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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Possible newbie w/ questions

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Cecil Gregory
Deckhand

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USA
7 Posts

Initially Posted - 08/09/2008 : 06:58:06

The reason I put possible is that I am looking into getting a new to me boat. I have been researching the Catalina 25 and the Cal 25. Never sailed on either one. It seems to me there are a lot more resources for the Catalina 25 than the Cal. One of my questions is, what year range would be better to look for? I know there is a 1984 for sale near me. I live outside Atlanta, Ga. Anyone in this area willing to show theirs? Are there production years to stay away from. Next, how do these sail for single-handling? I would be by myself most of the time. Also, headroom. While I'm not very tall (5'8") I would like to be fairly comfortable.
I appreciate all the info I have found on this forum so far and any help is appreciated.
Thanks, Cecil

Edited by - on

Renzo
Admiral

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USA
621 Posts

Response Posted - 08/09/2008 : 07:41:05

Let me say up front that I am admittedly prejudice in favor of the Catalina 25 (especially the 1984 model) because I have owned one for the past 24 years. So that being said, I think the C-25 will fit the needs you describe: C25s have a simple sail plan that is easy to single hand (especially if equipped with roller furling)and the boat is very forgiving. head room is adequate (although not enough to allow you to stand fully erect) and the cabin is spacious also the '84 model comes with a Pop-top and canvas cover that can be easily raised when in dock or at anchor) to provide full stand up head room in the main salon and increased storage space. As far as model years to avoid I think it depends on personal preferences, but I think most owners will agree that the later models ('81 and later) have a few more conveniences.
PS you are right in assuming that there are more recources for the C-25, This web site being formost.

Edited by - Renzo on 08/09/2008 07:41:45

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 08/09/2008 : 07:41:19

84 is a great year, the little things have all evolved and been improved at that year. The improved bow stem fitting with the added length down the front of the hull was one of the last little issue dealt with and I think the 84 has that fitting,(maybe its 86). The older you go from 84 back the more of those little changes drop by the wayside. Many consider the late 81 model with the external fuel compartment change as the big benchmark, however even the earliest ones are still great boats with the right price and the right buyer.
Cal 25 = daysailer with an interior, Catalina 25 = a true pocket yacht where the interior is fully functional and a significant aspect of the design. The C 25 also has a bigger boat motion. I would not buy a Cal 25 over a Catalina unless it was already at my marina and stupid cheap, then... sure.

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5909 Posts

Response Posted - 08/09/2008 : 07:53:19

I agree generally with Frank's comparison of the Cal 25 and the Catalina 25, but the Cal 25 sails very nicely, and is still a popular racing class. If racing is important to you, and if there is an active one design racing fleet of Cal 25s in your area, a Cal 25 would be an exciting and fun boat to race. Otherwise, I think a Catalina 25 would be the better choice to race PHRF or to cruise.

Edited by - on

TinSoldier
Deckhand

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USA
1 Posts

Response Posted - 08/09/2008 : 07:55:51

Hi Cecil. I am in Atlanta and also own a 84 Catalina..It is currently at Aqualand Marina...There is a 85 that I see for sale on Craigslist that I think is a very good deal. Anyways, I am planning to be out tomorrow (Sunday) so if you are interested you are more than welcome to come and take a look. That is if there any good wind for sailing. Email me for my number.

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 08/09/2008 : 08:31:08

... and that is what sailors do! Cecil, never pass up an offer to go sailing.

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 08/09/2008 : 09:18:06

Hey Cecil,
We've owned our 1984 TR for almost 2 years and love it. We've got the traditional interior, which is very roomy, huge compared to our C-22. I'm 5'7" and can stand upright under the sliding hatch, but have to tilt my head slightly moving forward in the cabin. Consequently, I haven't even used to pop-top yet. The boat is very easy to sail single-handed, especially in light to moderate air, done it several times. The ladies also like that it has a separate head compartment. As for sleeping onboard, we've seriously underutilized it, since my wife uses a breathing machine at night. I've only slept onboard once so far, using the bunk under the cockpit, but I was quite comfortable. Hope you find what you are looking for. To email TinSoldier, click on his name in the box above.

