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questions on C 250

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coleoliver
Deckhand

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4 Posts

Initially Posted - 08/10/2003 : 12:29:48

I am considering purchasing a new 250 water ballast, swing keel sailboat. I don't know much about the water ballast vessels. How do they sail as compared to the wing keel version? I plan on keeping the boat in the water, is there maintenance to prevent growth in the ballast? Is the resale value on a WB the same as the wing keel?

Next, is the ease of single-handed sailing. I am concerned about the jib sheet winches being on the cabin top. I know I can use a tiller extention, but that seems to me it would be very awkward.
I like the layout of the boat. I am also considering the C 22.
ANy feedback or advise would be greatly appreciated.

Cole in St. Pete

Edited by - on

bear
Admiral

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USA
909 Posts

Response Posted - 08/11/2003 : 08:28:38

Cole,
I can answer two of your questions. I have a 1995 C 250 WB and when filling the ballast I pour a cup of chlorine into the vent tube when the tank is about full. The vent tube is located in the anchor locker.
As for sailing single handed, I do have a tiller tamer and use it frequently, however the jib lines are long enough so I can control them while still setting in the cockpit. I do criss-cross them so they can be easily cleated and uncleated. If I need to crank on the jib winches to tighten the jib up it really doesn't take that long. There are other more experienced C250 WB sailors who can give you answers for your other questions.
"Bear" on Brandy

Edited by - on

Bryan Beamer
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1038 Posts

Response Posted - 08/12/2003 : 15:37:49

Since none of the water ballast people have answered yet I will answer what I can.

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote> How do they sail as compared to the wing keel version? <hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

I have never sailed a c250wb. I owned a Hunter 19wb. You can't compare the 2 water ballast boats; the c250 is far more superior. I have races against a wb one time and my wing keel out preformed the wb on all points of sail. Both boats are the best value in their class. The one thing I liked about the wk is the 5" of more headroom in the cabin.

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote> Is the resale value on a WB the same as the wing keel?<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

Here in Colorado both boats have good resale value. It also depends on the extra goodies you have on the boat.

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>Next, is the ease of single-handed sailing. I am concerned about the jib sheet winches being on the cabin top. I know I can use a tiller extension, but that seems to me it would be very awkward. <hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

I have the wheel steering on our boat and I single hand as well, it does take some getting use to doing it. I do think it would be easier with the tiller and an extension. To make single-handing easier we installed a set of winches above the coaming compartments. Other have done the same.

<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3dd10b3127cce95992bc682e30000001610" border=0>

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>I am also considering the C 22.<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

IMHO the c250 is the way to go.

Bryan Beamer
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3d935b3127cce8ab87c3b48020000000010" border=0>
Daylight Again
C250wk #495
2003 National Champion

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mday
Navigator

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197 Posts

Response Posted - 08/12/2003 : 19:27:49

Cole,

I have a C250 WB that I keep in the water (fresh water lake). As stated, I periodically add chlorine to the ballast through the vent tube. The water still gets stagnant and smells bad when you drain the ballast. Some people here with WB boats pull into the marina and fill the ballast from a hose to prevent intake of lake lifeforms, but I haven't bothered. So far, I haven't had any problems keeping the boat in the water. I'm due for a pullout soon, so I'll report anything interesting. Note the WB doesn't have the bottom sealed and painted, so you'll need to do that if you're going to stay in the water. See the recent post on "Bottom Paint".

As for single handing, I do that most of the time and feel in good control. I have wheel steering and an autopilot, though, which helps immensely for single handed operation -- especially coming in and getting the sail down when its windy. Often I sail sitting in front of the wheel where I can get to the winches easily when tacking. This way, I haven't felt the need to have winches back on the coaming like Bryan has. Make sure you have self tailing winches for either configuration so you don't have to mess around with cleats. The WB sails flatter (less heel) than a keel boat, but I've never found it to be unstable. It's actually a bit more comfortable than having the deck tilted more on long tacks.

Whatever way you go -- have fun sailing!

Max Day
C250 WB 380
Lake Pleasant, AZ

Edited by - on

Dave B
Admiral

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Mali
863 Posts

Response Posted - 08/12/2003 : 21:01:41

Hello, Cole... As you can see from my signature, we don't have a C-250, but I researched them carefully when we were in the market. My first question: If you'll keep it int the water, why do you want a water-ballast instead of a wing keel? The strength of the WB is for trailer-sailing. The WK gives you more headroom, fewer maintenance issues, and reasonable ability to store on a trailer. As for draft, my opinion is that the difference is negligable--you simply should not get either boat into water that is shallow enough that it would make a difference.

