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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

General Sailing Forum

It's Official New Boat

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cch
Navigator

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202 Posts

Initially Posted - 11/24/2005 : 10:04:54

After all these years as very happy Catalina 25 owners we have actually purchased a new boat!

The sale closed last week and we just returned home(from beautiful St. Augustine) after packing, demasting and preparing the new girl for transport.

She is a 2000 Beneteau 311 newly named Alors. Quite a stretch for us to move up to a 31' boat with so many new systems, electronics, inboard diesel etc. but we are really excited.

Catalinas are our first love and the Catalina 320 was our hearts desire. The canal to our dock is very shallow and only 4 feet deep at the best of times. We felt confined to a smaller boat until we found the Beneteau 311. Alors draws 2'7" but drops a fin out of her wing to draw 7' at full depth. Hopefully best of both worlds. Incidently Beneteau makes the 331 which is a 33' boat and draws less than 3' (a little out of our price range) I would never suggest buying anything other than a Catalina but when conditions dictate one needs to do what one needs to do. I feel a little hypocritical as only 2 years ago we switched our C25 swing to a wing and love it. This boat seemed the only option to get a bigger boat to our dock. Also with the advantages of a wing with a fin dropping out of it seems to be a great setup. The only other option was a catamaran (usually more expensive) and we just don't feel a cat feels like sailing.

Sorry to be leaving the Catalina family and most of all this forum. In our search for a new boat the first thing I did was to investigate any Owner's groups and forums, and this is best I have ever found.

Thanks to all of you.

Chris Hunsicker
Panama City FL
Moonglade
80 C25 #2126 sr/now wk

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pwhallon
Admiral

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USA
694 Posts

Response Posted - 11/24/2005 : 10:28:48

Congratulations CCH,

I'll bet she sails beautifuly. Probably a good Bahamas boat as well.

I think there are several "previous" Catalina owners who still post here. I personaly would love to hear about your adjustment to a bigger boat and issues that bigger boats entail.

Good winds,

PW

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Buzz Maring
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1773 Posts

Response Posted - 11/24/2005 : 10:28:48

CONGRATULATIONS! 'Sounds like you found the perfect boat for your needs ... I hope she's the perfect match.

<font color="blue">... Sorry to be leaving the Catalina family and most of all this forum. In our search for a new boat the first thing I did was to investigate any Owner's groups and forums, and this is best I have ever found. - Chris</font id="blue">

'No need to fly the coop Chris ... even though you're now a Beneteau owner, we won't hold that against you.

BTW, your C-25 is a beautiful boat ... she should sell with no problem, and someone is going to get a great boat.

Good luck with your new baby!

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tinob
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1883 Posts

Response Posted - 11/24/2005 : 12:28:58

Congratulations Chris,

Sounds like a great choice for your situation. Hope you enjoy her as much as your Catalina. I think you will.

When all is settled and you can find the time run some pictures by us, do so.

Val on the hard DAGNABIT

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Ben - FL
Admiral

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880 Posts

Response Posted - 11/24/2005 : 19:16:35

I certainly won't hold it against you for wanting to upsize. I might myself someday if circumstances warrant. Congratulations. Hope you have many safe and exiting adventures. I'm not real famailuar with Beneteau but they seem to have a good reputation.

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cch
Navigator

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202 Posts

Response Posted - 11/25/2005 : 18:51:40

Thanks for all the thoughts and good wishes!

I look forward to continued contact with this forum and all the help and advice.

As soon as possible I will post some pictures and will keep in touch about our experiences with this new boat.

Thanks again!!!

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Ben
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1234 Posts

Response Posted - 11/28/2005 : 14:16:49

Congratulations Chris. I look forward to seeing the pictures of your new boat. Add mine to the voice of those urging you to remain active in the forums. Your retrofit from a swing to wing on your C25 gave me the courage to do the same to mine, which I have not regretted one bit.

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Lightnup
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1016 Posts

Response Posted - 11/28/2005 : 23:43:36

Congratulations. Wish you much happy sailing on your new "baby."

Steve

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cch
Navigator

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202 Posts

Response Posted - 11/29/2005 : 00:36:58

Thanks for all the thoughts!

"Alors" just arrived by truck today to the local boatyard. (can't believe the dirt and grime from a 350 mile ride on a truck) Need to do a bottom job, step the mast, a few repairs, understand new systems, polish and wax the hull and get her back in the water.

Photos will follow as soon as I can keep up with work and and a new boat!

Thanks.

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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.