Edited by - on

Cecil Gregory
Deckhand

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USA
7 Posts

Response Posted - 08/09/2008 : 10:27:35

Hey guys, thanks for the quick replies. I appreciate it very much.
As for racing, I don't plan to do any racing as of yet. Sailing is pretty new to me and I feel that I have a lot to learn. I hope I'm not getting over my head by looking into this size boat.
TinSoldier I appreciate the offer and sent you an email.
Again thanks for the help and I'm sure as I get further into this I will have plenty of questions.

Cecil

Edited by - on

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 08/09/2008 : 10:37:36

Cecil, did you read the link on buying aC-25? It covers most of the major changes and the years when they were incorporated. These boats evolved over time.

Edited by - on

Cecil Gregory
Deckhand

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USA
7 Posts

Response Posted - 08/09/2008 : 11:28:09

No I have not but I guess I'm not looking in the right place as I can't seem to find it. Can you point me in the direction?
Thanks, Cecil

Edited by - on

Happy D
Admiral

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921 Posts

Response Posted - 08/09/2008 : 15:24:18

You ca have a look at this.
http://www.catalina-capri-25s.org/tech/tech.asp

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 08/09/2008 : 22:47:01

To me, the years to look for are those following the introduction of the cockpit fuel locker--'81 I think. Until then, the gas tank was stored on a shelf in the big port-side sail locker. Little things like the extended stem fitting, stainless spreader brackets, and proper thru-hulls came along between then and 1985 (my '85 had all of those), and are things that can be upgraded using kits from [url="http://www.catalinadirect.com/"]Catalina Direct[/url], a third party supplier of lots of stuff for the C-25.

One nice upgrade, especially for single-handing, is to lead the main halyard back to the cockpit--something that can be done with a Catalina Direct kit. A roller furler is great, too.

Are you planning on sailing on L. Lanier? Is there any water left in it?

Good luck in your quest!

Edited by - on

Cecil Gregory
Deckhand

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USA
7 Posts

Response Posted - 08/10/2008 : 06:23:07

Yes. I am planing to sail on Lanier. The water is pretty skinny though it seems. I have only driven around the lake but it sure looks to be very shallow compared to 3 years ago when I was on it.
I have found a couple of 1984's to look at. I also found a C27 but not sure of all the differences yet. I still need to read up on those although it sounds as if I should stay with the C25.
Cecil

Edited by - on

stampeder
Master Marine Consultant

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1608 Posts

Response Posted - 08/10/2008 : 11:34:51

Welcome to the forum Cecil.
1981 was the year of the cockpit fuel locker.

I bought a 1981 C25 four years ago and the thing that continues to impress on me is that knowing what I know now, I would make the same choice.
The right boat at the right price is important but perhaps more so is finding a terrific group of people that will answer questions in a straight forward manner. This forum has been better than an owner's manual.

Edited by - on

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 08/10/2008 : 15:00:48

I have been sailing a long time, and I have never come across a resource as rich in information, help, and camaraderie as this forum. That in itself is enough to make me glad that I bought a C-25.

Edited by - on

Cecil Gregory
Deckhand

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USA
7 Posts

Response Posted - 08/10/2008 : 17:32:48

Boy isn't that the truth. I have gotten great response to questions and TinSoldier (gracious host today and super guy) met me and went over a lot of valuable info. I appreciate all the help and hope to make a decision soon. I will continue to read all the info I can find here and talk to people. It sure is nice to find such resourceful folks and their willingness to share.

Thanks, Cecil

Edited by - on

smoken
1st Mate

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USA
67 Posts

Response Posted - 08/10/2008 : 18:42:15

Cecil, Welcome! I bought Franks Hopper's C25 around a month ago. I haven't got it in the water yet but I'm close. You picked the best source for help and information. This organization alone is enough to swing you to the Catalina. I've owned a number of boats and have never had a place to go like I have now. Good luck with your search.

Edited by - on

redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3478 Posts

Response Posted - 08/11/2008 : 07:13:01

I did not catch if you were new to sailing.
Last I heard the Cal 25 is beamier that the allotted width allowed for one slip at Aqualand. They may have changed, but when I was looking at them they wanted you to pay for 2 slips or "make a deal" with the owner of the slip next to you.

