Association Forum

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

TOWING

New Topic

Topic Locked

Printer Friendly

Author

Topic

willy
Captain

Member Avatar

USA
422 Posts

Initially Posted - 03/22/2003 : 18:34:38

Folks,
I am hoping to pick up a 96 250WB next Saturday the 29th and need answers to a couple of questions!
1. What diameter is the trailer hitch ball that fits the Catalina Trailer?
2. Is the plug for the trailer lights standard?
I just got a Toyota 4Runner with towing package and it has a round "female" looking plug for lights built in just under the bumper. Anyone know whether or not I need some kind of adapter or forsee any other problems?
Thanks, and wish me luck!

Edited by - on

Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 03/22/2003 : 20:03:19

Congrats on finding a boat...

The hitch should be a 2 inch and the connector is likely the inline four plug. So, you will either need an adapter...or cut the plug off the trailer harness and install a new round plug to suit your truck.

Unless you have time to burn when picking it up...I suggest an adapter.

Quiz the seller at to the condition of the brakes... you will tell real quick if they aren't working as when you accelerate after a stop, the actuator will travel full throw and offer a clunk. Also, check the hubs shortly after starting out...if a brake is stuck... it will overheat the hub. Take it easy if the brakes aren't working.

Good luck.

Arlyn C-250 W/B #224
<img src="http://www.stewartfam.net/arlyn/rr.jpg" border=0>
N/E Texas and Great Lakes

[url="http://www.cox-internet.com/arlynstewart/"]Arlyn's C250 Mods n Cruisin Stories[/url]

Edited by - on

willy
Captain

Members Avatar

USA
422 Posts

Response Posted - 03/23/2003 : 12:24:08

Arlyn,
Thanks for the advise! I just bought a 2" ball for my hitch and the light wiring adapter you mentioned. I received confirmation this morning that the boat is available and will be driving up for final assesment, paperwork, and the 5 to 6 hour tow back next Saturday!
The next project will be to find and balance that beaching rudder - something I am certain will require a fair amount of time on this website!
Thanks again!
Bill

Edited by - on

Ben - FL
Admiral

Members Avatar

880 Posts

Response Posted - 03/23/2003 : 20:39:18

I don't know about everyone else's, but my trailer has a 2&5/16 ball.

Also has surge disk brakes that are froze up so now my trailer is in the shop.

Safe voyages,
Ben, FL s/v Chick-a-pea C250wk
<img src="http://www.members.aol.com:/benraye/pictures/fullsail.jpg" border=0>

Edited by - on

bill bosworth
Navigator

Members Avatar

USA
172 Posts

Response Posted - 03/23/2003 : 21:46:39

We travel with a couple of very heavy ratchiting straps, one for the bow the other for the stern. We also have a '96 c250 wb. The ball is 2". Take it easy and have a good trip, I'm sure that your going to love your new boat.
Bill
c250wb #134 Serendipity

Edited by - on

Bryan Beamer
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1038 Posts

Response Posted - 03/24/2003 : 00:56:37

My Wing Keel trailer also has a 2" ball.Congrats on the new boat. Have a safe trip.<img src=icon_smile.gif border=0 align=middle>

Bryan Beamer
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3dc23b3127cce9462f2858f2b0000001010" border=0>
Daylight Again
C250wk #495

Edited by - on

Dragonfly
1st Mate

Members Avatar

USA
64 Posts

Response Posted - 03/24/2003 : 08:25:18

I have seen a trailer for a 2001 250 - and it too had a 2" ball.

C-250 WK #641
Flywater@sbcglobal.net
Lake Texoma, Texas

Edited by - on

ssteakley
Captain

Members Avatar

USA
467 Posts

Response Posted - 03/24/2003 : 23:52:24

My trailrite has a 2-5/16" ball for my wing keel, and a 4 inline plug,
Steve

<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3dc32b3127cce94d57c8cff3b0000001010" border=0> Moon Chaser #385WK <img src="http://www.catalina25-250.org/forum/forum1.gif" border=0>

Edited by - on

willy
Captain

Members Avatar

USA
422 Posts

Response Posted - 03/30/2003 : 18:55:54

Folks,
Haunted by disappointment again. I am starting to wonder if my expectations are too high. I have looked at two 250WB's in the last month and have driven about 1800 miles if you count the return trips. Either I am crazy or people have a dramatically different definition of the word "pristine". To me it means no huge scrapes in the hull, maybe a small ding or two would be ok, no decal stripes that look like they were hit with a cheese grater, and no chalky gelcoat. One of the boats, the 96 was actually a 95 when I got there and the guy couldn't find words to explain how his ad stated 1996 - which by the way it still does.
Another guy who was supposed to have someone meet me for inspection with the title was a no show. I came to find out he had never actually seen the boat, bought it on EBAY for 10,000 - and was trying to sell it to me for 17,000. It was full of water and was also chalky with ratty decals.
Both guys stated to me how there boats were PERFECT! Ughh. I will have a 250WB someday,, I just need to be patient. Someone out there has to keep their boat like I have always kept mine, waxing it a couple of times a season, chasing down and repairing leaks, making certain that the hardware is in great shape. Don't get the wrong idea, I sail my boat every weekend all weekend. I just usually do one maintenence project a week. To me thats normal - the way you keep your boat safe to operate as well as something to be proud of. I apoligize for this being a bit of a rant but I REALLY WANT THIS BOAT!
I guess I needed to vent a bit.
To sum it up I'd say the rule of thumb when shopping for a boat on the internet is -CAVEAT EMPTOR!
Bill

