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 Looking at 1995 Catalina 250 WB- Advice?		  New Topic  Topic Locked
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ryank020
1st Mate

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53 Posts
Initially Posted - 05/14/2017 :  19:00:16  Show Profile
My constant searching for a 25 has led me to a 1995 Catalina 250 WB, upgrading from a 1985 Catalina 22 SK. I found this boat, which includes a 2010 Galvanized dual axle trailer and 2013 Honda 9.9 outboard. Owner says boat has almost new North main, a furling jib, a bimini, and shore power for all the big ticket items to consider. Asking price is $9K, and he says he needs to sell because he bought another boat and needs to get rid of this.

My situation, I do not need a new boat, but this seems like a good deal and checks off what I would look for in a larger boat (i.e. two berths, enclosed head, larger cockpit). Trailing is not an issue for me, so no discussion needed. I really do not want WB (I would be going FK or WG for any upgrade if it wasnt for thsi), but this boat just seems to have too good of price. I sail only on an inland lake, so light winds are common. Boat would be slipped all year.

I was just looking for any input on this particular boat (i.e. pros, cons, things to look for). If you were upgrading, would you consider this boat or wait till the perfect boat came along despite (what I think is) a great price?
1984 Cat 25 FK/TR #4687

TakeFive
Master Marine Consultant

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2269 Posts
Response Posted - 05/14/2017 :  19:47:23  Show Profile
If you don't want WB, you should hold out for what you want. That applies for any boat purchase.

If a guy is too anxious to get rid of this boat, you should look carefully for life-ending defects. Search around this site for discussions of cracked ballast tanks, especially if you are in a cold weather area. It's very possible that he's giving you the straight story, but if not, it wouldn't be the first time that happened.

If you hire a surveyor, try very hard to get one with experience inspecting WB boats. That's going to be hard to find, but could be important in this case.
Rick S., Swarthmore, PA
PO of Take Five, 1998 Catalina 250WK #348 (relocated to Baltimore's Inner Harbor)
New owner of 2001 Catalina 34MkII #1535 Breakin' Away (at Rock Hall Landing Marina)
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ryank020
1st Mate

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53 Posts
Response Posted - 05/17/2017 :  19:19:23  Show Profile
Thank you for the cracked water ballast tank advice...I never thought of that. If a tank is cracked, how quick can you notice that issue? I am thinking I could ask to put the boat in the water and have the tanks filled to find any cracks.
1984 Cat 25 FK/TR #4687
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GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4275 Posts
Response Posted - 05/17/2017 :  19:29:46  Show Profile
I agree with Rick 150%. If you don't want a WB don't buy it no matter how good a deal it is. You'll end up regretting it later. I'm betting there's an issue with the ballast tank. The average buyer off the street with newboatitis that isn't aware of the possible problems the tanks can have would never know to look.

I looked all over Texas for over a year (including on my honeymoon!). One evening the perfect boat I'd been looking for ('89 C-25) fell in my lap right here in the Swap Meet section on this forum AND it was right here in the Houston area. Looked at it one day and bought it a couple of days later after having it surveyed. Definitely worth the $400 for the survey.

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GaryB
Andiamo
'89 SR/WK #5862
Kemah,TX
Edited by - GaryB on 05/17/2017 19:32:12
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mdidomenico
1st Mate

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71 Posts
Response Posted - 05/18/2017 :  14:10:54  Show Profile
as someone that currently has one of the aforementioned cracked ballast tank boats, i would agree walk away if it's not the one you really want.

the cost to fix my tank came in roughly the same amount the boat is worth.
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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.