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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Looking at a 1986 C25

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pmcarman
1st Mate

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USA
30 Posts

Initially Posted - 10/09/2005 : 23:34:24

Greetings all! My wife and I used to have a Cal22 about 6 years ago, and had to sell due to work and hurricanes. We both simultaneously got bit by the sailing bug again, and have come across a 1986 C25 for $6900 - looks clean overall, and aside from nicks here and there, the major expense looks like it will be a new mainsail (has one, but due for replacement). Price-wise, seems like a good deal based on ads I've seen. Any advice you can give? Run to the bank and cash that check? :) We'll likely use the boat 4-5 times a month, with some dock sitting and relaxing in between. Size wise, it's what we think we need/want (esp. after the Cal22), but still a lot of moolah any way you slice it! Thanks for some additional insight re: "good buy, not a lot of upkeep, etc." (or not!).

Paul MacGyver Carman
'86 FK/SR #5195 "Althea"
Eau Gallie, FL

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aeckhart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1709 Posts

Response Posted - 10/10/2005 : 08:51:36

A very nice price for a boat if in all respects, is in good shape - no hull blisters, electronics functioning, standing rigging in good shape, running rigging in good shape, ground tackle in good shape and adequate for the boat, sails in good shape. You shouyld have someone who has been around the Catalina or other sailboats check these out with you. A test sail with the owner would also be very helpful.

You didn't mention the keel type but you should check to ensure the seal between keel and hull is sound.

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ronrryan
Admiral

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USA
561 Posts

Response Posted - 10/10/2005 : 10:28:39

If you have enough water, the fixed or wing keels are somewhat less maintenance-intensive than the swing. On the other hand, many have mentioned the virtue of raising the keel in shoal water (true in my case). In most all other aspects, the C 25 is one of the best buys around. Fair winds, ron Orion srsk in Venice, FL

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Buzz Maring
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1768 Posts

Response Posted - 10/10/2005 : 11:16:59

Hi Paul,

Here are links to a couple of articles that might help ... they were written by Larry Charlot (an active member of our group), and can be found in the Tech Tips section of our National Association website: [url="http://www.catalina25-250.org/tech/tech25/summert2.html"]Self-appraising a C-25[/url], and [url="http://www.catalina25-250.org/tech/tech25/summertm.html"]Shopping for a C-25[/url].

'Hope that helps ... please let us know what you decide to do ... good luck!

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 10/10/2005 : 15:36:58

Welcome, Paul... As mentioned, the swing keel version requires a little more attention--if the cable lets go, the 1500 lb. keel can swing down and smash the front of the trunk. I would shy away from that for a boat that will be moored in salt water, although I always get in trouble here for saying that. (I gather you will be keeping it in the water.) In 1986, the other option was the 4-foot-draft fin keel with 1900 lbs of lead--a solid, low-maintenance boat. Some C-25 swing keel boats have been retrofitted with the 3' wing keel that replaced the swing keel a few years later, eliminating that issue.

If you're serious about making an offer, I'd recommend making it contingent on a survey, and then attend the survey with a clipboard and ask lots of questions. You'll find out whether there's any moisture in the plywood core under the deck, cabintop, and cockpit sole; any voids in the hull lamination, any obvious problems with the standing rigging, etc. Generally, there are no big secrets with the C-25--it is what it appears to be--not overbuilt but relatively well built, and a capable sailer.

Find out, if you can, the vintage of the standing rigging... If original, on a salt water boat, I'd replace it at your ealiest convenience. A good source for that and many other items is Catalina Direct, a 3rd party outfit in California that specializes in parts and accessories for C-25s and C-22s. Their C-25 Handbook is well worth the $10 price, even though it's largely a catalog. Check out www.catalinadirect.com for a sampling of their offerings.

Finally, one of the best features of the C-25 is this site. I know of nothing quite like it for any other boat (except the C-250).

Good luck in your quest, and get back to us with any other questions!

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 10/10/2005 15:42:32

ajski1000
1st Mate

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USA
52 Posts

Response Posted - 10/12/2005 : 01:08:58

Glad to hear that you are interested in the 25. IMHO if you have knowledge of boats and have taken a good look at the boat in and out, and are satisfied, don’t be too worried about the SK. I think that it is important to note that the type of keel is important it should not be a deal breaker. I recently purchased an 1985 25 swing keel TR. I’m pretty handy, when I first saw the boat I noticed the keel, it was rusted and needed some attention. After speaking to some professionals it seemed to be an easy fix, Grind off the rust and apply an epoxy sealer. In a way I was happy because it allowed me to get a boat that was in near perfect condition for its age at a much reduced price. Now don’t get my wrong it wasn’t a fun easy task but once done it should last for years.
Also in my opinion, many ppl worry about the swing keel cable breaking. My simple solution is if the water depth is available to just leave it all the way down all the time. There has been some discussion as to effects of this. Some say that the two major bolts will fail sooner, but I think it can be argued that its far safer then worrying about the cable breaking. If u have any questions about parts and such I would speak to the ppl over at CatalinaDirect.com they are very knowledgeable and will be able to assist you.
Furthermore, if u truly feel the boat "fits" you then if all other factors are in your favor make the sale happen. Good luck and happy sailing

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lockjaw
Deckhand

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1 Posts

Response Posted - 10/13/2005 : 17:04:47

Just bought a C25(87)for $5500. Price included: Carry-on AC, CDI furler,'02 9.9 Yamaha 4-stroke elec start, Haarstick ballooner, Autohelm AH800 autopilot, plus normal extras. No trailer. Not needed since boat stays in marina. Have seen other C25s advertised at same price or less. Im located in SW FL near Gulf. You still have a good buy.

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pmcarman
1st Mate

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USA
30 Posts

Response Posted - 10/15/2005 : 20:26:36

Greetings all! My wife and I took the plunge today and put down a deposit on the 1986 C25. Thanks to everyone for your advice. In a separate thread, I'll list some new questions, but just wanted to give everyone who helped an update. Thanks again!

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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.