Edited by - on

Bryan Beamer
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1038 Posts

Response Posted - 03/31/2003 : 10:20:21

That is the biggest reason I don't buy anything used i.e. cars, trucks, boats

I don't have good luck with used stuff. If I buy new I get a warranty. I don't have to fix the DPOs handyman stuff. Then I get to fix it up my way.

Bryan Beamer
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3dc23b3127cce9462f2858f2b0000001010" border=0>
Daylight Again
C250wk #495

Edited by - on

Oscar
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
2030 Posts

Response Posted - 03/31/2003 : 11:47:01

>It was full of water and was also chalky with ratty decals.<

I saw that boat......especially the delamination at the bottom of the head walls was very charming. I saw it, then turned west and bought a new one in StLouis. Like Bryan says, then you get to do it your way. Same 2000 miles. Money is cheap right now, interest is tax deductible, and the trailer pays for itself in one year (versus dock fees around here). Then again, If you keep at it you'll find a clean one. (Like mine in a couple of years, when the airline industry rebounds and I get a 42.........hi honey, please stop looking over my shoulder <img src=icon_smile_evil.gif border=0 align=middle>

Good Luck.

Oscar
<img src="http://www.woodenshoemusic.com/Images/familypics/LKforumshot.jpg" border=0>
Lady Kay 250 WB #618
In the driveway, just back from Florida ready to go anytime.

Edited by - on

willy
Captain

Members Avatar

USA
422 Posts

Response Posted - 03/31/2003 : 12:39:51

Well I just got off the phone with Crazy Don Condon at American Marine & Sail Supply in North Carolina who is pricing me out a new 2003 250WB. Says I can come down and sail it first, and if I pay him for gas he will deliver it to Delaware. My girlfriend is always telling me to not be so damn cheap and realize the value of my time so here goes. I will keep you posted!

Edited by - on

Sailor Vic
1st Mate

Members Avatar

56 Posts

Response Posted - 03/31/2003 : 13:12:34

Brian Beamer wrote:

"If I buy new I get a warranty. I don't have to fix the DPOs handyman stuff."

I agree and that is one of the reasons why I bought my NEW Catalina 250WK last year.......

but consider this:

I ordered a brand new 2002 250WK in April 2002. I missed a nice local sailing event which happened in May, and took take delivery of my new, shiny, beautiful 250wk in June.

Unfortunately:

The hatch leaked

as well as a coaming leaked

(and I have mildew on my bedding thanks to that leak).

The backstay is off center and there doesn't appear to be any repair for that.

This is on a brand new 250wk!

As far as warranty, I am being asked to drive it back to the nearest dealer which is 4 hours (each way).

I guess when I bought the $5,400. trailer from the dealer that was so that I could drive a few days to get the warranty work done (along with renting a tow vehicle and also getting to stay in a motel waiting for the repair or ???).

That wasn't nice what I just wrote, but I am wondering,

had I not bought a trailer, would my warrant have been better?

Or, how do they expect us to get the warranty work done?

If I step up to a larger Catalina how does that warranty work get done?

A nearly new boat doesn't sounds that bad to me!

I didn't think I would like to do repairs and that a warranty would be better.

Now I am not so sure.

Yes, I have a warranty, and I have heard a lot of good things about Frank Butler and Catalina on this forum (my main reason for buying the Catalina 250 was THIS forum), but Frank Butler's letter to me (in response to my request for warranty work) dated February 28, 2003 states:

"I would appreciate it if you would make arrangements to have the boat brought back to Wind Toys and they will take care of these problems for you."

Not happy with the warranty of my new 250wk,

Vic

#660 2002 250WK
"Leon's Dream"

<img src="http://www.plumbingsupply.com/images/vic-smilesailing2002.jpg" border=0>

Edited by - on

bill bosworth
Navigator

Members Avatar

USA
172 Posts

Response Posted - 03/31/2003 : 13:35:36

I guess we were lucky, we drove 700 miles to look at a '96 wb. That was back in about 2000. The only problem that we could find with the boat was the stipes, several dings. We took the boat home and did some waxing and polishing, I ordered new stipes from Catalins. They cost about $50.00. Putting them on wasn't much of a problem and made the boat look new. We paid about $14,500, for boat, trailer and a one year old Honda 9.9 which was a heck of a lot less than what a new boat would cost. So far we have had no problems with the boat. I guess what I'm saying.... keep on looking... a good one will come up, and it is worth the trouble!

