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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Fair Winds at This Site - Re: Mini Cat 25

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Billamicasr
Deckhand

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USA
11 Posts

Initially Posted - 11/14/2002 : 00:01:26

Well,
I'm here to tell you... this forum is excellent.
I have an old Catalina 22 Capri. I had envisioned ordering a new 22 Mark II because it was supposed to be larger. Or so I had heard. I could not find much info about the 22's so I posted my request here on this forum and got some of the best straight up advice imaginable. As well as a kind welcoming. I did do my research about the 22's and even though it may not be on topic as far as this 25/250 site goes, I'm rather sure some of you may get a kick out of the results.
I went to the 22 national and made a post. I Emailed several of the past posters. Didn't get to far. So I made phone calls:
Here it is: Catalina 22's come in 2 basis versions. ONE; the Catalina Capri. This is recognized by having a narrow, sleek cabin with one window in each side. With usually a cockpit mounted mainsheet traveler. The Capri is often purpose purchased as a class racer. The SECOND is the Catalina 22 (AKA Mark II - Same boat). Recognized by having a much wider fuller cabin with two windows in each side. Usually with a stern rail mounted mainsheet traveler. Both use the same hull, only the deck is changed to facilitate cabin size. Prior to 1995 the beam was just under 8 foot. After 1995, when the law allowed a 8 1/2 foot wide tow-able load the beam was changed to 8' 4". The Catalina 22 / AKA Mark II is allowed and often raced in the same class as the Capri. There have been various changes on the inside of the cabin (like the 25) but that doesn't make one a Capri or a Mark. The width of the cabin top is what dictates the version. A good deal of this information came from Catalina 818-884-7700. I spoke with Dave in Customer Service (nice person). He was extremely patient and was kind enough to look up dimention after dimention. Year after year. Some of the answers came from Wind Toys (Cats up to the 250) in Santa Rosa, CA 707-542-7245. John the owner spent alot of time helping with describing the changes so I wouldn't appear to be a Buffoon when I called Catalina. A little of the info came from a proud (very proud) owner of a Capri I met from an Email contact.
Here's a little confusion. Catalina is now referring to the MarkII as the MarkIII. No-one knows why because it is not from a design change.
Just Catalina 22's made in 2002 and newer will be called Mark III's. Go figure? The Capri is still the Capri. The 2002 Capri lookes like my old Capri.
After all of the time invested, I've found I can not use the new Mark II / III (Catalina 22). One of my last questions, as usual, should have been one of the first. With the Pop-Up fully extended it give a full 5'7" of head clearance. I had been told by someone, seemingly knowledgeable, it was 6 foot. With me Being close to 6 foot, it wont do. I've got to have standing headroom out of the elements.
I'm back to being a "Dock Walker". I've got to see some more Cat 25's!!!
Thanks so much for the past assistance. I'm not in a terribly great hurry to spend money, so you-all will likely hear from me with questions about the 25's. They certainly come with a great support group.

Bill Lamica
Cat 22 Capri FK

Edited by - on

Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2984 Posts

Response Posted - 11/14/2002 : 10:17:23

Bill.... thanks for the heads up about what is going on with the C22. A pole would show that many of us have at one time owned a C22 and thus find your report interesting.

The C22 reportedly had the largest National Association and it therefore is surprizing that they don't have a good web site and forum offering help to new owners as C22's are bought and sold so often and are often the starting boat for many sailors. The C22 National Association is missing out then on a great way to be helpful to its class.

The C22 has in many locations become a great one design racing platform. Not because its fast, but rather because they are so plentiful and cheap and speed is not as important as a level playing field. I enjoyed one design racing but lost interest when our Hobie fleet disbanded. I ran into our old Hobie Commodore a few years ago...and he was racing one design C22's.

I would hope that the C22 National Association isn't missing the opportunity to serve newcomers because the leadership is absorbed in racing however much fun they are having.

Off the soap box...and a few comments about your need for six feet of headroom. The C250 offers that with use of the all weather hatch cover. The pop top on a c250 hinges at the front and slopes up to the rear. Over this and a frame support, a canvas cover snaps in place to seal up the companionway. Takes one minute to install. Offers standing headroom at the galley, screening on the sides and zippered hatch opening.

While cruising, I have motored several times for a days passage in the rain with the cover in place. At anchor in the rain...I almost always set the cover.

Arlyn C-250 W/B #224