Association Forum - Moving Up

Assn Members Area · Join

Home.

Association Forum

Ships Store

Cruising

Racing

Technical Tips

Photo Gallery - New

Boat Search - Updated

Manuals & Brochures

Swap Meet

Links

Officer Flag Line & Staff

Bylaws & Constitution

Members Area

Join the Association

Notice:
The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.

Association Forum

Username:	Password:
Save Password
Forgot your Password?

All Forums

Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 250 Specific Forum

Moving Up

New Topic

Topic Locked

Printer Friendly

Author

Topic

Page: of 3

SailAway
1st Mate

Member Avatar

USA
46 Posts

Initially Posted - 01/12/2014 : 17:29:06

I currently have a Catalina 22 that I absolutely love. The admiral says that she wants something bigger with an enclosed head so I've decided to start looking for a Catalina 250. We also plan to trailer the boat to multiple locations so a water ballast model is preferred. I've read dozens of reviews about the 250 but I would like some first hand advice from some real owners about specific problems with the 250 to look out for.
Greg

Greg Franklin
2002 C250 WB #649
Carlyle, IL

Edited by - on

John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 01/14/2014 : 14:15:10

I don't think you're being ignored Greg. I just think that the C250 is just a terrific boat and <blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">specific problems with the 250 to look out for.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"> are pretty rare. In fact, I can't really think of any but, I have a wing keel, not a water ballast. Some folks have mentioned specific issues with their particular boats but they weren't general problems with the fleet. The systems in the boat are very simple and only require basic maintenance. Most have simple pump water at the sinks and a porta-potti, not a marine head. There are minimal wooden surfaces to be maintained. The single burner stove is propane.

Do you have specific concerns that we might be able to address? This is certainly the right place to ask.

Edited by - on

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

Members Avatar

USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 01/14/2014 : 15:26:38

I agree with John, they're pretty great boats. Unfortunately, I've got a wing keel as well, but there are plenty of water ballast guys on here to answer any specific questions you might have.

Edited by - on

zeil
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Canada
1314 Posts

Response Posted - 01/14/2014 : 15:59:44

From your description we'd say you're moving in the right direction.

During the last 10 years we've trailer sailed our '95 C250 WB extensively including a couple of times as live-a-boards. (see our article in the cruising forum) http://www.catalina-capri-25s.org/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=24592 plus a few other trip stories.

The only problem we encountered had to do with the center board up-haul cable

Part of your consideration should be, or at the least have access to, an adequate tow vehicle.

Edited by - on

SailAway
1st Mate

Members Avatar

USA
46 Posts

Response Posted - 01/14/2014 : 18:42:17

Thanks for the replies! I'm just fishing for things to check for when I look at them. On my C22 the main concerns were the swing keel pivot pin and mounting brackets. Of course there are the standard issues like soft decks and water leaks. I read somewhere that the first years the C250 was produced, there were hull issues at the ballast tank. Also I read about rudders breaking. Are either of these true?

I have a Toyota Tacoma 4WD TRD Sport model with the upgraded towing package. It was originally rated at 6500 lbs. but Toyota downgraded it to 5800 lbs a few years later. Is that sufficient?

Greg

Edited by - on

bear
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
909 Posts

Response Posted - 01/14/2014 : 19:10:21

Greg, I've had my '95 Wb for 12 years and I never heard of rudders breaking, however the earlier models had insufficient rudders to prevent rounding up in above average wind. I upgraded mine to an off the shelf rudder. It would be probably a good idea to check on the centerboard cables history if possible. As for your Toyota towing this boat I towed mine with a standard Tacoma, 4 wheel drive, 4 cyl, 5 speed for 6 years. However I was close to being over weight, the boat was completely stripped down and everything removed and if you go that route crosswinds on the open road will wreck you, stopping distances greatly reduced. Only towed it twice a year and early in the day with a chase vehicle. The inside cabin on WB will not allow a 5'11 person to stand up straight with hatch closed. WK might. Never had a ballast tank issue either. All in all it's been a great setup. JMTCW

Edited by - on

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

Members Avatar

USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 01/15/2014 : 11:07:30

The WB has roughly 10" less headroom than the WK. And the headroom in a WK is roughly 5'-10" or so (guessing a bit). I know I can't stand up at 6'-2" inside the boat unless we have the hatch propped open, and then only in the galley / ladder area. Rita, at 5' even has no problems anywhere. I think she was even able to stand up in a WB, but we only looked at one (the one owned now by Bear I believe), and that was about eight years ago or so.

