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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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sterngucker
Navigator

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USA
169 Posts

Initially Posted - 04/23/2004 : 05:20:19

Hi everyone,
I am just joining the list and about to join the Catalina family. I have put a deposit down on a new 250 WB and the order will soon be placed. I understand there is about a five week turn around form the factory, so I am hoping to take possession around Memorial or first of June.

My biggest question and concern is the rudder. I understand the 3rd gen for the WB is considered too short and that some folks install the longer rudder that comes with the WK version. I also understand that if you use the longer WK version you must mount/unmount it in the water. I would welcome any comments. I am sure this horse has been beat many times

on this list, but I haven't found any previous topic on it. One dealer told me Catalina would not ship a WB with a WK rudder. Another one told me it is cheaper to order it that way with the boat which he often does.

For accessory packages I am including the Carpeting, Cushions, Covers, Safety and Equipment, and Wheel Steering packages. Am I missing something I should include, or including something I should get third party?

I plan to limit my sailing between the San Jauns and the Sea of Cortez.
Thanks.

Soon be a Cat250 sailor in California

Edited by - on

Sea Trac
Master Marine Consultant

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Vanuatu
1357 Posts

Response Posted - 04/23/2004 : 07:54:53

Hello sterngucker and welcome to the forum. Since the majority of your post regards the C250, you might get a better response by posting this in the C250 specific forum.

Good luck and, again, welcome to the fleet!

Edited by - on

Arlyn Stewart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
2980 Posts

Response Posted - 04/23/2004 : 08:57:06

You have heard right... you don't want the 3rd short, it has inadequate control for your sailing venues. That leaves the choice between the 3rd long and the 2nd beaching. I like the 2nd beaching and if your boat is not slipped in salt water the aluminum rudder head is no problem. The beaching allows shipping and unshipping the rudder before and after launch and retrieve which is easier especially for the wheel steered boat.

It will allow the boat into skinny water and be safer regarding damage to the rudder or mountings. Catalina will say, "It's not offered any more". If you press them, they may say, "we can provide it without warranty". If they do, I'd get it and do the fairly simple mods that replace the rivet-detent hold down with a bungee method and adjust the rake of the blade to provide some rudder balance.

The 250 water ballast deserves a rudder that fits the character of the boat, a beaching rudder. The 2nd (with mods performed) is a very good rudder.

There are several long threads on the c250 forum dealing with this issue. A search should reveal them.

Let us know which you decide on and how it goes with Catalina.

There are also some very good threads on the 250 forum regarding dealing with the dealer, being on hand when the boat arrives at dealer, taking pictures, ensuring the commissioning is done to your satisfaction, your first year association fees paid, etc.

There are a number of little things which have been covered, one of which is the screen to the port in the head. If it is not installed, be carefull to remove a filler piece prior to installing the screen... otherwise the hinges will be stressed and break.

The beaching rudder head mods are posted on my web site, link is below.

Edited by - on

RichardG
Admiral

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USA
990 Posts

Response Posted - 04/23/2004 : 11:25:49

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">limit my sailing between the San Jauns and the Sea of Cortez<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">

Wow -- limiting to such a small sailing area! Maybe you should spread your wings a little.

Where in CA are you? While I understand in general Arlyn's comments regarding a beaching rudder for a WB boat, I don't think I've ever seen any sailboat other than a catamaran or a sailing dinghy "beached" in So. Cal., and each time these relatively light boats were pulled by hand completely out of the water to prevent damage from wave action on the shoreline (taking into account tide conditions and length of stay). Skinny water ability may be another issue, however. But the only place I've seen this is Catalina Harbor (other side of isthmus from Two Harbors). Last summer I was anchored there and 30+ Corsairs came flying in at the end of a race. The first ones in saved on mooring fees because they could anchor in the shallower water way back in the harbor before the area filled up with boats, but this is the only skinny water anchoring grounds I know of around here (allbeit limited). While I know little about the C250, this may be something to consider. Good luck and welcome.

Edited by - on

JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 04/23/2004 : 13:09:00

There are a couple of places in San Diego's Mission Bay where you can beach. There's lots of skinny water in there too that I am afraid to explore with my fin. We generally leave those areas to the PWCs.

Welcome to the club and join us in Catalina in August.

Edited by - on

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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.