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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 250 Specific Forum

Fell in LOVE with the WB C-250!

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Captdon
Deckhand

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USA
15 Posts

Initially Posted - 02/28/2010 : 21:02:34

I've always had a prejudices toward water ballasted boats, but after being on a C-250 WB today we're sold! So we're actively looking for one within 1000 miles of San Diego. What a great boat! This will be our 3rd Catalina boat,(Catalina-22 and our current Capri-18). Even the wife was in love with the C-250 with the space compaired to our Capri-18.

I know it's out there.......

Don

Edited by - on

Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 03/01/2010 : 05:01:46

Hi Don,

Water ballast took a lot of criticism when it was introduced. Part of that of course is the kid all ready on the block defending his turf. However, there were some justifications. Water ballast requires harder chines (a flatter and wider bottom to add righting arm) and the hull forms simply weren't fully understood. They produced excessive yaw when heeling, which required more rudder control. Almost every manufacturer was caught off guard with an inadequate rudder leaving the boats to round up too easily.

The result was an initial stigma that as always lingers around. Adequate rudders and reefing discipline solve the rounding up and make the boats work. The advantages of a large enough boat to coastal cruise but easily trailer are a reality in a reasonably good sailor when the disciplines are adhered.

An unforeseen plus is that the water ballast has a character somewhere between a full keel boat and a center keeler. Center keelers themselves suffered a lot of criticism about their hobby horsing and poor rides in a sea way but there weren't that many who were sailing in a sea way anyway so the virtues of the center keel were appreciated and the poor ride in the occasional seaway was endured.

On the Great Lakes, center keelers often hole up and wait for better conditions while the water ballast ventures out for just another passage, handling the seaway with her unforseen virtue.

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 03/01/2010 : 08:01:27

Hi Don... Do you plan to trailer her? Will she live in a slip or on a mooring most of the time? If the latter, have you compared the wing keel version to the WB? Each has its advantages--the most obvious probably being trailerability (WB) and headroom (Wing).

Edited by - on

Sloop Smitten
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1181 Posts

Response Posted - 03/01/2010 : 08:13:22

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/csd/boa/1619779567.html

Edited by - on

Captdon
Deckhand

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USA
15 Posts

Response Posted - 03/01/2010 : 08:33:05

We've looked at both vervions, and really like the WB version because we intend to trailer the boat, and dry sail her as we currently do with outr Capri-18. A WK is not out of the question, but either way, we also would really like the Edson wheel system. I've been in contact with the one listed on CraigsList locally. I know the wheel is more complicated, and more weight in the stern, but it would be easier for my 1st mate to take the helm,(or guests onboard), and dang, if they don't look nice with that wheel!

Don

Edited by - on

britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 03/01/2010 : 08:53:30

I'm with you Don.

I presume you meant 'Day Sail' rather than 'Dry Sail' (Catalina recommends never leaving the water ballast empty on the water)

Looking forward to your lauch Pics.

(Welcome to the forum)

Paul

Edited by - on

superbob
Navigator

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USA
200 Posts

Response Posted - 03/01/2010 : 09:10:32

There's a 250/WB in Texas - - - http://www.sailingtexas.com/scatalina250117.html

Wind Toys in Santa Rosa CA - a Nor Cal Catalina dealer - had a WB in great condition&fully equipped a month or so ago: 707-542-7245. or 800-499-7245. Ask for John (the owner).

A used 250 in great condition, whether WB or WK, is hard to find. Good luck.

Edited by - on

Captdon
Deckhand

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USA
15 Posts

Response Posted - 03/01/2010 : 09:25:58

Yes, seen the one in TX, was talking with the owner for a week or so. I was concerned by the WB, so I wanted to see one first hand. We went out with a couple yesterday and fell in love with the WB, it was much better than I imagined. So we decided to call the guy back in TX to buy it, and he's already got somome interested in the boat. So we're looking again, we know there is one out there somewhere....

Don

Edited by - on

JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 03/01/2010 : 13:14:54

Charlie, Sterngucker on this board, is selling his. He sails out of San Diego and the boat is in Ridgecrest, CA (by Edwards AFB). PM me for contact info.