There are myriad thread on what's the best towing vehicle on here. We usually get into a long drawn out debate about them about once a year usually during the winter when not many of us are sailing. Use the search function & search for "tow vehicle", and sit back & be amused at all the opinions you'll have at your finger tips.

FWIW, I sold my Toyota 4WD V-6 & purchased a Ford F-250 V-8 diesel to tow the boat with. Since we now have the boat in a marina, I wish I still had my Toyota, but the Ford is more than capable of towing the boat (and pretty much anything else you can think of), I just don't like it as much as my Toyota. When you're towing you really-really don't want to get into a tail wagging the dog situation. My truck weighs about 7300 lbs, the boat & trailer, probably about 5500-6000 or so (I've never weighed them). The problem isn't that you can tow it, the problem is, can you stop it. That's what you need to be thinking about.

When you get tired of reading best towing vehicle threads, move on to "best outboard threads" which probably has just as many opinions, and is a second favorite to argue about. Well, "argue" is a bit harsh, call it "discuss".

Edited by - on

SailAway
1st Mate

Members Avatar

USA
46 Posts

Response Posted - 01/15/2014 : 11:35:56

Okay, here is what I have so far...
The C250 is a terrific boat
General problems with the fleet are rare
The systems are very simple
Rudders on early models were insufficient in above average winds
CB up haul cable maintenance history should be checked
Tow vehicle might be a concern
Inside cabin will not allow a 5'11" person to stand straight. Thank goodness I'm only 5'10" and my wife is 5'4" - LOL!

What about water collecting in the bilge? Is it common to have water in there? Are water leaks below deck an issue? I like a dry bilge :-).

Thanks guys - If you can think of other things for me to check out when I find one to look at, keep them coming.
Greg

Edited by - on

Ape-X
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
662 Posts

Response Posted - 01/15/2014 : 18:44:38

bilges should be bone dry, (outboard engine)
I have read problems with cracked ballast tanks, so far the type of boat you are looking for, something to read up on how to inspect. Other than that, good luck in your search!

Edited by - on

Manu
Deckhand

Members Avatar

Canada
6 Posts

Response Posted - 01/15/2014 : 19:55:22

Dry bilge.
The C250 WB is an excellent trailer boat. The ballast tank would be something to watch for. The people at Catalina say that they provide access for necessary tank repairs but this is not the case. There are areas that you cannot reach if you need to make a repair. Areas in the bilge port and starboard side are out of reach, as well as areas under the toilet and kitchen sink. Any cracks in these areas will allow some water inside and when heeling. There are a few ways to test for water leaks and lots of posts on subject. The centerboard requires regular maintenance but no major issues. A robust 4x4 V8 for trailering.

Edited by - on

bear
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
909 Posts

Response Posted - 01/15/2014 : 20:01:23

Greg, Never had any water in bilge. If ballast tank holds water and no leaks, very hard to inspect irregardless. As I remember my C250 on the trailer with no gear weighed in at weigh station about 5400 lbs. That was still hooked up to my Toyota also. It stays at the marina year round now. No towing.

Edited by - on

ruachwrights
Captain

Members Avatar

USA
258 Posts

Response Posted - 01/17/2014 : 17:42:29

Good luck on the purchase. I looked (lusted) at the C250 for a few years until I finally found one (WK). I ocean sail mine near Newport RI with my family of five and it is in my opinion the best and newest boat for the money. Though sometimes I wish I had a trailer to take her up to Casco Bay, Acadia, or take down to the Chesepeak, ICW and so on and so forth- I keep my boat mored and am happy.

Granted you are looking to trailer sail- but don't discount the WK if you live near the ocean or Great Lakes and want to be able to partake in a wide latitude of cruising grounds which are likely to have deeper water boat ramps.

Drawbacks:
Built for comfort, not speed. Though you can accommodate as many people in the C250 as many 28' boats, Club racers generally sigh audibly if you ask to enter races.
Wheel steering may be a bit anemic without pull/pull upgrade.
If you want to do allot of cooking invest in a stern mounted magma grill.
A little tender compared to deeper keeled, heavier boats.
Early models, though great in light air, were deemed by Catalina to be carrying too much canvas and shortened mast. This said, I have a tall rig and have adapted pretty well.
Though I love Hajime enough to refer her to be a yacht, other yachties might laugh if you refer to your boat as a yacht or anything other than "sailboat" or "sloop." I don't care- the joke's on them.
In the last few years I have noticed that lines, rigging, sails, stanchions, windows, life lines, nag lights etc... have started to require fixing and replacing. 1997 is not as young as it used to be. Because of the simple systems, however she's still a great boat to learn on.