Bill
C250wb #134 Serendipity

Edited by - on

andy
Navigator

Members Avatar

USA
228 Posts

Response Posted - 03/31/2003 : 14:14:34

Willy
Everybody has different ideas when it comes to buying a boat. I personally would never buy a new boat for the simple reason that you really take a bath on depreciation in the first year or two. The key is patience. If you want it now you either have to be very lucky or buy a new one.

I bought my boat 4 years ago for $20,000. It had spent 4 years (summers only) on a pristine pure mt.lake and it was in perfect condition. They even hung a new 4cyl engine on it as part of the deal. I added up the extra gear and goodies on it at it totaled $5500. I recently could have sold it for $17,500. There is a 96 model in Boise that has been sailed less than 20 times (has never been slept in) and has been stored inside. It just sold for $16,500, it is in "like new" condition but has very few extra gear (like no radio).

I have a good friend who purchased a new Hunter 260 last year. Big bucks for a trailer boat! There were so many things wrong they had to send it back to the factory. Hopefully your new 250 will be perfect. My friend's main problem was that he bought a hunter.

Andy Anderson
C250 WB #163
MHYC McCall, Idaho

Edited by - on

Bryan Beamer
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1038 Posts

Response Posted - 03/31/2003 : 17:35:41

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote><font size=1 face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>I personally would never buy a new boat for the simple reason that you really take a bath on depreciation in the first year or two. <hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote></font id=quote><font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" size=2 id=quote>

It must depend on where you live. I bought my c250wk in Jan 2000 for a little over $35,000.00 new. We loaded it up. I have since spent (not including maintenance, i.e. bottom pant, motor tune up)$1,700.00 on non-essentials stuff that I want to have. I.e. coaming winches, reacher/drifter, custom boom tent. These items are hard to get your money back in a sell.

I recently saw a 2000wk in my area that sold for $29,900.00 that was equipped pretty close to mine. That boat only depreciated $1,275.00 a year.

Bryan Beamer
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3dc23b3127cce9462f2858f2b0000001010" border=0>
Daylight Again
C250wk #495

Edited by - on

Oscar
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
2030 Posts

Response Posted - 03/31/2003 : 17:46:55

I guess I got the best of both worlds.....a 2002 , last years model, and thus technically not new. If I were to sell it after one year, it would be a two year old boat. Still, that was figured into the price. With 9.9 Honda and trailer, basic equipment package, carpet, a Walker Bay 8' dinghy, and a handhelp VHF....so a new used boat with a warrantee.....28K. I'm Happy.

Oscar
<img src="http://www.woodenshoemusic.com/Images/familypics/LKforumshot.jpg" border=0>
Lady Kay 250 WB #618
In the driveway in Behtlehem, PA ready to go anytime.

Edited by - on

mcl2
Deckhand

Members Avatar

USA
8 Posts

Response Posted - 04/01/2003 : 22:52:21

Willy,

You have probbably already seen these listings there from www.yachtworld.com

25' Catalina 250 1997 US$ 19,900 S U SG FG E Greenwhich, RI

25' Catalina 250 1997 US$ 22,900 S U SG FG Portsmouth, RI

and theres a few others on there. . . . just trying to help out <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>

Edited by - on

willy
Captain

Members Avatar

USA
422 Posts

Response Posted - 04/07/2003 : 16:13:17

Well guys I went and did it. I got a 2003 250WB, taking delivery on her the second of May. I am putting a Honda 8hp 25" shaft outboard on her!
The only extras I got were window shades, Canvas Pkg ( for tiller)cockpit cushions, the bidata ST-40, and a bimini. This will be my third sailboat and my first brand new one. Anyone want to buy a 25' Beachcomber cat rigged ketch with an 8 hp yanmar inboard, free standing, rotating masts, and a marine head with holding tank?
Lying in Lewes DE on the hard.

Edited by - on

Bryan Beamer
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1038 Posts

Response Posted - 04/07/2003 : 23:17:33

That is great to hear. I sure you will enjoy your new c250<img src=icon_smile_approve.gif border=0 align=middle>

Bryan Beamer
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3dc23b3127cce9462f2858f2b0000001010" border=0>
Daylight Again
C250wk #495

Edited by - on

khamburger
1st Mate

Members Avatar

USA
35 Posts

Response Posted - 04/09/2003 : 20:42:59

Well, I drove over 1000 miles one way with financing ready to buy a two year old 250wb that I saw listed on the internet in 2000. Went from Colorado Springs to Marina Del Rey, took a look at the boat and drove home with it for $16,500. It was in great shape, fully functional trailer and no problems (until I grounded it the first weekend I had it home, oh well).

Keith

Edited by - on

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.