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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Capri 25 Specific Forum

Hope you will have me... & looking for Capri 25

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leesorenson
Deckhand

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USA
18 Posts

Initially Posted - 10/03/2009 : 17:15:51

Please let me introduce myself… Pretty much just a regular ole Joe who has been pretty lucky in life so far; not necessarily monetary but more with living life it’s self. I am a couple of months into 50 and my wife has directing our current activities. Started diving a while back and we absolutely love it and now I have an opportunity to get something I have always wanted, a sailboat…!

I have always wanted one but since I use to take guys out deep sea fishing (special duty in Alaska for the army) I knew how much it cost just in gas for a days trip. So my love affair (more like a secret admirer) with sailboats began then. Now I always knew I wanted one big enough to have a proper stand up shower but as Bill Murray would say; “I’m taking baby steps” and maybe someday I may come across a great deal that has “that” shower but until then I need to work on my technique!

Me and the wife took a basic 101 course with ASA and had a blast… We were working with a Catalina Capri 22 out of South Port NC, somewhat in the Inter-Coastal Waterway. A shout out to Kevin Hennessey and the Cape Fear Sailing Academy for truly a wonderful time.

Anyway, my current wish list is a 25’ 86-92 Capri with a wing keel and if lady luck is really on my side, a trailer! I am having a hard time finding one and even on my budget I may have a very hard time finding one…

My area of searching is east of the Rockies but may broaden a bit as time goes by but it’s not like I found anything west of the Rockies either…

So, if you took the time to read this then thanks for taking the time. If you know of anyone looking to sell (to a good home) a 25’ Capri with a wing then I would really appreciate any leds you might be able to provide…!

I hope you will have me as I have been reading for a while in the background… Seems like a good group of folks around here!

Many thanks,

Lee

Lee Sorenson
Soffiami via!
81 25' Capri Hull 225
Lake Norman North Carolina

Edited by - on

John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 10/03/2009 : 18:01:10

Welcome, Lee. I'm sure you'll find the right boat for you and your wife. Enjoy the hunt.

Take a look at [url="http://www.catalina-capri-25s.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=18544"]this one[/url]. Not sure about the wing keel though. Do Capris even have wings?

Edited by - John Russell on 10/03/2009 18:03:59

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 10/04/2009 : 10:03:17

I did a little looking around... It appears a few Capri 25 wings were built in the late 80s, with a 3'4" draft. Most CP-25s were built in the early 80s (fins drawing 4'2"), when Catalina's intent was to support one-design racing with a boat that would be as fun to race as a J-24, but also be a little more family-friendly. One-design means just one--everything identical. Any wing-keel Capri 25 probably wouldn't be allowed, and if it were, it would probably not be competitive.

In contrast, the Catalina 25 and 250 never pretended to be one-design boats--there are many combinations of keels and mast heights, and these changed somewhat over the years. For example, they built at least one C-250 fin keel--I saw it with my own eyes, but Catalina never acknowledged its existence.

EDIT: CP-25 class measurement rules are for the fin only. Wings are probably very rare, and for racers, will only be PHRF boats.

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 10/04/2009 15:30:08

leesorenson
Deckhand

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USA
18 Posts

Response Posted - 10/04/2009 : 19:53:04

John and Dave,

Thanks so much for your input…

John,

Yes… I have seen that boat and for now I am trying not to go all the way back to 81’. 1986 or better is the range I am looking for… Yes, they did build with the wing but in limited numbers starting in 86 I believe…

Dave,

The area where I intend to do the bulk of my sailing is somewhat shallow and can be prone to low waters at times… I would buy a fin keel but I would still be looking for an 86’ or better as stated above. Wing is just the best option however its not the only option…

Thanks for the input,

Lee

Edited by - on

Ericson33
Admiral

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USA
892 Posts

Response Posted - 10/04/2009 : 20:41:10

(1) I have only heard of one capri25 with a wong keel, and that was here somewhere? I don't think ones exist. (2) I don't beleve Catalina produced a Capri25 after 1986. Call Catalina, they are very helpfull. Most all of the Capri 25's were produced from 1980 to 1983, then a couple more were produced in 85-86. Hull numbers are in the 400's.

