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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Found a C25 FKSR

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littlerm
Deckhand

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USA
6 Posts

Initially Posted - 07/17/2009 : 11:43:13

I am just getting into sailing (with family) and have been looking around for a 22-25 ft. boat that can sleep 4 overnight. I found a 1983 FKSR that someone is willing to sell for $1250. It's not currently on the market, it's a friend of a friend thing. The hull is in good shape, it could use new bottom paint. All rigging is good, sails are great, motor is an e-start 9.8 Mercury that runs great. The interior is good, not even very dirty. Interior cushions are original and could be replaced. The bilge area had very little water after sitting on the lake for a year. I have had 2 sailing buddies look at the boat and they say it's a steal. Is this a deal or are older Cat's just not selling? I see them advertised online for much more than this all the time. It has no trailer. Thoughts?

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Frank Law
Navigator

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USA
159 Posts

Response Posted - 07/17/2009 : 12:06:57

Sounds like a steal to me..get a survey

Frank Law
"About Time"
1983 sr swk

Edited by - on

Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 07/17/2009 : 12:17:50

I would be on that like white on rice. Mine is currently for sale for $9500 and getting calls regularly.

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John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 07/17/2009 : 12:22:24

It truly does sound like a steal. I don't know if I'd spend $400 or so on a survey for a $1250 boat. A surveyor would be able to list all of the problems and some of the potential problems and prioritize them for you. It's a risk you'll have to take for yourself.

However, if the sails are truly in great shape, they're worth several hundred alone. Depending on the age of the motor, it could be worth more that the $1250 you're paying for the whole package. Of course, the down side could be that the hull/deck is rotten and/or unsafe. It would likely cost more that $1250 to get rid of it should it not be seaworthy.

I'd want some independent assurance that the boat is safe, then I'd go for it. It's probably about a fourth the cost (or maybe less)of what is typical for that year/model.

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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 07/18/2009 : 09:05:32

The 1983 has the cockpit fuel locker--one of the more important upgrades in the production life of the C-25. If you're keeping her in the water and depth isn't an issue, the 4'-draft fin keel is the way to go.

Regarding the survey (figure $350 or so), it's a big slice of the overall cost, but worth more than it costs, IMHO. In fact, if the boat is such a steal (which it sounds like it is), you will have "stolen money" to use on the survey!

You will get a list of things to attend to, with their priority (which will hopefully all be low). There are things you and your friends can't determine unless one of your friends has a moisture meter <i>and</i> knows how to use it (both are unlikely). The surveyor will be dispassionate about the price, as your friends might not be, and will give you a straight story. You can attend the survey, ask questions, take notes... and BTW, many insurers require a current survey on boats over something like 10 years old, so you might as well do it before you buy--not after--so it works for you as well as for them.

If you don't do it, keep in mind that when you sell the boat, buyers are likely to do it, and you might end up with a 5000 lb. dead elephant.

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bigelowp
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1778 Posts

Response Posted - 07/18/2009 : 15:50:16

Be careful!

Back in 06 I bought my 25 for what seemed like "a steal" ($1,500.00) and, despite EVERYONE telling me to get a survey, I proceeded without one. While I NOW have a good (note, still not great) boat, it cost me way more than it would have if I had spent "market" for a solid boat. In my case while the boat looked fine at first glance their was/is moisture in decks, electrical and plumbing was shot, standing & running rigging needed upgrades as did sails and engine. Now I do admit that when I bought my boat I was looking for a project but not that much of a project. Last year I did have a survey done. The report was that I have a good boat, many good upgrades, but it pointed out that I still need to do some thing about the soft spots and the plumbing (holding tanks/head, etc) need further attention.

Every boat will need work and, for those of us who like boats that is expected and enjoyed. Just make sure, up front, you know what you are getting. An $7,000 boat may in the longer run be far less expensive than a friends $1,200. deal.
So, it may be a steal, it may be exactly what you are looking for -- BUT -- I would spend the money on a survey and THEN make a decision.

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Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 07/19/2009 : 20:44:49

I was comfortable buying Pearl without a survey - she was in a dry, well lit barn and I had several weeks to examine her before a sea trial, I knew the owner, and I knew others who had been familiar with and sailed with her. I also paid near the low end of the maket. I would not buy a "steal" without a survey.

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dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 07/23/2009 : 08:39:12

Littlerm,
Just curious, did you buy the boat and then sell it to a friend? I rented my trailer yesterday to a fellow yacht club member who bought a 1983 C-25, fin keel, for $1,250. He's picking it up today, and I'm hoping to get a look at it this afternoon.

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littlerm
Deckhand

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USA
6 Posts

Response Posted - 07/23/2009 : 11:12:32

dmpilc,
Yep, sure did. I sold it to him for what I paid for it. We are good friends and he already has a wet slip to put it in. I am looking for a trailerable sailboat, something a bit smaller.

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dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 07/24/2009 : 14:54:48

Sounded like too much of a coincidence. In case you didn't help him bring it "home", he's launching it at Woods Res. today. I'm going there Sunday to get a look at his "new" toy, and pick up my trailer. I wanted to meet him there but couldn't get away from a meeting obligation. Told him about this forum and the Association. Hope he joins!
In the smaller category, the Catalina 22 is a great trailerable boat.

Edited by - dmpilc on 07/24/2009 15:03:24

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 07/26/2009 : 20:38:05

Went to pick up my trailer today and got a look at the 1983 boat; exterior only since it was already in the water. Not bad looking at all, hull topsides seems in good shape. Was in Niceville, FL at one time according to the stern. Woodwork needs attention. Std rig, split backstay, self-tailing winches, boarding ladder.

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