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How far can a Catalina 25 go?

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keithsinger
1st Mate

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USA
29 Posts

Initially Posted - 08/24/2013 : 19:58:09

I've researched this subject and haven't found a very satisfactory answer. I've cruised mine across the Sea of Cortez and down Conception Bay and back to San Carlos, that's about 120 miles each way. I've taken a 25 swing keel island hopping across the Sea of Cortez along the Midriff Islands, spending a night 50 miles from mainland at Island Matir. I've heard about Catalina 25s that went down the intercostal and to the Bahamas and back. We've been to Lake Powell with ours and it handled fine. Have you heard about voyages in our sailboats of longer duration or distance. I aim to cruise eventually from San Carlos to La Paz, roughly 300 miles. I know it could be done, especially in smaller hops.

Boker Tov 1987 Catalina 25 Wing Standard Rig http://www.sailblogs.com/member/lemmonsway/

Edited by - keithsinger on 08/24/2013 20:04:47

WesAllen
Navigator

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USA
222 Posts

Response Posted - 08/24/2013 : 20:15:04

I have taken mine from Cape Coral to Key West and back in April of this year. We had no problems and felt safe and comfortable. We do watch the weather reports very closely. It was a very nice trip and plan to do it again next year. (I do know that our C25 was the smallest boat at the Key West Marina that particular week)

Edited by - on

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9082 Posts

Response Posted - 08/24/2013 : 21:00:10

The most serious distance racer/cruiser I've known here (and sailed a little with) is Jim Baumgart (User ID [url="http://catalina-capri-25s.org/forum/pop_profile.asp?mode=display&id=868"]JimB517[/url]), our past commodore, who did ocean races and cruises out of Mission Bay in San Diego. He now owns and races a Pearson Flyer--got tired of missing the parties at the end of distance ocean races on his C-25. He might hold the C-25 record for miles under the keel on the ocean. You can look up his user name and e-mail him--I suspect he'll give you some good suggestions. Good guy.

Edited by - on

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5408 Posts

Response Posted - 08/25/2013 : 11:51:10

Keithsinger -
When you plan a trip along the lines you described, how do you figure on the following:
1. Fuel - I reckon I can motor 2-3 hours per gallon. How many gallons of gas do you have capacity for and typically carry?

2. Provisions - fresh produce, meats only keep so long. Canned items, dried fruits and veggies and dry goods keep longer. Do you have a typical checklist or are you opportunistic…

3. Storage - you've got to exploit every square inch. Any tricks of the trade to share?

4. Essentials - we've reviewed this countless times on the forum, but any long distance gizmos would be interesting...
Any other items?

Edited by - on

keithsinger
1st Mate

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USA
29 Posts

Response Posted - 08/25/2013 : 20:29:52

Frankly, I thought this thread would garner more interest. I can see that long distance cruising is not of enormous interest among Catalina 25 owners. When I speak of distance, I'm not generally referring to point to point passages. I think our sailboats can do long ocean passages in moderate weather, but a 300 mile passage in our boats would be arduous. Something like two days and nights I would think. I've spent more than one night on the sea in choppy conditions on a Catalina 25. Not so fun, though adventurous as heck. No, the kind of distance I'm talking about is cruising 20-30 miles a day for a month or so. One could cover a few thousand miles this way, anchoring or staying at marinas at night. Down the intercostal and across to the Bahamas, down to South America, that sort of thing. Do I think about taking a Catalina 25 across oceans. Not really. I've got a two year old and another on the way and if i can get a few week-long sailing trips a year I'm lucky. We know it has been done in smaller boats. If a montgomery 17 can cross an ocean, so can a Catalina 25. If its been done in a Catalina 25, I'd like to know. But if someone has gone far cruising a Catalina 25 without long passage-making, I'd be interested in that too. 29 gallons in answer to one of the gentleman's questions. Still not enough to get from San Carlos to La Paz in one motor run. Maybe by motorsailing and definitely by hopping across and then cruising south 20 miles a day, anchoring someplace interesting at nights, stopping for gas and provisions as needed.

Edited by - on

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5408 Posts

Response Posted - 08/25/2013 : 21:16:32

I get your drift. Wow, "gentleman", I love it!
A few weeks ago there was a post on sailing to and from Block Island from Boston. Similar deal, lots of difficult sea conditions.
Even for weeklong trips from port to port, managing and planning supplies and stops can be tricky, dealing with timing of weather windows, tides and winds. Longer crossings (40-50 miles) can take greater planning. Cool problem to have.

Edited by - on

sethp001
Mainsheet C-25 Tech Editor

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814 Posts

Response Posted - 08/25/2013 : 21:44:12

I've spent a lot of time thinking about taking mine over to the Bahamas.

