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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Cat 25 versus Cat 27?

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JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Initially Posted - 05/14/2003 : 14:46:14

Say you had $10K to spend to buy a used sailboat. Why would you choose a Cat 25 over a Cat 27? There are just as many 27s as 25s available in this price range.

Indiscipline 1978 FK #398

Edited by - on

John Mason
Admiral

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USA
687 Posts

Response Posted - 05/14/2003 : 15:04:53

Well, trailerability for one. Not as many trailers with the 27's, I think. The beam might also require a special permit to trailer the 27 down the highway.

Also, I've heard that the layout in the 27's makes the interior seem not as roomy.

John Mason
<img src="http://www.users.qwest.net/~jamason/ali.jpg" border=0>
pronounced "Ali Paroosa"
1982 - FK/SR #3290

Edited by - on

77Gypsy
Captain

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USA
356 Posts

Response Posted - 05/14/2003 : 15:11:10

i never trailered a boat in my life, i went with the 25 because my worst anxiety is docking and mooring. i absolutely plan on moving up to a 27 in about 2 years. the preformance is about the same, i like the extra foot of beam with te 27. i think that'll make all the diference in the world when spending a few days cruising with other people. i'm actually compiling notes already from C27 forums so i'm ready when i take the step. so for all of you that are interested and have kept up with all my upgrades, Gypsy will be for sale sometime in 2005.

Steve
78 C25 SR/FK - Gypsy

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Buzz Maring
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1770 Posts

Response Posted - 05/14/2003 : 15:13:05

Hi Jim,

For me the answer is trailerability. Granted, I've got a swing keel ... trailering a fin would be harder. Still, I like the idea that I can haul my boat somewhere if I want to.

I don't have any personal experience with inboards, but I've talked to lots of people who hate them ... outboards might not be pretty, but they are much simpler to maintain. So far as I know, C-27s all have inboards ... <img src=icon_smile_question.gif border=0 align=middle>

It also seems to me that, though bigger, there isn't that much more cabin room in a C-27 compared to a C-25. I think most marinas will charge you more money for the extra 2 feet of LOA ... I'm not sure you're getting much benefit.

It'll be interesting to see what others have to say on this thread!

BTW, your boat and mine are "twins" ... white with gold trim. I wasn't that crazy about the color scheme at first, but it's grown on me ... I'm beginning to think it looks pretty darn good.

Buzz Maring
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3df23b3127cce9306a9b3abad0000001010" border=0>
~~Freya~~
C-25 SK/SR #68

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77Gypsy
Captain

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USA
356 Posts

Response Posted - 05/14/2003 : 15:19:04

here is a link to a chart comparing the 2 boats, both being standard rig
http://www.websdf.com/c25-c27.html

Steve
78 C25 SR/FK - Gypsy

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JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 05/14/2003 : 15:31:56

I think the gold decks with blue sailcovers are a neat "retro" 70's look. The gold has stood up to the test of time - not badly faded after 25 years!

I know my answer to this question, I was wondering what others think.

According to our specifications page, the C25 is longer on the waterline than the 27 and so should have a faster hull speed. I am parked right next to one and can't see how that is possible.

Indiscipline 1978 FK #398

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pwhallon
Admiral

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USA
694 Posts

Response Posted - 05/14/2003 : 19:17:22

Hi Jim,

I switched from a 27 to a 25 for trailerability. I am on a lake where there are no travel-lifts. If I needed to get the boat out of the water quickly the trailer would be there for me.

The 27 doesn't have a tabernacle either for stepping the mast. Catalina offered that as a part in the past but has discontinued it. You'll find it on some boats.

Sailing performance was very different. the 27 went upwind like a cat on shag carpet. I used to BUZZ the gas dock at the marina with her. She could turn on a dime with the spade rudder. I could steer her even when going so slowly the knot meter showed 0.

In reverse, the tiller could kill you if you didn't hang on tight.

I like the 1984ish models with the outboard engine mounted in the transom and the simple head layout.