Charlie's is like new and with lots of extras.

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 03/01/2010 : 13:19:05

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by britinusa
 ...I presume you meant 'Day Sail' rather than 'Dry Sail'...
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">"Dry sailing" is a common term for keeping the boat out of the water...

Don--if you plan to trailer-sail (dry-sail) the boat, have you experienced the set-up and break-down procedure for the mast and rig? It's doable, but it's not like your 18-footer.

Edited by - on

Captdon
Deckhand

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USA
15 Posts

Response Posted - 03/01/2010 : 13:50:42

Yes, we "dry sail" our Capri-18, it's kept fully rigged and we have a lifting harness from the keel to lift and drop her into the water. We only break-down the boat a few times a year now. The C-250, with the mast raising system, looks pretty similar to rig like our Capri. I can't see it being that much harder to roll the mast back to fasten the base down. Once the mast is up, it seems pretty much the same, with the boom being a bit longer, but still manageble. Of course the C-250 will require a strap harness that some of the boats at the club use, to lift from the bottom of the hull. We have guys with 30'+ boats at the club that lower their mast to get under the bridge at Mission Bay. If they can perform this task using their boom as a gin-pole and their mainsheet while underway, I can't see it being that difficult to rig the C-250 while sitting on the trailer.

Don

Edited by - on

Captdon
Deckhand

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USA
15 Posts

Response Posted - 03/01/2010 : 14:07:36

JimB.....Thanks for the lead. I couldn't get your e:mail. I've got my contact information in the "Swap Meet" section under WANTED: C250 WB. Thanks!

Don

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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 03/01/2010 : 16:19:05

Don, if you click the

button on the header for Jim's post, you'll be able to send an e-mail to him, and your address (in your profile) will become the "from" address.

If you're leaving the boat rigged and launching with a crane, the wing keel would seem to be a viable option. The WB is best for ramp launching, and reduces overall trailering weight.

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 03/01/2010 16:19:25

Bob Jack
1st Mate

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USA
58 Posts

Response Posted - 03/01/2010 : 17:18:59

I'VE GOT ONE !
Did you say 1000 miles or 2000 miles away from California...maybe we could use UPS ?
Good luck...they're great boats .
Bob

http://www.catalina-capri-25s.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=17988&SearchTerms=NAPLES

Edited by - on

JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 03/01/2010 : 17:39:01

Don, I sent you an email via the formum and invited you to sail with me any time. I am just under that bridge you talked about in Mission Bay.

Edited by - on

Captdon
Deckhand

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USA
15 Posts

Response Posted - 03/01/2010 : 19:18:18

Bob....Nice looking C-250, but just too far away in Fla. plus, we really want the Edson wheel system.

Thanks,

Don

Edited by - on

Captdon
Deckhand

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USA
15 Posts

Response Posted - 03/04/2010 : 11:53:39

Just wanted to thank everyone for responding. Hopefully we'll be C-250 owners soon! Thanks for the leads! This site has been awesome in helping us make our decision.

Don

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 03/04/2010 : 12:41:35

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Captdon
 This site has been awesome in helping us make our decision.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">This association (then with a sub-forum on trailersailor.com) was a key factor in our choice of our then-15-year-old C-25. This, Catalina Direct, and the continuing viability of Catalina Yachts, are a combination that very few boats, if any, can match. Some of us alumni can't break ourselves loose from the family. Too bad I can't get much help here with my hydraulic steering system...

Edited by - on

John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 03/04/2010 : 13:27:04

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Dave Bristle
 Too bad I can't get much help here with my hydraulic steering system...

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">I'll help ya Dave. Get a bigger hammer! That fixes everything.

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 03/04/2010 : 20:28:32

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by John Russell
 <blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Dave Bristle
 Too bad I can't get much help here with my hydraulic steering system...

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">...Get a bigger hammer! That fixes everything.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">...the USAF way!

Edited by - on

John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 03/05/2010 : 06:44:40

Aim High! ..... and miss the target

Edited by - on

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