Vern Wright
"Hajime"

Edited by - on

SailAway
1st Mate

Members Avatar

USA
46 Posts

Response Posted - 01/17/2014 : 21:03:43

Thanks for the info Vern. I live just west of St. Louis and sail at Carlyle Lake in central Illinois so I'm a long way from an ocean. I plan to take 1 or 2 trips to the Great Lakes a year which is why I prefer the water ballast model. It's a 300 mile drive to Chicago.
I'm not much of a racer but I do enjoy an occasional non-competitive social race every once in a while. I do have a magma grill already and use it almost every weekend on mt C22. It's staying with me when I sell the C22. The wheel steering is something I would like but it's not at the top of my list. What do you mean by the pull/pull upgrade? I still have a lot to learn about a C250.

Greg

Edited by - on

ruachwrights
Captain

Members Avatar

USA
258 Posts

Response Posted - 01/18/2014 : 06:06:49

Greg,
A must for you would be to look back at previous archives by Alyrn Stewart. He comes from a mechanical engineering background, did lots of sailing on the great lakes with the 250WB model and came up with the pull-pull steering design. Many previous owners including one on my own boat had the mod installed or did the work themselves- some well, and others not so well... Orig. owner on my boat did the work himself using galvanized and other non-stainless parts which needed to be completely replaced. Read the posts and when you find a boat ask questions and take a look at what is set up in the transom area behind the battery.

Stewart is sort of the WB guru in my book.

Vern

Edited by - on

britinusa
Web Editor

Members Avatar

USA
5404 Posts

Response Posted - 01/18/2014 : 08:35:34

Nice Burgee Vern

Paul

Edited by - on

TakeFive
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

2272 Posts

Response Posted - 01/18/2014 : 08:59:01

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by John Russell
 I don't think you're being ignored Greg. I just think that the C250 is just a terrific boat and <blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">specific problems with the 250 to look out for.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"> are pretty rare....The single burner stove is propane.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Your post reminded me of a few things. Not problems, just things to consider.

Stern "catbird" seats did not appear until about 1997.

Starting about the 1998 model year, a few small but nice improvements were made. A boarding step was molded into the gunwale, very nice for getting on the boat from a floating dock. The cooking system was upgraded to LP. Prior to that it was CNG canister (on the earliest boats) and butane canister (on later boats until 1997). Search "Kenyon Butane Fuel Cartridge" for replacements. The LP upgrade came at the expense of some cockpit storage, but it is safer due to solenoid interlock.

Later model year boats generally came out of the factory with roller furling. Some earlier boats are hank-on. That's worth at least $1000 in value.

Then there are the rudder changes. A wing keel boat with 3rd generation rudder may be worth almost $1000 more than WK boat without it. For a water ballast boat, the issue is more complicated due to the poor performance of the shorter length rudders that Catalina went to. Any kick-up rudder on water ballast will probably make the boat more valuable.

Somewhere along the way (2000?) they went from a smoked plexiglass sliding hatch to a fiberglass one with small plexiglass insert. The former gives a better view and outside light, but can be slippery and scratches more easily. Don't ever open the hatch while someone's standing on the pop top! (The scratches can be buffed out.)

I think I read somewhere that the later wing keels are shallower than early ones. Draft went from ~3'10" to ~3'4" (approximate). Can someone verify this folklore?

Generally, water ballast boats have more outboard chainplate placement, smaller roller furler, and no traveler in the cockpit. And, as already mentioned, much less head room.

Fortunately all these boats were made with vinyl ester resin, so osmotic blisters are almost nonexistent. I can't think of hearing of a single problem with blistering.

In my experience browsing at over a dozen C250s before picking mine, I would say the biggest consideration is the quality of aftermarket modifications. I disqualified five different boats because of unsafe electrical modifications, poorly located port openings that leaked, and penetrations from the fuel locker into the battery compartment that could allow gas fumes down below.

Edited by - TakeFive on 01/18/2014 09:04:55

SailAway
1st Mate

Members Avatar

USA
46 Posts

Response Posted - 01/18/2014 : 14:52:10

Rick - you've given me a lot of great information! The thing that surprised me the most was no traveler in the cockpit. I had no idea! Is there a logical reason Catalina would do that? It shouldn't be a problem as long as I could add one.
Greg

Edited by - on

mhartong
Navigator

Members Avatar

USA
152 Posts

Response Posted - 01/18/2014 : 18:07:30

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by SailAway
 The thing that surprised me the most was no traveler in the cockpit.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Greg,

It depends upon the model and year. Persephone came with one on the bridge deck.