Edited by - on

leesorenson
Deckhand

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USA
18 Posts

Response Posted - 10/04/2009 : 22:30:16

Well C.S.

I guess that would explain why I have had such a difficult time in finding one... My bad! I will give Catalina a call as sometimes we can (and I have in the past) get sidetracked by bad information. I do appreciate you pointing that out and getting me on track...! This would be liken to going onto a Corvette forum and asking about a 51' only to find out production did not start until 53'. Its always best to validate the information first and then start with the inquires.

I see you guys (WSC) are planning an Oktoberfest in a couple of weeks... I trust the crowds will be big and the beer be tasty!

Thanks again,
lee

Edited by - on

Ericson33
Admiral

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USA
892 Posts

Response Posted - 10/05/2009 : 05:13:17

Lee, where are you located at, if close come on down for a berr or three... If there is a winged capri25 it's going to be an owners mod, as the Capri 25 is a one design boat.

Please post as much as you would like, and as questions, that's why we are here.

Edited by - on

leesorenson
Deckhand

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USA
18 Posts

Response Posted - 10/06/2009 : 21:34:18

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Capri25
 Lee, where are you located at, if close come on down for a berr or three... If there is a winged capri25 it's going to be an owners mod, as the Capri 25 is a one design boat.

Please post as much as you would like, and as questions, that's why we are here.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I happen to hang my hat in North Carolina, just about an hour northwest of Charlotte.

I still am doing some digging on the years and such regarding the Capri... Catalina has not responded to an email I sent to them just after your previous post but I am fine with it.

I am currently looking hard at 3 different Capri's and feel (at times) that I just need to walk away and take a deep breath cause this is wearing me out!!! Looking forward to the day where I can set foot on "my" boat and I hope that day is coming soon!

If I find myself in Tulsa again I just might take you up on that beer! I lived in OKC for a short while and it surprised me just how much I liked that town... Funny how you don't think much of a town until you spent some time there. I worked in Tulsa as well, short while (@ 2-4 weeks); met a pretty girl there as well

...!

Memory's... Sure am glad I still have em'!

Thanks again for the info,

Lee

Edited by - on

John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 10/07/2009 : 08:30:58

I'm curious why you've settled on a Capri?

Edited by - on

leesorenson
Deckhand

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USA
18 Posts

Response Posted - 10/07/2009 : 20:58:44

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by John Russell
 I'm curious why you've settled on a Capri?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Hello John,

Maybe for all the wrong reasons to be quite honest!

Truth be told; I loved the 22 Capri, seemed more like a sports car with a stick shift... Seems to be made for sailing... Not many comforts’ so to speak of e.g. stove, head, and such. But... I also fell prey to the 3 more feet please and so I decided to go with the 25 Capri.

We have a 87 Catalina 25 to look at this weekend cause I wanted my wife to have her say in which way we went, Catalina or Capri... I have to say, that Catalina looks really nice in the pictures as we have not seen it in person as of yet. Got the head, got the stove, got the head room, heck... pop that top and feel the whole boat expand right before your eyes!

Now saying that... We will be sailing Lake Norman (Charlotte NC) and though its the biggest man made lake in North Carolina, it isn’t Lake Mead... A lot of houses builted up around this lake and so staying on the lake for a night or two does not make alot of sense to us and besides we have 3 dogs (one of them I know will NOT like the boat!)

I am not sure any of these are valid reasons for buying a Capri but some folks like the 65 Ford Mustang but I always had a sweet spot for my 69 Firebird Convertible! Besides, if we were sailing a larger more private lake then it would not surprise me if we bought that 87 Catalina... That’s one really good looking boat and I hate to go and see it cause I know, its really going to screw up my thinking but I want my wife to have a fair shake in what we do, cause you can bet that last dollar she will be spending a lot of time on board!!! You know that ole' saying; "if mama aint happy then nobody’s happy" now, I don't necessary subscribe to that but I do love my wife and I want her to have a say in this... Further more, how else am I ever going to talk her into that 50' when the time comes...?