That said, chlorine in the ballast tank is a very common solution for people who keep the tanks full for long periods of time--even in salt water. The scant evidence is that the WB boat points a little better and pitches less in a seaway (due to the longer spread of the ballast), but the 5" extra headroom in the WK is hard to ignore.

Arlyn Stewart must be in the North Channel of Lake Huron with his 250-WB, proving that seaworthiness is not a problem... Hopefully, you'll get to hear his perspective on your questions. He is one of, if not THE acknowledged guru of the C-250.

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

Edited by - on

bill bosworth
Navigator

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USA
172 Posts

Response Posted - 08/13/2003 : 21:33:34

Hi Cole;
I'll give you my two cents worth. About 2 years ago we retired and moved to Kerr lake in North Carolina. We had been sailing a Cal 25 in Western New York but wanted a boat that we could pull around, store at home, would not need a marina for launching, in other words be indepandent. We looked around and fell in love with the c250 wb. We find that launching, hauling and raising the mast are easily done with just my wife and myself. Head room has not been an issue, we don't do extended crusing, the seated headroom is more than adequate, and with the pop top up we have all of the room that we need. I find that the boat sails as well or better than I had hoped. It's not the same as the fin keel boat, not better or worse, just different. I do think that the boat points very well. I also think its much faster than I expected. like the centerboard for the additional control and balance that I provides. The board and outboard rudder makes the boat sail and feel something like a large dingy. Last summer the lake went down 15 feet so the lake bottom was showing itself in some unexpected places. We were never worried, we bumped the bottom a couple of times, pulled up the board and headed for deeper water. I often single hand the boat, sometimes when I'm alone other times when the admiral is taking a nap, but find that a hiking stick and lock box work well.
Last summer was the first time that I had the boat in the water all summer, when I drained the tank it smelled like a sewer. This year I gave the than a good dose of chlorine.
It seems like after every sail, my wife and I congratulate each other on picking what is probably the perfect boat for us.
Good luck in your hunting;
Bill C250wb #134 Serendipity

Edited by - on

ssteakley
Captain

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USA
467 Posts

Response Posted - 08/13/2003 : 22:10:56

From my perspective:
If you will trailor often then 250WB,
If you plan to leave her in a slip then 250WK,
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>

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Dragonfly
1st Mate

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USA
64 Posts

Response Posted - 08/13/2003 : 22:53:14

Just an FYI
I recently purchased a '02 C250 WK - and I love it! - The only thing is that I found it to be a bit too tight for my family. So I am now selling it - and moving up to a larger Catalina. It is located at Lake Texoma - if anyone is interested please give me call or email.
Flywater@sbcglobal.net
817 423-3275
Luis V.

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

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Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 08/14/2003 : 07:41:10

Back at my sisters from cruising...will be home middle of next week. Steve paints it clear...if trailering often - cb, if not - wk.

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

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USA
422 Posts

Response Posted - 08/19/2003 : 16:58:25

Cole,
The entire reason I chose the Water Ballast was the boats draft. I am in the head of a salt water bay that has some real shallow areas that I need to negotiate in order to get to water deep enough to sail. The 20' draft has been a blessing and the boats performance has been spectacular. This is the first boat (of my three so far)where I have not installed a tiller tamer but plan to this weekend. The cabin top mounted wenches are pretty difficult to manage single handed even with my extendable tiller extender.
I filled my ballast tank with a hose upon launching (in April) and have had no issue with odor.
Good luck in your decision.
Willy

Edgy, WB#655
Rehoboth Bay, DE

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Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 09/03/2003 : 14:49:20

I missed this while off cruising, forgive me willy.... but

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote> The cabin top mounted wenches are pretty difficult to manage single handed even with my extendable tiller extender.<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

is the hands down best rendition of the winch - wench communication blooper on record. <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_shock.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_blush.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_evil.gif border=0 align=middle>

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 - arlyn stewart on 09/03/2003 14:54:45

Edited by - arlyn stewart on 09/03/2003 18:18:39

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Sea Trac
Master Marine Consultant

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Vanuatu
1357 Posts

Response Posted - 09/03/2003 : 15:01:31

That IS the best!

BTW, congratulations on your new boat, Cole.

J.B. Manley
<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3d609b3127cce8d2e212441c60000002010" border=0>
Antares '85 FK/SR #4849
36°29'58" -94°59'59"

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willy
Captain

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USA
422 Posts

Response Posted - 09/05/2003 : 10:12:07

Arlyn,
Didn't get back into this string very quickly myself. I even bloop on winch in speaking. While I'd like to think I can manage the Admiral, she would probably give you a different perspective! She is however, a big fan of the extension!
HA
Bill

Edgy, WB#655
Rehoboth Bay, DE

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