Mark

Edited by - on

zeil
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Canada
1314 Posts

Response Posted - 01/18/2014 : 18:27:35

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">roller furling. Some earlier boats are hank-on. That's worth at least $1000 in value.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Make that between $2000 and $3000 with sail...

Edited by - on

mowrangler
1st Mate

Members Avatar

USA
66 Posts

Response Posted - 01/18/2014 : 23:30:59

My C250 actually came from up at Carlyle.. small world! I have one of the really early 95 WB models, so it has a few issues I haven't heard of anywhere else. The fiberglass under the stern berth had cracks when I got it, and looking at it from the top, it appears that it was not adequately supported underneath. (hidden by the mattress and not structurally a concern, but irritating none-the-less)

Also, if you are planning on pulling one 300-ish miles, make sure the trailer has good trailer tires. Mine had passenger tires when I picked it up in STL, and I had a few scary moments getting 'er down I44. Since then I put new trailer tires on it and the heavier sidewalls made it a lot better to tow.

Edited by - on

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Djibouti
9080 Posts

Response Posted - 01/19/2014 : 11:11:57

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by zeil
 <blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">roller furling. Some earlier boats are hank-on. That's worth at least $1000 in value.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Make that between $2000 and $3000 with sail...

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">I'm guessing you mean the cost to add it to the boat. I'd agree that, on the used market for a boat like this, it adds about a grand to the value. The difference accrues to the enjoyment of the original owner--worth every penny in my book!

Edited by - on

SailAway
1st Mate

Members Avatar

USA
46 Posts

Response Posted - 01/19/2014 : 17:53:13

I've been looking at a lot of WB C250's for sale on different web sites. Some have travelers and some don't. I guess it's just one of those things that I'll need to evaluate when I find one I like. The roller furling is another issue, the Admiral really would like to have one. So, I'm making that a requirement. Fortunately, most of the ones I've seen for sale have it so it seems to me that it is common.
I'm getting a pretty good laundry list of things to look out for - thanks everyone!
Greg

Edited by - on

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Djibouti
9080 Posts

Response Posted - 01/19/2014 : 21:51:05

Obviously your wife has sailed before...

Unless you're a hardcore racer who wants to change headsails in mid-course, once you've sailed with roller furling, it's very hard to ever go back. (I know, I know... we have one or two who have.)

Edited by - Stinkpotter on 01/19/2014 21:51:59

SailAway
1st Mate

Members Avatar

USA
46 Posts

Response Posted - 01/20/2014 : 11:21:55

Dave - Nope, not a hardcore racer. That being said, I do have a sunfish that I race at a very small local lake and it is a lot of fun. Believe it or not, my first sailboat, a little Oday DS II, had a roller furler. Even on a little boat it made things much easier. As for my wife, yeah, she was a sailor before me. Before we met, I was a skydiver. She convinced me to trade in the parachute for a sail. No regrets!
Greg

Edited by - on

Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Djibouti
9080 Posts

Response Posted - 01/20/2014 : 12:07:10

We had a DS-II for about 20 years--no roller furler (seemed like overkill), but I rigged a down-halyard through a block on the bow back to the cockpit. It at least eliminated the need to climb forward in choppy water with the boat thrashing around, and held the sail on the deck when motoring back to the dock. The Sunfish might be my favorite sailing--I've had mine skipping across the water like a flat rock, running before a nasty squall!

Edited by - on

csmcg
1st Mate

Members Avatar

96 Posts

Response Posted - 01/22/2014 : 18:55:12

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by SailAway
 I would like some first hand advice from some real owners about specific problems with the 250 to look out for.
Greg
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Our family has been on exactly the same journey. Here is our tale (long post warning).

My wife and I made the same switch three years ago. We had an 1988 wing-keel 22 that we loved. Same basic issue as the admiral declared that "there will be a real potty", admiralspeak for "enclosed head".

We had done several overnighters in the C-22 but with my wife and two daughters on board, although they are game for an adventure, the overall space and potty logistics effectively limited cruising duration to a single evening.

After a lot of shopping, I headed to CO from MT intending to inspect and purchase a 27' mid-90's wing-keel Hunter (I know... wait for it) on the hard. The plan was to spend a full day inspecting, then "sleep on it" overnight, and make a decision the next day.

