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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Catalina 25 SK vs 22 SK

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dgassa
Deckhand

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2 Posts

Initially Posted - 05/26/2009 : 18:51:45

I new to sailing with about 1 years experience. I looking to buy a used Catalina and I'm stuck between a 22 or a 25. I intend on trailering the boat as a slip is not in the cards. Most of my sailing will be day sails with the occasional overnights. I've been looking for a 1980's boat as cost is an object.

Today I spoke with a gentlemen who was setting up his 25 SK in preparation for launch. In response to my questions, and I had many, he told me that it takes about 4 hours to set up his 25. He said he keeps his at a slip for six months and then hauls it out the other six months when he's not sailing. He suggested a 22 would better fit my needs as it sets up much faster.

Now I really like the cabin room in the 25 vs the 22, but if 4 hours is the norm for setup, it's out of the question. Is the 4 hours to setup a 25 the norm or not? Any suggestions or comments would be greatly appreciated.

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 05/26/2009 : 19:12:46

I've got both boats, a C22 on a trailer and a C25 in the slip. I submit that you will be buying a lot of grief if you get a C25 with plans to do a lot of trailer sailing. I can set up the C22 in an hour casually by myself, 20-30 minutes with a helper. Also, it's nearly impossible and quite dangerous to try to raise or lower a C25 mast without help. The weight differential of the boats is enormous, 3200-3500 lbs for a C22 and trailer compared to 6000-6500 lbs, conservative estimate, for a C25. You'll need a Suburban or pickup along the lines of a Silverado 2500 or Ford F250. We tow the C22 with an Isuzu Trooper.

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Ben
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1234 Posts

Response Posted - 05/26/2009 : 19:15:03

I agree with the fellow who recommended to C22. Unless you can leave your boat with the mast up, somewhere close to the ramp, it is time prohibitive to raise mast, launch, sail, retrieve boat, lower mast, and go home. With practice, I'm down to about 2 hours to raise the mast and launch. some people may be faster, but not me, not yet. when I started with the C25, several years ago, it was taking me four hours.

good luck. If you decide to go with a C22, you won't be disappointed I think. the C25 is really too big to trailer regularly. not to mention the tow vehicle you would need if you dont' already have one.

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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 05/26/2009 : 20:00:10

Yup! Start with the C-22 and see where life goes from there. You'll have a fine time on the water, and a ubiquitous boat that can always be sold.

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NautiC25
Admiral

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USA
957 Posts

Response Posted - 05/26/2009 : 20:06:09

I don't have experience with the 25 either, but have you looked into keeping it in a yard near the ramp? You could leave the mast up and just drop it in the water. In my area, it's very much worth it and cheap.
If you think you'll get bored of your lake and want to trailer it everytime, then a C22 is much better.

Edited by - NautiC25 on 05/26/2009 20:08:31

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 05/26/2009 : 20:36:09

We had a C22. Terrific boat. You'll love it.

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dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 05/27/2009 : 07:51:06

Setup time for any boat will depend on practice and sticking to an efficient routine that works for you; also how much help you have,their skill levels, and practice together. The rigs are almost identical in layout, so there's not much difference there. Things that add time will be the extra size and weight of the mast (extra people required or rigging an A-frame), height above the ground while rigging (extra care to not fall and need of a ladder), and if it has roller furling headsail (extra care to not bend/crease the foil).

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pastmember
Master Marine Consultant

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2402 Posts

Response Posted - 05/27/2009 : 10:10:13

C-22, find a wing keel for piece of mind.

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DaveR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2015 Posts

Response Posted - 05/27/2009 : 11:26:44

I had a C-22 and loved it. Easy in and out, still overnightable, easy resale. I also agree with Frank, find a wing keel and you'll deal with a lot less maintenance.

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dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 05/27/2009 : 15:57:13

If you think you might have any desire to race a C22 and be competitive, buy a swing keel model, 1974 or earlier. Check Ebay. The full keel and wing keel C22's are not as competitive, and may take longer to sell later. A friend of mine in Chattanooga, TN had both, an older swing keel model that he raced and a wing keel model that he took for cruises, until he later upgraded to a seaward 26RK.

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dgassa
Deckhand

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2 Posts

Response Posted - 05/28/2009 : 13:40:22

Wow! Thanks for all the quick responses. I've settled on the 22 and I've found a swing keel in Phoenix of all places which I will take a look at this weekend. (I'm in San Diego). I've seen a lot of junk out there and I'm not in a hurry, so I'll bide my time until the right one comes along. Thanks again for the input.

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dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 05/28/2009 : 14:10:55

Good luck with your search. I'll be happy to try and answer any of your questions. The most critical areas on a C22 are around the keel pivot pin, the "volcano" - this is where the keel cable enters the boat. It's right under the companionway and comes up through a rubber hose that looks like radiator hose - and the cable winch itself. As for the "volcano", you want to make sure the rubber hose is in good shape and is firmly attached to the hull. That point is below the waterline.
Note: The C25 swinger is equally vulnerable at that point.
Should your search take you to this part of the country, I'll be happy to show you our C22.

Edited by - dmpilc on 05/28/2009 14:12:40

Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 05/30/2009 : 09:23:49

I have owned a 22 swing, and currently own a 25 wing with tall rig.
I can rig and derig my 25, which has a furler (Schaefer snapfurl 750) by myself using an A frame. The 22 was a lot easier and quicker. I understand that a 25 short rig is easier as the mast section is smaller and shorter.
Nobody has mentioned that the difference in swing keels is a 650 lb chunk of iron held on by 4 small bolts versus a 1500 lb chunk of iron held on by 4 bolts. That's the main reason I bought a 25 wing.
If you buy the 22 make sure you get the Catalina Direct book, and the C22 projects CD available through the Catalina 22 association.
Whichever boat you buy, you can't go wrong. Just make sure the trailer has a working extendable tongue.
Everything in life is a compromise.
We all wish you the best and welcome you to the Catalina family.

Edited by - on

Moondance
Deckhand

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USA
7 Posts

Response Posted - 06/02/2009 : 15:08:44

Having recently upgraded from a 22 to a 25, I'd say start with the 22 as well. Don't overwhelm yourself and believe me, that additional 3 ft is a lot more to take care of than 'merely 3 ft.' Make sure you get the wing-keel version for less headaches and worry. If you get a model with the pop-top cover, your below deck space expands exponentially!

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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.