So to sum it up, why have I settled on the Capri? For a couple of reasons... One, I like the looks of the boat. Two, Loved the 22' version of it. Three, I bought it to sail and get proficient at sailing. Four, I really like the look of the boat!!!

Not really sure if any of this rambling makes any sense John but its how I am trying to rationalize it...

Lee

Edited by - on

Ericson33
Admiral

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USA
892 Posts

Response Posted - 10/07/2009 : 21:27:23

Yep, the boat is sexy, sails fast, low freeboard, you get wet and the boat shifts gears really well, reminds me of a laser, but 25 feet long. The capri25 is great for day sails, it has a ports pottie, and you just might be surprised that all wides don't mind giving up some comforts. The best reason is the cockpit, it's huge, three couples can sail on the boat very comfortable.

And the boat looks good.

Edited by - on

SailCO26
Captain

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USA
457 Posts

Response Posted - 10/08/2009 : 06:25:22

Lee:

Welcome to the forum, we're more than happy to have you here! You'll learn lots, meet a lot of great people, and please feel free to hang out and post any question at all.

Re this post - Chris summed it up pretty well there.

While the same "size", the Catalina 25/250 and the Capri 25 are really two completely different boats.

The 25/250 are really more cruisers (tho they do race competitevely). They have the comforts, albeit on a smaller scale, of that boat you're looking for with a shower. A "proper" head (ie room to stand up and privacy - which usually scores high points with the ladies), sink/stove/ice box in the galley, comfy cushions, and some variations even have the sleeping quarters somewhat separated from the main area. They're more like a camper/RV on the water.

The Capri, otoh, is different. It's like that sports car - yes, it's still a car and will get you to work and back - but it wont carry as many groceries and/or kids/dogs. But it'll get you there in a completely different STYLE.

The Capri has a porti-potty instead of a head, minimal privacy, a small sink (mine's stashed in the v-berth, never use it) and a cooler in place of the ice box. Yes, there are cushions and yes, you could sleep on it. But this is more like backpacking with a tent than the camper/RV. It's light, and you can pack it up and be off in a flash. And the "off in a flash" is where the Capri shines over the 25/250 - it's the Mustang/Firebird where the 25/250 is the family truckster.

I'm not trying to steer you away from the Capri by any means, but if what you're really looking for is a stepping stone to a cruising boat w/ that "proper stand up shower", I'd recommend the 25/250 models. But if you're looking for something to learn to SAIL in and can wait on the amenities for the next time "2 foot itis" sets in, then the Capri will give you a ride you'll remember well into those cruising days (and will likely long for, too...).

Jim

Edited by - on

leesorenson
Deckhand

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USA
18 Posts

Response Posted - 10/09/2009 : 12:01:30

Jim and Chris,

Both of you have been a huge help with in this decision... I have 3 capri's lined up to see and 2 catalina's, just in case for the wife to see. We are looking at one of each this weekend and we should know where we stand on this come Sunday evening.

I can not thank you all for the input ya'll have had with these boats...!

Many thanks and I hope I can repay the favor!

lee

Edited by - on

SailCO26
Captain

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USA
457 Posts

Response Posted - 10/09/2009 : 12:53:28

Cool, let us know what happens!
Jim

Edited by - on

Capstan
Deckhand

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6 Posts

Response Posted - 10/14/2009 : 20:24:03

I look at all the Catalina 25's around my marina and sometimes think they would be nice but I have really liked my Capri over the past 1.5 years. We go out on it almost every weekend, even if just to anchor when the wind is down. Slept overnight on it dozens of times. The cabin is cramped but lots of deck and cockpit space. Loads of fun to sail. The Catalina sails like a some kind of tubby old slug, might as well watch someone else sail on TV for all the fun that thing is.

Edited by - on

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