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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 250 Specific Forum

Differences in early models/what to look for

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kevinmac
Admiral

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USA
732 Posts

Initially Posted - 10/16/2005 : 20:11:38

I got a lead tonight on a used C250WK. It is an early enough model to be a tall rig, I have no more information than that at this time. Can anyone help me with what to look for, what might be the issues, etc with a C250WK of that vintage. I know the rudder changed for example, is there someplace documented what the other important changes might be?

thanks.

Kevin Mackenzie
Former Association Secretary and Commodore
"Dogs Allowed"
'06 C250WK #881
and
"Jasmine"
'01 Maine Cat 30 #34

Edited by - on

Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 10/17/2005 : 07:21:14

Kevin, the tall rigs were produced for perhaps only one model year (maybe '97 or '98) and feedback from owners caused them to be discontinued as simply being overpowered. Catalina I believe, worked with some unhappy owners to retro back to standard rigs.

In my opinion, they would best serve either of two sailors, someone who sails almost always in light air or a racer who often races in light air.

Probably the most significant changes occurred around the '97 year model with rudder change to 2nd generation, addition of coaming step, stern seats, propane locker, fresh water tank relocation and trailer mounted mast raising system. This doesn't mean however that pre '97 years are of significant less value. In my opinion, they may be more valuable for a cruiser type, let me explain.

While stern seats are valued by probably the majority of owners, for others they are either a non issue or even in the way causing the backstay to cramp a wheel steered boat.

Earlier models, especially the water ballast were many times equipped with a beaching rudder which in my opinion is a strong plus over later model blade only. The beaching rudder offered both ease in balancing the high aspect ratio rudder as well as safety and gunkholing ability.

Again, for the trailor cruiser, here is something to think about. I trailer cruise from Texas to the Great Lakes, which have submerged rocks and a few years ago hit one with the top of the center board (it was raised) and would have ripped a blade rudder from the transom early in a two week cruise. I had trailered a very long way, my girl friend had flown in from California, what turned out to be one of the finest cruises of my life, wouldn't have happened, the investment in effort to get there would have been canceled by not having a beaching rudder.

Though water tankage on early models was inadequate and made much better in '97 with the move from 5 gal under the galley, to a 12-13 gallon tank fitted under V berth, retrofitting two 9 gal tanks served cruising needs even better.

The propane locker upgrade turned out to be a non issue, the coleman cannisters serve my cruising needs better than the real estate eating dedicated locker. The coleman cannisters are easy to use, easy and inexpensive to purchase and easy to store in the fuel locker. They serve both the galley stove and the grill and very importantly, leave the starboard cockpit locker free for valuable cruising gear.

I realize you asked about the wing keel early models and I got carried away by the question and beg your indulgence... sorry. Maybe my points will serve some purpose.

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kevinmac
Admiral

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USA
732 Posts

Response Posted - 10/18/2005 : 00:07:03

Thank you Arlyn, very helpful.

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cathluk
Admiral

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USA
513 Posts

Response Posted - 10/18/2005 : 17:20:51

Kevin-

Our '97 tall rig wing keel has a 12-15 gallon water tank on the starboard side under the settee. Ours has a 110 jib although I believe some earlier models had a larger genoa which was too much for the tall rig. Also, we have the single burner that runs off butane cans which has been fine for us. We had the unbalanced rudder originally & upgraded to the balanced rudder soon after we bought the boat. It's been a great boat & the only reason we'll be moving up is headroom.

(By the way, our boat is for sale & will be posted soon in the Swap forum, but it's on the Chesapeake so it's considerably EAST of the Rockies.)

Edited by - cathluk on 10/18/2005 17:23:17

Auburn80
1st Mate

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60 Posts

Response Posted - 10/19/2005 : 11:47:01

Cathy,
Have you guys settled on which boat you're going for? The Admiral and I have started looking for more headroom ourselves and any input would be appreciated.

Clark

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frankr
Captain

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256 Posts

Response Posted - 10/19/2005 : 12:48:04

The 2003 wing keel model had the stove burner behind the sink with a workspace to the right,teak
edges and two drawers underneath. The water tank was located under the forward v berth. I noticed that the 2006 model has the stove burner to the right, workspace behind the sink ,no drawers underneath and plastic instead of teak edges. Our (2003) had an option for the 135 genoa which I ordered over the std 110. It had the 3rd generation rudder. Our 2003 is for sale as we are going for a 1989 C36 (survey time is this Monday hopefully).

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cathluk
Admiral

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USA
513 Posts

Response Posted - 10/19/2005 : 13:38:20

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Auburn80
 Cathy,
Have you guys settled on which boat you're going for? The Admiral and I have started looking for more headroom ourselves and any input would be appreciated.

Clark
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

C28 Mk II is definitely an option. We're looking at a C28 MK I, C30, & Pearson 31 this weekend. The C320 is a favorite if we can find a bargain, but we're still considering if such a fine big boat is worth the extra recurring costs. I'll let y'all know what we finally get.

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