I would not get the diesel unless you like a smelly heavy boat. The engine compartment makes a huge storage locker on the outboard model.

My 81 had lots of gelcoat blisters and a cast iron keel. I think in 84 or 83 they went to a lead keel.

the 27 has the traveler on the cabin top. I like that. It won't "hang" you like the 25s mainsheet will.

It's easier to go forward on the 27 too. I could step up under the bimini and go on ahead. The 25 with a bimini is a little tight.

I like the anthwartship head on the 25. It's nice and big. The interior is just about as roomy as the 27.

The 27 had the batteries in the port cockpit locker. I didn't like that. I'm too big to get down there.

My 27 had a leak that I couldn't find either. That drove me nuts.

<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3db35b3127cce88739b49d1b50000001610" border=0>

So, enough said.

To be honest, I like them both.

I hope this helps.

Paul

PS. I know where you can get a nice Marinette 28 for around $14K. <img src=icon_smile_evil.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>

Edited by - pwhallon on 05/14/2003 19:22:44

Edited by - pwhallon on 05/14/2003 19:25:26

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Douglas
Master Marine Consultant

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1595 Posts

Response Posted - 05/14/2003 : 19:31:41

You will get more bang for your buck with a C-25 for 10K.
The C-27 has 6" less length in the V berth.
The C-27 wasted the extra two feet in an engine well on the stern that only alows certain engines to fit.
You cant find a 27' slip =30'is next size up.
C-25 will fir a 25' slip = cheaper dock fee's
C-25 costs less in a state park .
C-25 is road legal to tow in almost all states without a wide load permit.
I too went through this delema and found for your money you should be able to fine a very well equiped 25 with a trailer. Its nice to be able to pull the boat out of the water for winter and not pay slip fee's on something you cant use. You can also do your boat projects right at home and dont need a boat yard to work on the bottom.

Doug&Ruth
Triska (Alberg 29)
Tacoma Wa.

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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 05/14/2003 : 20:55:37

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>Why would you choose a Cat 25 over a Cat 27? <hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

Before I bought my C25, I was shopping for a C27 because I already had a 25ft boat and I wanted to move up. I was only on a C27 a couple of times, but what I noticed when comparing the two, is that although the C27 has more headroom, it does seem to have a more confining feel to it. The two additional feet in length I think is taken up by the enclosed head/closet and the cockpit. I believe the C27 V-berth is shorter than the C25.

The C27 is beamier and has more ballast so stability is probably increased over that of the C25, but it has the same draft as the C25 fin. Additionally, the C27 rig is more substantial and it can carry more sail.

I choose the C25 for a couple of reasons, the first and major one being the unbelievable price I paid for my C25. The second reason why it was good for me was at 25ft, my C25 fits into the majority of the slips at my marina, whereas if I had a larger boat(C27 and up) I would have to compete for the larger slips, which my marina has far fewer available. The smaller slips are also cheaper.

Which brings up another point. Costs. The C27 is larger so that means somethings will cost more like bottom jobs, sails, slip fees(when charged per foot), standing and running rigging, storage, ...etc. Winter storage for my C25 costs me $320.00($1.60/sqft) and a C27 would cost $388.00. Are all these costs worth the enclosed head, additional headroom, and the other things associated with a slightly larger boat? Maybe, if those items are important to you. But if it were me, I would jump right to the C30 and skip the C27.(Although I really like the C28)

<img src="http://www.sailboatowners.com/boats/images/Catalina/28main.jpeg" border=0>
<img src="http://www.sailboatowners.com/boats/images/Catalina/28salon.jpeg" border=0>

<img src="http://www.catalina25-250.org/c25sm.gif" border=0>Don Lucier<img src="http://www.catalina25-250.org/c25sm.gif" border=0>
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b2d904b3127cce9f7cd9ffdf1d0000003010" border=0>
North Star SR/FK

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Dave B
Admiral

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Mali
863 Posts

Response Posted - 05/14/2003 : 21:46:23

Like Don, we chose the 25 to fit in a slip we could get at our club, based on beam as much as length--the slip for the 27 might have taken five or more years to get. I also prefer an outboard for simplicity. If we were serious cruisers, we might rethink that...

