain

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291 Posts

Response Posted - 09/09/2003 : 10:37:33

Sid,

The ramps at Canyon Lake Marina are probably the best on the lake. That being said, however, a word of caution: As you face the lake at the top of the ramp, I don't recommend using the 'left hand' lane. A couple of months ago someone evidently pulled their boat out with a badly leaking lower unit. There is oil/transmission fluid on the left lane that has never been cleaned off. First time I discovered it, it simply looked wet from water. As I was backing down, my brakes locked and the whole rig started sliding backward to the water. I slid the truck off to the side onto the rocks until I could get some traction again.

I take it you live here in San Antonio. Where abouts? Are you planning on keeping the boat at CLM? The dry-slip arrangement works pretty well for me. A LOT cheaper than wet-slipping. I would love to be there to help on Friday but will be at work Friday afternoon through Sunday. I know Buzz and the gang will do everything they can to help when they can.

If I can be of any help, please let me know! Drop me an email: bren737@msn.com

<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3d608b3127cce8dd11c37790c0000001010" border=0>

Bren Peterson
C250WB, #642, "Ruah"
San Antonio, TX

Edited by - bren737 on 09/09/2003 10:39:17

Edited by - on

deastburn
Captain

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USA
334 Posts

Response Posted - 09/09/2003 : 12:21:18

Richard G:

Your question about the holding tank pump-out. It has to be "lockable" or able to be disabled while in a harbor. I don't know whether this is federal or state (Massachusetts in my case). I learned of this when I had "Wood Duck" inspected by the Power Squadron last summer.

BTW, this is a really useful thing to do (and some insurance companies require it or give you a discount). The CG inspection can now be done by authorized Power Squadron units, so it is more available and easier to get done. It is a good safety check to have (and the sticker usually will tell the CG you're OK, and they won't board for a random inspection.

Dave on "Wood Duck" (#2616)

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Sid
Navigator

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129 Posts

Response Posted - 09/09/2003 : 17:49:09

We plan on arriving Friday at 7:30PM, if all goes as planned. I live in Smithville, which is near Bastrop/Austin. I'll keep everyone posted on my plans. I don't want anyone to wait around on me, as the Admiral's work schedule flucuates and sometimes interferes with my departure times. Plus pulling a C25 through San Marcos after 5PM traffic<img src=icon_smile_sad.gif border=0 align=middle>. I could use a shore power cord, if anyone won't be using theirs for the weekend.
Thanks again for all the offers of help.
Sid

77 C25 SK #21

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ssteakley
Captain

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USA
467 Posts

Response Posted - 09/09/2003 : 20:10:17

Sid,
Welcome to the incredible 25/250 family at Canyon Lake!
I will be down around 12 noon Saturday, I have a shore power adapter that I will be glad to loan to you and you can use a conventional 3 prong extension cord temporarily. I am in C-22...Look forward to meeting you and yours,
Steve

<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3dc32b3127cce94d57c8cff3b0000001010" border=0> Moon Chaser #385WK <img src="http://www.catalina25-250.org/forum/forum1.gif" border=0>

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Sid
Navigator

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129 Posts

Response Posted - 09/10/2003 : 10:37:16

Thanks for the offer Steve. I already have a twist in adapter for use with a regular extension cord. I'm not sure if the marina will allow me to use it. I was under the impression that both end had to lock in.
Sid

77 C25 SK #21

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Derek Crawford
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3321 Posts

Response Posted - 09/11/2003 : 18:53:27

Sid - the clubhouse potluck dinner & party has been postponed one week until the 20th. However, there's always a bunch of us "wharf rats" grilling excess meat and stuff from about 6.30p.m. onwards on Saturdays. Come down and I'll introduce you around - I'm racing that afternoon and won't be back to the marina until about 6 p.m. I'm in slip B-31.
Derek

<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3dc30b3127cce942c608d6f1e0000001010" border=0>
TRFK#2262"This Side Up"

Edited by - on

RichardG
Admiral

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USA
990 Posts

Response Posted - 09/11/2003 : 19:04:26

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>It has to be "lockable" or able to be disabled while in a harbor.<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

Thanks, Dave. While the Y-valve is mounted just behind the stairs and is usually set to pump out the bilge in an emergency, I guess it is thus deemed to be "disabled".

Sorry for the side-bar, folks.

RichardG 81 C25 SR/FK "Sanity"

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