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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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New 250 owner (still almost)

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sailorman
1st Mate

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USA
69 Posts

Initially Posted - 03/07/2004 : 00:02:22

While still working with a couple of dealers on a 250/wing,or a 250/wb ,I still can't work out the weight variances. And yes, I have checked the archives;however, the weights reported, as a couple of guys weighed their boats, show no conclusive answers as both were loaded with "gear". In order to get a straight answer I have e-mailed Catalina a total of four times without a response. It would seem to me that a company that offers a product at near $30K would try to "entice" new buyers rather than ignore possible new business. Well; unless of course they have all the business they need. The lack of response has caused me to slow down and maybe consider other boats. Bottom line-- it's my money. Ed Schaefer

"On Eagle's Wing" WB/#643

Edited by - on

Sea Trac
Master Marine Consultant

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Vanuatu
1357 Posts

Response Posted - 03/07/2004 : 00:10:20

Hi Ed,

My experience with Catalina, although not for the possible purchase of a new boat, leads me to believe that they are under staffed. Of course, this falls in line with their low cost approach. Given the current state of the economy and Frank's attitude toward "weathering the storm", as depicted by an interview regarding a previous recession that is available online, the problem is probably currently exacerbated.

If it makes you feel any better, I'm starting my second week waiting on a response from Kent myself.

Edited by - on

Mark Loyacano
Navigator

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USA
247 Posts

Response Posted - 03/07/2004 : 00:18:04

You would do better to just phone them. I do and they are always very helpful.

Edited by - on

bren737
Captain

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291 Posts

Response Posted - 03/07/2004 : 00:49:56

Ed,

Ditto Mark's suggestion: phone call is the way to go. They are definitely understaffed (most of the office staff wears more than one hat) and if you visit the factory you'll see that they are not into the computer age except for the absolute 'necessities.' Still, maybe even more so after I visited the factory, I think they are a good hearted, friendly bunch. While $30K is indeed a lot to spend, I'm sure the $200K crowd springing for the C-350s and C-380s tend to get first response.

Don't give up; give them a call!

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 03/07/2004 : 01:10:18

Ed,

What are the issues with the weights of each boat?

Edited by - on

Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 03/07/2004 : 10:30:24

Frank hates email...thinks it waste too much time. These are his words, not mine.

On the other hand, Frank, Gerry, or Kent will talk to you on the phone. I'd go that route as others suggest.

There are many issues involved with the weight measurements including probably their own shipping cost. There seems little doubt that they have fudged the weights lower than they are and may wish to remain vague about them. The need for double axle brakes in some states is another they may be trying to avoid by publishing the actual numbers.

I agree with you that the weights are confusing... for example... we know that the water ballast is considerably lighter going down the road but that it is considerably heavier once the ballast is loaded, yet the proposed weight of the ballast tank is 1200 lbs. Its possible that its more than that but the ballast can't be trailered to the scales so we have no one who has weighed a center board boat with ballast.

It would be possible, using a funnel in the vent tube to load it in the drive way and measure how much water goes in but that would mean filling would have to pass the venting and it would be slow and tedious

. Any one having a spare six hours could probably do it with a milk carton brigade. Lets see.... was this #124 or 134? Oh ****... dump it and start over

.

Seriously, good numbers would be helpful. I might check on how easy a gallon of water goes down the vent...if it does so easily, I might give it a try.

Edited by - on

Waterboy
Navigator

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USA
204 Posts

Response Posted - 03/07/2004 : 10:48:44

Just an idea ... rather than measure the capacity and weight of the water ballast thimble by thimble, why not measure how long it takes to fill a pitcher then clock how long it takes to fill the ballast tank and do a little math from there? 'course, one would need a very constant water supply ... more likely to be acheived at low water pressures, and of course keep the family out the shower etc.

- just my 2 clams for the morning.

Edited by - on

willy
Captain

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USA
422 Posts

Response Posted - 03/07/2004 : 16:55:34

For what it's worth, when I launched my WB last year I went to the hardware store and bought a hose reduction fitting and some small plastic hose and then filled my ballast tank with fresh water from the pier rather than bay water. It took well over an hour but I couldn't give you a more accurate filling time as I was doing other launch and load related activities that were taking me from the boat to the truck and back and at least twice I had the hose come out of the vent. I will say that it filled pretty easily, I never had anything close to an odor issue, and I did not add anything to my ballast water all season. This technique loses practicality with more frequesnt launchings but having a slip I only launch once or maybe twice a season. I definately plan to do it again this year!

Edited by - on

Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 03/07/2004 : 19:47:07

Is there any end to resoucefullness?

Edited by - on

sailorman
1st Mate

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USA
69 Posts

Response Posted - 03/07/2004 : 20:51:23

The question was raised about my concern with the weights of the two boats. I have two issues: (1) I want to tow the boat to Florida once or twice a year and I need to know if my current tow vehicle will do the trick or not. (2) I look at a lot of specs on different boats and I am looking for a certain parameter of boat design before I get interested in it. As of now the 250/wb fits, as listed, the 250/wing does not. As for calling, I have called three times. No call back on two of them. On the third call, I do not remember who I talked to, but it was obvious that person was reading from a sales brochure. Ed Schaefer

Edited by - on

Dkn420
Captain

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USA
298 Posts

Response Posted - 03/07/2004 : 22:38:49

Ed: I towed my C250 WK home from Lake Tahoe with a 2003 Chevy Silverado 4WD and it did quite well....what type of tow vehicle are you considering using??

Dan #727

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 03/08/2004 : 04:48:43

Ed, I respect your trying to get your ducks in a row. The 250 WB is far and away the best boat per lb. in its class. It is what it is, buy it and if your vehicle handles it well, then great, if it handles it marginally then do something about your vehicle at some point. If you are going to simply buy the lightest trailerable sailboat then I recommend you shop for a West Weight Potter. And personally I think we are very lucky Catalina bothers with the 250 at all., we all love them but they don't seem to sell like I think they should. I am willing to bet a dollar that the 22 still outsells the 250.

Edited by - on

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