I spent a full day crawling through every inch of the Hunter and while I found several issues, none were obvious deal-breakers. The problem was that the more time I spent on the boat, the less comfortable I became.

With just a few minutes left in the day, I knew that I needed to reset my head. What better way than to check out a different boat?

Two trailers down, was a Catalina 250 tiller wing keel. My wife and I had researched them and had discounted them for reasons that seem fuzzy now.

I climbed on the boat. Looked around the deck for a bit checking the basics. The layout was slightly weird but workable. The hardware was sized appropriately and while not flashy, looked simple, stout, and serviceable.

Then I popped the single plastic hatch board and climbed in. I was in a space at least as large as the 27' Hunter. I don't know if this is literally true, but the perception was the same nonetheless.

I dropped the backrest, and crawled into the v-birth, just to let things soak in for a bit. Same impression: simple, stout, serviceable. Just like the 22'.

I ran to the yard office to plead for more time. The folks who run the business had been wonderful throughout the day. This continued as the answer was, 'We are going home, take all the time you need, lock up when you leave.'

Trot back to the Catalina... do about thirty laps around the hull. I would not say that the lines are ugly, but the 250 is no stunning beauty. Lots of freeboard, wondering about windage. Absolutely round turn of the bilge. Keel is nicely faired, hull is well finished. Freshwater boat, no bottom paint, no signs of impact or structural issue.

Climb on, start at the bow and go over every inch of deck, fittings, lockers, etc. Liking what I see.

Factory full-batten main was in good shape, 135 furling genoa was tired but usable. Standing rigging and attachment hardware looked good. Self-tailers in good shape, but needed some service. I had always lusted after a pair for our C-22.

Inside, same inspection starting at the tip of the V-berth. Plenty of room to stretch out. Lots of space, decent storage, cushions in good condition. 15 gallon water tank under V-berth.

Head is enclosed with a porta-potty, tiny hand-pump sink, and a decent sized wet-locker. Galley is a single-burner propane stove, hand-pump sink and a couple of drawers. Tiny under-sink cabinet with a cooler-recess. Definitely not fancy, but workable. The aft berth under the cockpit is enormous for a boat this size. Port side storage. Headroom is not bad (wings have more than water ballast).

Several hours later, I realized that I was already a goner. I had started to see the beauty of the design. Odds being that my mechanical abilities are average, there was not a single thing on the boat that I could not operate, maintain, or repair. Yet this was a boat big enough for my wife and two daughters to spend more than an overnighter in comfort.

The Hunter had pressurized hot and cold water, inboard diesel, full marine head, etc. I started to see these 'features' as 'systems' that would need care and feeding. Add sling launches, crane mast stepping, and towing permits to the mix and the C-250 really started to glow.

The water system is dead simple, yet you get water when you need it. The head plumbing is dead simple, yet you can close the door, do your business, and be assured that the mechanical systems will work (gravity almost never goes on the blink). The rigging is dead simple, as is the steering and electrical. I can step and unstep the mast by myself, launch and retrieve by my self.

Off to the hotel for some internet sailing of a C-250... hmmm... Reviews are not glowing in regards to sailing manners. Lots of stuff about rudders and weather helm. Digging through the photos and video taken at the yard, I determine that this boat has the ‘new, new’ rudder. Owner reviews with newer rudders are much more complimentary. Arlyn’s site is a wealth of information, as are Henk's wise words along with this wonderful discussion board.

Sleep.

The next morning, I planned to take another reasonably detailed look throughout the Hunter, and then go back to the Catalina for a final appraisal. I climbed onto the Hunter, notebook in hand with all of yesterday’s notes, determined to be objective.

I lasted five minutes.

Climbing back onto the C-250 I relaxed immediately. Maybe it is the familiarity of the C-22 and how Catalina does things. Maybe it was the creeping worry that I had about some ‘probably nothing’ issues on the Hunter. All I know is that when I stood on the deck of the 250, I knew this was ‘it’.

Negotiations were completed by lunchtime.

At home on the water, the good and the bad. Know that I am not an experienced sailor. I grew up with dinghies, raced windsurfers at a regional and sometimes national level, but know very little about sailboats and have no coastal or offshore experience. What follows is from the viewpoint of someone who has transitioned from a C-22 and knows nothing else.

The C-250 is the largest Catalina that you can handle all by yourself. The design fits within the confines of DOT requirements (8’6” beam), cost constraints, and maximizing interior volume. When you take the design constraints into account, this is a beautiful boat, but there are trade-offs.