The C-27 I sailed on seemed considerably larger above and below--probably because of the side decks above and the headroom below. The only one I've seen with an outboard was in very rough shape, and the little engine in the well just didn't look like enough on that boat.

Dave Bristle, 1985 C-25 #5032 "Passage" SR/FK/Dinette/Honda in SW CT

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OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 05/14/2003 : 23:44:24

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
I believe the C27 V-berth is shorter than the C25.
<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

And the Catalina 25 v-berth is shorter than the Catalina 22 . . .

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lcharlot
Master Marine Consultant

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Antigua and Barbuda
1301 Posts

Response Posted - 05/15/2003 : 00:27:26

We have a Catalina 270 in our club, a boat about the same size as the older Cat 27. The 27/270, if you do decide to trailer it, requires a substantially heavier aduty and WAY more expensive custom-design gooseneck trailer. The mast is much heavier than the Catalinq 25 mast and raising/lowering it for trailering is much more difficult. Of course you need a wide load permit. And I don't think the Catalina 27 offers that much more in creature comforts or sailing performance to be worth the extra difficulties. One thing you do get in some 27's is a galley with a small oven and maybe a small refrigerator/freezer, something I have never heard of on a Catalina 25.

Larry Charlot
Catalina 25 #1205 "Quiet Time"
Sacramento, CA

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RichardG
Admiral

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USA
990 Posts

Response Posted - 05/15/2003 : 00:49:29

Regarding headroom -- the C27 may have more while underway, but I'm tall and I'm bent over considerably in both the C25 and the C27. But at anchor, the poptop on the C25 goes up and increases the headroom immensely. The poptop cover also creates significant additional overhead storage which is especially important cruising with young kids (porta-cribs, clothes, diapers, toys, books, videos, etc.).

Another benefit of the C25 is that Isthmus Harbor Patrol at Two Harbors, CA allows C25's on the "Outside Stringline", but not C27's. The upside to this area is that it's a few bucks cheaper and it's closer to the dinghy dock than many of the regular moorings. But the biggest advantage is that there are often open spots, when all regular moorings are sold out almost every summer weekend. The downside is that it's pretty tight in there which puts you pretty close to your neighbor (but this can be good, too). Harbor Patrol often won't offer a spot on the stringline (even if everything else is sold out), so be prepared to ask.

<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3db35b3127cce887d7ae6d1690000001610" border=0>

RichardG 81 C25 SR/FK "Sanity"

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matsche
Captain

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USA
280 Posts

Response Posted - 05/16/2003 : 13:47:06

There's an interesting book called "Twenty Small Sailboats to Take You Anywhere" by John Vigor. You may have seen his name as a contributor in "Good Old Boat" or "Sail" magazine. It's a compilation of 20 sailboats, ranging in size from 20 to 32 feet, that the author claims are (or can be made) blue water cruisers for circumnavigation. The Catalina 27, with rig modifications, is one of them. Some of the other boats mentioned are the Alberg 30, Nicholson 31 and Pacific Seacraft 25.

My Catalina 25 is on a lake and for the reasons stated above and more, I wouldn't have any other. I love my 25. But, if I were in the salty water, I'd take a hard look at the 27. Especially one with an outboard engine. About half the 27s were built with outboards.

John Matsche 1985 Cat-25 TR/FK

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Chip Hunt
Navigator

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120 Posts

Response Posted - 05/17/2003 : 01:47:37

in my marina, there is a c27 docked right beside a c25. the difference in the rig is noticeable, both in height and in weight. the mast on the 27 is much thicker. i myself have a c25 tall rig, and the 27 is taller than my rig as well. if you are going to do more serious offshore sailing, then you may want to consider the 27. i have no reservations about going offshore in my 25, but i think that the 27 is better equipped for such sailing than the 25 is. as for room, as these other guys have said, there is not too much of a difference.

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