It's been done: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ymn4B9Z9oFE

There are lots of storage possibilities under all of the berths.

Edited by - on

Arlington
Navigator

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USA
196 Posts

Response Posted - 08/25/2013 : 21:53:59

Hi Kieth, be patient on the responses, this is prime sailing season, so some of the more experienced sailors are on the water and spending less time on the website. The Catalina 25, can be a good boat, but there are a lot of variables that affect it being seaworthy vs.a liability, and your skill as Skipper is way up there. Check my previous post "C25 Achilles Heel" and you will find where I raised the same questions, I got a lot of good comments and suggestions. To get a better perspective, start looking at other sailboats that are not Catalina 25's, then you will start to see what makes some other boats better choices for long distance cruising. That being said, I am pretty certain a C 25 has made it from San Francisco to Hawaii probably more than once.
Doug

Edited by - Arlington on 08/25/2013 21:58:39

OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3472 Posts

Response Posted - 08/26/2013 : 03:14:30

Somewhere in the archives from about a year or so ago, are the many months journey mostly sleep-ins on trailer but also with sailing at stopover points along the coastline this done by one of our loyal members. There was a log of the day to day journey.

Edited by - on

britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 08/26/2013 : 04:10:24

When the distance is split by multiple hops, it kinda breaks down to a series of short sails. As Henk described in his articles on the site and in the Mainsheet, lots of things to see and experience rather than just see the sea.

Reminds me of that old saying "I joined the Navy to see the world, and what did I see? I saw the Sea!"

We took our C250WB to Bimini from Biscayne Bay, not a trip I would do again over a weekend, but, in the company of others and with a few weeks to wait for suitable windows, I would do it again, even to the Bahamas, it's not so long a hop.

By all accounts, the C25 is more of a stable boat and living on board with the extra headroom would be a plus.

When I retire, if I don't get a bigger boat, then we will probably stretch the range of JD and get out of here!

Paul

Edited by - on

awetmore
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1144 Posts

Response Posted - 08/26/2013 : 10:40:00

For coastal cruising it can go as far as you want. For me it was really a comfort issue more than anything else that drove finding a larger boat. For a 5'4" sailor that would be less of a concern and I'm sure someone has cruised on these boats for a year or longer.

The lightly bolted in structural bulkheads, chainplates tied into plywood instead of fiberglass, barely secured tanks, and volcano-style through hulls are the concern for big weather on these boats, not the size of them. They are great coastal cruisers, but not built for offshore work. Compare with a Dana 24 for a boat that isn't much larger but does have the build for crossing oceans.

Edited by - on

sethp001
Mainsheet C-25 Tech Editor

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814 Posts

Response Posted - 08/26/2013 : 16:41:34

I started looking for the C25 Achilles Heel thread and stumbled into this old one - forgot I had posted it - Ha!

Edited by - on

Stinkpotter
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Djibouti
9082 Posts

Response Posted - 08/26/2013 : 16:46:22

Hi Keith... There is no "answer" to your question--just a lot of opinions. Most of them have to do with going off-shore on a C-25, meaning being several days (or more) from anyplace to hide when weather arrives. It's an annual discussion here while most of us have boats on the hard, under tarps.

Going from California to Hawaii, for example, there's no weather forecast that can guarantee you a weather window--stuff is likely to happen, and there you are. One thing that can happen is the wind goes away for a week or more--I know folks who've experienced that. Fuel and water can become serious issue then.

The swing keel is problematic if you're caught out there in 20' seas that are putting huge stresses on its pivot point. The pop-top (on many C-25s) is another big liability when sailing over the horizon, as are the sail locker ("dumpster") that is open to the bilge, the lack of a bridge deck at the companionway, the light-duty mast step, the transom-hung rudder, single lifelines, and most especially (for most C-25s) the outboard. The Pacific Seacraft Dana 24 is indeed an example of a purpose-built blue water cruiser. The C-25 is a capable coastal cruiser--a "big boat" for the money, but meant to be in port during the storm. The fin keel version has about the same ballast/displacement ratio as the Dana, but the Dana's ballast and displacement numbers are much larger.

As said, you probably can cross an ocean in a small coastal cruiser, I suppose... but if you have responsibilities to anyone, or people who care about you, you won't get my respect for doing it. Along the coast, it's just a question of how long the "hops" need to be. You seem to have more experience with that than the large majority of us here.

So what's your answer?

