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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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Coastal Cruising the 250

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s3tbuell
1st Mate

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47 Posts

Initially Posted - 11/28/2005 : 14:41:09

I was just reading another thread and saw a few responces about wind and waves. I grew up sailing in the SF area. Then started sailing a lot in Monterey bay(open ocean bay). Just getting across the bar mean 10 foot waves sometimes breakers. If the winds were not above 20kts it was no fun sailing.
I am planning on doing some coastal sailing up here in Oregon. But unlike the east coast the west coast can be real nasty most of the time.

I know the WK has a higher freeboard. I have a WB so hearing from anyone who has sailed either would be nice.

Doyle
Oregon
Cohesion
WB #141

Edited by - on

JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 12/04/2005 : 09:56:46

Hi, I don't know exactly what your question is, but I've coastal cruised my C25 all over and our Feet 7 fellow sailor Charlie has taken his C250 to many places. I know he has seen some tough weather and survived.

If sailing is not fun to you unless winds are over 20, then you must be used to what the rest of us would call heavy weather!

My C25 feels safe and fun in winds well over 20, waves 6 to 8. On the other hand, 4 foot square waves at 4 seconds can be miserable, especially with a mixed swell (like West and South).

Your boat has been designed for coastal cruising. I'd say get her out there and enjoy. Just remember, when the going gets tough, don't rely on the outboard.

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s3tbuell
1st Mate

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47 Posts

Response Posted - 12/08/2005 : 11:50:30

Jim,
Thanks for the reply. But what I was hoping was to hear from 250 owners. A C25 sails much different then a C250. I have sail both.
I C250 sails much like a dingy or ultra-light. You have to pay much more attention to heel and wind speed to sail area. A C25 is much more forgiving then a C250.
I was hoping to hear how C250 owners find sailing in strong winds and powering through heavy seas. In heavy seas the jib is very important for powering through the waves.

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Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5932 Posts

Response Posted - 12/08/2005 : 12:20:21

Doyle,

I've always believed Arlyn Stewart knows more about the C250 than Frank Butler himself. Log onto his website at: http://www.stewartfam.net/arlyn/cruising.html

I think the accounts of his cruises in all different conditions will give you the information you're looking for.

Edited by - on

Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2984 Posts

Response Posted - 12/09/2005 : 08:24:22

Steve...thanks for kind words.

Doyle, the c250 wb does have a unique character... especially notable on the Great Lakes... it is resistant to hobby horsing and gives a ride likely similar to a full keel boat but wihout the turning liabilities of a full keeler. I'm not sure if this will be so evident on the ocean though it was very well chronicled by an ownwer who sailed on the SF Bay who had owned both a C25 and C250.

The C250 makes a great coastal cruiser for those with need to trailer to those waters. There are some things that need attention however to achieve the possibilities.

The primary item is the rudder... the 250 needs a lot of rudder lift to counter increasing weather helm with heeling... and even though heel should be kept minimum... forgiveness is needed so the rudder is crucial. I've found the 2nd generation beaching rudder a great choice because it can be balanced somewhat fairly easy and it has the grip needed. The next choice would be the 3rd generation but the one for the wing keel design though it will require removal when ramping. The shorter stock 3rd for the water ballast is inadequate for agressive sailing. I can't emphasise the rudder enough. It is the whole difference in taming this beast from a nightmare to a boat with reasonable manners.

If you have the wheel... convert to open cable steering linkages to get rid of the play, drag and inadequate steering ratio.... the difference in the helm will be beyond expectations.

Your early model may not have a 2nd reef...if not, have one installed as it will be needed. I'd suggest Ullman Sails in Ventura, Ca for installation... they will install a deep 2nd and rig it with jack lines. The 250 wb under doubled reefed main only will drive well in a breeze and tack through very quickly but should be kicked pretty hard as soon as starting down a crest. It will come around very quickly and in such conditions it is very nice not to have the jib to fool with to upset the timing of rollout because if going too far... it will mean severe heel and a quick round up.

When cruising, I've had a few days that have seen many reef changes to keep the boat powered correctly.

I've never sailed a C25 but have quite a bit of time on a C30 and find the C250 equally if not more comfortable in a seaway with the exception of having no sidedecks. Be very careful going to the foredeck as it requires going down the foreslope of the cabin... I've busted it there a couple of times, both while at anchor and not being careful. With no sidedecks, I'd not want a 250 without a furler.

Because of the larger rudder and flattish bottom with no skeg...the 250 will broach easily with a quartering wind and sea. The impacting sea will push the rudder and drive the stern around. The good news is that a broach on a 250 is no big deal other than to annoy the crew and dog as the rig is simply light enough than no great strain results. Such control problems require good disciplined helming to vain the rudder to the quartering swell as it rolls under and stalls and impacts the rudder...and then a quick return to course. I find that running under jib alone is needed in such conditions as well as the helming attention. I do think it requires caution to insure that boat speed is kept under hull speed with a forgiveness zone to avoid over stressing the forestay. Next time I'm in these conditions...I'm going to try a couple of warps to see if a double reefed main can be traded for the jib.

Throw away the single line jiffy reefing on the first reef point, thre is simply too much drag in the system... use either a reefing hook at the tack or a double line system. Loose foot the main and add more purchase to the vang and the outhaul.

If your very serious about cruising and want to adjust the rig on the fly... a backstay tensioner can be added but doing so also requires a running baby stay because of the swept spreaders... it is described on my web site. Otherwise, set the boat up stiff for a breese and suffer the consequences in light air.

Hope these tips help...

Edited by - Arlyn Stewart on 12/09/2005 08:46:46

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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.