We live on a western lake in mountainous terrain that is 28 miles long and averages 8 miles in width (15 miles max). Max fetch is 22 miles and can produce swell. Our weather, as on any mountain lake, can change rapidly. You probably all have experienced the phenomenon where water conditions effect upon the size of your boat. On several occasions, even with a wary eye on the weather, our lake had made the C-22 shrink to the size of a 8’ dinghy.

The good:

The C-250 is much more substantial when it pipes up. The family is more at ease. I reef early. Little effect on speeds. The boat wants to be upright. Goes upwind well. Not difficult to hit hull speed at several points of sail (GPS). Reasonably dry. Weather helm develops at just about the same time as the crew “heel angle alarms” engage. Sail trim is able to counteract weather helm up to a certain point. Tacks through easily. Genoa tracks seem long enough. Heaves-to without issue. Roller furling is the eighth wonder of the world. Self tailing winches coming in close behind in the 9th spot. Main sheet has plenty of mechanical advantage, as does the vang. The cockpit is comfortable, the foredeck is comfortable, the cabin and sleeping arrangements are comfortable. Catbird seats are a coveted location for my girls. Tiller flips out of the way on anchor leaving tons of room in the cockpit. Open transom and ladder are great. MOB drills greatly simplified. With careful stowage, the anchor locker will actually hold a stock danforth and a 25lb Manson supreme. Lighting and electrical functional and adequate. No structural issues so far. An evening overnight with a couple of days worth of gear and food is relaxing and not cramped, even with the four of us.

The not so good:

Even though the C-250 feels much more substantial, it is initially tender. The motion through the first 5-10 degrees of heel seems quick, then the boat stiffens. Steering loads are light with the new, new, rudder but I am aware that a _lot_ of leeway-resisting lift is being produced by the rudder and I wonder about overall structural loads. My boat came with a 15hp Honda that will not pivot on it’s bracket within the confines of the starboard transom gap, so no thrust vectoring. The boat _must_ be making way, either forward or backward, before steering is effective. Trying to keep her on her lines, I have resisted adding an extension motor mount. Prop walk is minimal and overwhelmed by the off-center thrust of the outboard. These attributes, coupled with the high freeboard and resulting windage, makes for careful planning and maneuvering around fixed objects. 135 genoa (no foam luff) loses shape at around 100%. Stock traveler hard to adjust under load. Tracking and sail balance can be achieved. I wish I had more experience to compare the relative difficulty against other hull forms and sail plans, but my guess is that more traditional designs track better. The geometry of the spreaders, shrouds and stays makes creating mast bend very hard to achieve. The spreaders also limit downwind sail geometries. So far, VMG tacking downwind beats that of a dead-downwind course. All lines do not lead aft, but instead to the cabin top. This leads to some gymnastics. Strap trailer launch required for wing-keel. Sails back and forth big-time on the mooring causing a large multiplier on ground tackle loads. A bridle helped somewhat. I am going to add weather cloths or a riding sail this year to see if the behavior on the mooring can be dampened. .

Tricks learned so far to deal with boat idiosyncrasies (probably old news to the salts):

There is ample room behind the boom for standing. When single-handing, I have learned to stand over the tiller during tacks/gybes with a sheet in each hand while steering with my knees. Then sending a ‘flip loop’ (no idea what the real term might be) down to the release-side winch and pulling on the new loaded sheet with the other hand. I may add a small elevated seat over the fuel locker to allow sitting for this maneuver.

A TillerClutch or similar tamer is wonderful for brief dashes to the cabin-top running rigging controls.

Reef early. I converted the single-line to two-line as an experiment and so far have prefered two-line reefing. 2nd reef is rigged and practiced, but has not been needed so far.

Conclusion:

We love our C-250. It fits what we actually do on the water, and our lives in general, in so many ways. The simplicity of the systems and the ability to launch and retrieve means that we are self-sufficient, which is important to me. We typically launch and retrieve once or twice a year. We towed the boat to the Sail Havasu Pocket Cruiser convention in 2012 and found towing a significant distance was doable (Henk rolling his eyes at this point, a measly 1200 miles...). Plans include a trip to the San Juan region for a week or two of cruising if we can find a flotilla or group who will have us.

Regards,

The crew of S/V 'Danu'

Edited by - csmcg on 01/22/2014 19:12:20

Page: of 3

Topic

New Topic

Topic Locked

Printer Friendly

Jump To:

Association Forum

Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.