Edited by - Stinkpotter on 08/26/2013 20:01:48

John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 08/26/2013 : 16:52:37

I think this is more a question of comfortable space than it is the safety or reliability of the boat. I sailed my C 250 46 miles over the weekend in 2 days. 24 miles the first day and 22 the second but I wouldn't want to do that for a very long length of time, like weeks that you seem to suggest. I really would not want to do it with real small children.

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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 08/27/2013 : 07:30:30

Greg Jackson sailed his C25, Compass Rose, in the 333 mile Chicago-to-Mackinac Solo Challenge completing it just a few seconds shy of 87 hours. Sailing a C25 non-stop over 3 12 days, singlehandedly, on the inland sea that is Lake Michigan is quite impressive.

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Stinkpotter
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Djibouti
9082 Posts

Response Posted - 08/27/2013 : 15:34:43

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by dlucier
 ...Sailing a C25 non-stop over 3 12 days, singlehandedly, on the inland sea that is Lake Michigan is quite impressive.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">"Astounding" is what I'd call it! If I tried that, they'd probably find my boat on a beach around Muskegon, with me zonked out down below.

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Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5408 Posts

Response Posted - 08/27/2013 : 19:21:51

I've sailed long days (10+ hrs), and slept on the boat on a mooring and on a slip in a marina for several days at a time. I find I get very tired having to concentrate continuously for that long a time on steering, watching the compass, GPS and windex. I've used bungies and tiller-tamers to relieve the constant vigilance.
I've planned 5-6 day trips but have only completed two 3.5 day trips due to the prospect of bad weather cutting the trips short. I've read accounts of cruisers having to remain in port to wait out the weather. That would drive me insane unless I could find places ashore to hang out - libraries, museums, bars, sightseeing ...
I'd like to get a week of perfect warm weather with 10-12 kt breezes

Edited by - on

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 08/27/2013 : 20:39:39

We've done 5 days double handed, but that was marina hopping with one meal ashore every day. We could do that for a very long time. I've also done several 3 - 4 day single handed voyages sleeping on the hook. I could easily do that for 7 - 10 days and want for nothing.

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Dan Greer
1st Mate

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USA
36 Posts

Response Posted - 08/31/2013 : 05:41:14

I just completed my longest trip so far.

I singlehanded from San Diego to anchor in Two Harbors on Catalina Island.

Out around Santa Barbara Island and then N to anchor at Coches Prietos on Santa Cruz Island.

N through the Santa Cruz Passage to anchor at Forney's Cove on the W end of Santa Cruz.

Around the point and then E along the N coast of Santa Cruz Island to a slip at Channel Islands Harbor (Oxnard). This was as far N as I got.

Southbound, I took a slip in Marina Del Rey, anchored out in Long Beach Harbor, Dana Point, and Mission Bay, and finally took a slip in San Diego.

I trailer-sailed back to Phoenix the next day.

I was on the water about 3 weeks. The high points of the trip were the ancorage at Forney's cove, and the beat through the Santa Cruz Passage in 25-30 knot winds and 4 foot breaking waves.

That run through the passage was a lot of fun, but I think that combination of wind and waves was about the limit of what is fun for me and my boat. After this trip I have confidence that we could withstand much more, but I don't think it would be fun.

After 3 weeks on the boat, I was ready to come home, but I think I'll try another trip of similar duration before I say that it's too long. It definately helps to have R&R breaks at strategic points in the trip.

Edited by - on

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5408 Posts

Response Posted - 08/31/2013 : 19:22:46

Wow - sounds like a nice trip. You were on the water for 3 weeks, so going back to my query above . . .
<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"> Posted by Voyager
When you plan a trip along the lines you described, how do you figure on the following:
1. Fuel - I reckon I can motor 2-3 hours per gallon. How many gallons of gas do you have capacity for and typically carry?
2. Provisions - fresh produce, meats only keep so long. Canned items, dried fruits and veggies and dry goods keep longer. Do you have a typical checklist or are you opportunistic…
3. Storage - you've got to exploit every square inch. Any tricks of the trade to share?
4. Essentials - we've reviewed this countless times on the forum, but any long distance gizmos would be interesting...
5. Any other items?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I always wonder about how you plan for long stretches out of sight of land where you have to use only what you have but you don't want to overdo it, since storage space is critical ...

Edited by - Voyager on 08/31/2013 19:25:19

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9082 Posts

Response Posted - 08/31/2013 : 21:01:22

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Voyager
 I always wonder about how you plan for long stretches out of sight of land where you have to use only what you have but you don't want to overdo it, since storage space is critical ...<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">...which is a major component of the definition of a blue-water cruiser, which the C-25 is not. However, in extreme situations (which some people like to put themselves into), it can involve using the sails to collect drinking water, and using fishing tackle to eat. If there's no rain, well then there you are, surrounded by water you can't drink.