Lake Lanier has plenty of depth and area to sail in. It also has many poorly marked hazards on the lake. Learn your charts and local information
regards.ray

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 08/11/2008 : 09:06:22

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by redeye
 ...Last I heard the Cal 25 is beamier that the allotted width allowed for one slip at Aqualand...<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">...but not beamier than a C-25. They're both 8'. I suspect the Cal looks beamier because of the full-width cabin trunk (or flush deck if you wish) and what I think is lower freeboard.

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 08/11/2008 09:08:37

redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3478 Posts

Response Posted - 08/11/2008 : 10:13:42

Sorry about that I was remembering the Capri 25 with a beam of 9' 2".

For some reason everytime I hear the cal 25 I keep thinking of the Capri 25 with this association.

Edited by - on

Cecil Gregory
Deckhand

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USA
7 Posts

Response Posted - 08/12/2008 : 04:35:10

thanks. I think I have ruled out the Cal 25. I'm still looking around as there are several C 25's and a C 27 close by. Still trying to make up my mind. Oh and by the way, I am pretty new to sailing.

Edited by - on

Champipple
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
6855 Posts

Response Posted - 08/12/2008 : 06:56:16

The 25 and 27 are very forgiving boats for the newbie. With an almost identical layout and nearly the same cockpit size and handling ability all other things equal it should really come down to your desire of an inboard and subsequently the ability to do the maintenance on said inboard.

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 08/12/2008 : 07:13:53

Although I generally recommend starting in a smaller boat, the C25 is an easy boat to sail, and Catalina guys, maybe most sailors, love to share information and help new sailors learn. If you will be sailing out of Lake Lanier Sailing Club, you'll have the opportunity to learn from some very good sailors. Good luck in your search.

Edited by - on

Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 08/12/2008 : 07:31:38

Also the 27's Inboard was a deterrent to us for a first boat.

2 reasons. First, when we have engine problems we can spin the boat around so she is stern-in, take the outboard home (or to the shop) and fix it, while still using th eboat as a cottage at the marina. Second, we like the space afforded by not having an inboard. We can use the double berth as sleeping space for midgets, or stowage space.

The only difference apart from the aft berth is that the 27 has the aft lazarette. Friends of ours on C-27's (there are 3 in our marina) are always "dumpster diving" back there, and while it is nice to have the rear seat, we don't miss it. The 27's rudderpost is also beefire than the 25's setup due to its arrangement. You lose the pop-top on the 27, but the turtle top is huge. so that is really a moot point. Of course having th epop-top tent makes for bugproof headroom, but I am sure someone has come up with a work-around for the 27's.

The biggest deal breakers for us when faced with the same decision though was that we can walk up the mast on the 25. This means that when we travel down the Trent Canal on our way to Georgian bay and the North Channel, that we don't need a mast crane. Also for lock fees/moorage/etc. that are by the foot, we are a little cheaper. Finally, although we weight less than the 27, and have a smaller sail area, we regularly beat all the 27's in our fleet on race night, even though we are the newest sailors in our club. I think this points to a faster boat rather than sailing ability since we often beat them on straight time, sometimes on PHRF. (Our PHRF is 249, the 27's PHRF is 240)

Edited by - Prospector on 08/12/2008 07:34:59

redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3478 Posts

Response Posted - 08/12/2008 : 08:52:35

Personally, for a new single handed sailor on Lanier, I would not start with the 27. You are going to have your hands full enough with the 25 and a lake down 17 feet.

I would start with a 22 and there are plenty of them for sale on Lanier.

regards.ray

Edited by - on

redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3478 Posts

Response Posted - 08/12/2008 : 09:05:10

Aqualand is reported to be the world's largest inland marina, and the largest marina in the United States.

Plenty of boats to look at in one place.

BTW.. Google currently lists the flagship marina webpage as having 4 trojan viruses.. so I would not search those facts right now.

The Marina does a heck of a job but they do have their hands full!

Edited by - on

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