Edited by - on

Captmorgan
Navigator

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USA
220 Posts

Response Posted - 08/31/2013 : 21:44:51

Sounds super interesting

Id love to know more details on the trip to the keys.

How long was that where did you stay. How many miles a day did you travel?

Where I sail the wind always comes from the same direction. What was the main point of sail on the way down and back.

Where did you put in?

did you eat on the boat or off.

Just curious and interested. Would love to try it.

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by WesAllen
 I have taken mine from Cape Coral to Key West and back in April of this year. We had no problems and felt safe and comfortable. We do watch the weather reports very closely. It was a very nice trip and plan to do it again next year. (I do know that our C25 was the smallest boat at the Key West Marina that particular week)
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Edited by - on

GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4311 Posts

Response Posted - 09/01/2013 : 01:00:59

Nice pictures!

What make & model helicopter do you have? I want one!

Edited by - on

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5408 Posts

Response Posted - 09/01/2013 : 12:41:00

Dave - that was not my question - which is - on a 2-3 day sail where you'll be out of sight of land, you can plan to bring 200% of the water you'll need and a week's worth of food.
So say you have 3 aboard and each person needs 2 gallons of water, that's 6 gallons per day. So assume you plan to do two days away from land, that's 12 gallons. So, stow something like 25 gallons. One of our local bottlers provides a 2.5 gallon jug in a rectangular box. You'd need 10 of these. Finding a few spots to balance 200 pounds of water on a C25 could be a challenge. For washing, you can use the 10 gal internal tank or pray for rain!
Food is a different story - fresh fruit and produce takes a lot of space. Fresh meat, dairy and eggs need refrigeration.

Edited by - on

cshaw
Captain

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USA
460 Posts

Response Posted - 09/02/2013 : 17:01:08

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Dan Greer
 I just completed my longest trip so far.

I singlehanded from San Diego to anchor in Two Harbors on Catalina Island.
Out around Santa Barbara Island and then N to anchor at Coches Prietos on Santa Cruz Island.
N through the Santa Cruz Passage to anchor at Forney's Cove on the W end of Santa Cruz.
Around the point and then E along the N coast of Santa Cruz Island to a slip at Channel Islands Harbor (Oxnard). This was as far N as I got.
Southbound, I took a slip in Marina Del Rey, anchored out in Long Beach Harbor, Dana Point, and Mission Bay, and finally took a slip in San Diego.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Dan,
Boy, does your description bring up great memories!!!! We have done a very similar trip as yours a couple of times in the late 70's with the club we sailed with (Pierpont Bay Yacht Club), but we would start at Ventura, CA where we kept the boat, and sail out to the Channel Islands, and then work our way along the same route south, staying at Moonstone Bay or Avalon and then down to Mission Bay, and then turn back north and work our way back north with a nice stop over at the Del Ray Yacht Club. Fun times!!!!

Edited by - on

Dan Greer
1st Mate

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USA
36 Posts

Response Posted - 09/03/2013 : 03:08:30

Regarding supplies:

I start with 18 gallons of fuel. I found an 8-gallon plastic fuel tank that pretty much fills up the fuel locker on my '89 C-25. Plus two 5-gallon plastic jerry cans in the cockpit. I think I used about 20 gallons on this trip.

I fill the 10-gallon water tank with city tap water, plus I carry about 4-5 gallons of better-tasting purified water in plastic bottles on the side rail in the main cabin. In the relatively cool environment off southern California, I refilled the water tank once in 3 weeks and still had half a tank left plus some of my bottled water. I also drink one beer or soft drink per day, usually with dinner.

I use fresh water from the tank to wash dishes, but I'm pretty stingy with it. I use seawater for most other general chores, washing the boat, etc.

Meals are pretty simple aboard Odyssey.

A piece of fresh fruit and a granola bar for breakfast. Bananas and nectarines you have to eat pretty fast, but granny smith apples will last for weeks (again remembering that I'm not dealing with high cabin temperatures).

A peanut butter sandwich for lunch. I buy a whole wheat bread at Costco that lasted 3 weeks with no problem. Who knows what evil preservatives they're using?

For dinner it's some kind of one-pot meal like soup, chili, chow mein, spaghetti, hot dogs, etc. I leave home with 4-5 home-cooked meals frozen in ziplock bags. When those are gone, dinner pretty much has to come out of a can.

Let's see, I also had some jerky, trail-mix, cookies, and chips.

I don't think I've ever been more than a week without coming in to some port for a shower and a couple of restaurant meals and maybe resupply my fruit. I didn't need to resupply any foods except fruit on this trip, and had several meals left over when I got home.

Edited by - on

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