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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

INBOARD ENGINES

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Rolland Lloyd
Deckhand

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1 Posts

Initially Posted - 10/27/2004 : 16:21:56

WHEN WERE THE CATALINA 25s AVAILABLE WITH INBOARD ENGINES AND WHAT MAKE OF ENGINE?
THANKS
ROLLO

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 10/27/2004 : 20:59:00

HELLO ROLLO, MY WIFE'S GRANDFATHER WAS NAMED ORLO MILO ROLLO

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Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 10/28/2004 : 00:24:59

ROLLO: YOU DON'T (oops, sorry--I didn't mean to yell back.

) The best thing about the C-25 is the outboard. The worst thing is the inboard diesel that doesn't really fit, is hard to get to and service, adds a couple of leak sources (shaft log and cooling intake), and smells up the interior. (That opinion is based on the one and only example I've seen.)

But hey... Whatever floats (or sinks) your boat!

For the answer... Bill Holcomb?

Edited by - Dave Bristle on 10/28/2004 00:28:38

lcharlot
Master Marine Consultant

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Antigua and Barbuda
1301 Posts

Response Posted - 10/28/2004 : 00:42:42

The factory built about 50 of the 228 Catalina 25 Mk. IV's with inboard diesels (Mk. IV is the 1988-1990 model years). They were 2 cylinder Universal/Kubota engines of 9 or 11 hp. A few Catalina 25 Mk. III's from the 1986-1987 model years are rumored to have inboard diesels, but actual number is unknown.

Dave Bristle isn't exagerating the maintenance issues with the C-25 inboard diesel. Access to the engine and drivetrain is very cramped and difficult compared to larger Catalina's like the C-30; The shaft seal is especially hard to get at. Removal of the engine for major repairs is a hellish job, since it is under the cockpit sole, behind the companionway ladder. Unless you really need an inboard, typically for use in rough, choppy waters, the Catalina 25 is much more manageable with an outboard.

Edited by - on

Bill Holcomb
Admiral

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USA
769 Posts

Response Posted - 10/28/2004 : 11:33:59

Hi Rollo,

The C25 was available from the factory throughout it's production run with an inboard engine. This was an option that the dealer opted for or against. (BTW: there were around 4 dozen options that dealers had to choose from on the C25) Most dealers opted against for several reasons - weight, space, difficulty maintaining, price point competition, etc.

The engines varied from year to year. Earliest options were for an Atomic 4. Then the OMC Saildrive was offered. By the mid '80s the Universal 10hp was the choise.

Bill Holcomb - C25 Snickerdoodle #4839

Edited by - on

Wildcat
Deckhand

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24 Posts

Response Posted - 10/28/2004 : 23:31:41

I have a 1986 fin keel with an inboard diesel and love it. It runs on penneys and has never let me down. I like the look of the boat without the outboard hanging off the back. It leaves the boat looking clean. The diesel smell was there when I bought the boat but I sealed the engin compartment and now it is gone. I am a big guy but I am able to crawl back in the aft berth and work on it. The stuffing box is easy to get to and never leaks. Had a problem when I went to back up turning high rpms and pulled the shaft out but now I check to see if everything is tight and have not had the problem. I maintain the motor as I am sure that taking it out would bring great joy.

I love how easy it is to start up in a hurry when near the Wildcats slip and stink boats want to take the right of way. All in all I would not be afraid of an inboard diesel

I do not write much on this foram but I read it every day. When I bought my boat I knew what to look for because of you people out there. I have had many boats but this is my first C 25 and I love it.
Thanks for all the info I have been getting here and keep up the good work.

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 10/29/2004 : 09:47:51

Inboard diesel is the way to go if you are going to operate in waters with signifiant wave action. A co-worker had one... swore by it, not at it. He trailered and sailed his boat everywhere from Canada to Baja. IMHO it really makes the C25 into a 'proper' pocket cruiser... and being introduced to his boat was where I got started thinking about the C25.

He's since retired and moved up to a 38 footer full time in the Sea of Cortez. I kick myself frequently for not buying his boat when he sold it..

Edited by - on

lcharlot
Master Marine Consultant

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Antigua and Barbuda
1301 Posts

Response Posted - 10/29/2004 : 23:53:03

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Bill Holcomb
 The C25 was available from the factory throughout it's production run with an inboard engine. This was an option that the dealer opted for or against.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Catalina 25 Factoid noted! I was under the impression that the inboard diesel was an option available starting only in the 1986 model year (Mk III's and Mk. IV's). I've never heard of an inboard diesel in a Catalina 25 older than that, so they must be very rare. Goodness! They actually tried to shoehorn an Atomic 4 in that space?!?

Edited by - on

77Gypsy
Captain

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USA
356 Posts

Response Posted - 11/07/2004 : 18:40:16

when i was shopping for a c27 i heard from many people to stay away from the inboard versions because of room and maintenance issues. it cannot be easily accessed therefore maintenance is difficult and expensive. I understand the 27 is not a 25 but there are very similar inside. I have also heard of people who have sailed oday 25’s and have had similar complaints. I don’t think it is practical to have an inboard in such a small boat. I would also think the entire cabin would get pretty warm after running the engine for a while.

The beauty of an outboard is that when it is dead, you can pick it up and drop it overboard and put a new one back on.

Disclaimer: I don’t recommend duping outboards into the drink.

Edited by - on

Dave Bristle
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
10005 Posts

Response Posted - 11/07/2004 : 19:42:19

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by 77Gypsy
 The beauty of an outboard is that when it is dead, you can pick it up and drop it overboard and put a new one back on.

Disclaimer: I don’t recommend dumping outboards into the drink.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Edited by - on

Wildcat
Deckhand

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24 Posts

Response Posted - 11/07/2004 : 20:21:00

[quote]Originally posted by 77Gypsy
 when i was shopping for a c27 i heard from many people to stay away from the inboard versions because of room and maintenance issues. it cannot be easily accessed therefore maintenance is difficult and expensive. I understand the 27 is not a 25 but there are very similar inside. I have also heard of people who have sailed oday 25’s and have had similar complaints. I don’t think it is practical to have an inboard in such a small boat. I would also think the entire cabin would get pretty warm after running the engine for a while.

I see a lot of I heard, therefore, I also heard, I don't think and I would also think in your message about inboard diesels but take it form someone who has one and lives where it gets real hot in the summer, heat from the engine is not an issue, the maienance is not that bad and I just love the ease of popping that diesel on when I come in and watching all the owners of the sailboats with the tin smoking noismakers on the back of there boats turn green. One control, the tiller, no jumping up to put the motor in the water and boy that diesel sounds good. Before I bought mine I sailed a friends with the same thing and then went looking for mine.

Say what you must but before you pass judgement you should try it, you will love it.

Edited by - on

ilnadi
Captain

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452 Posts

Response Posted - 11/09/2004 : 16:18:54

When lookign for a C2, I wanted an outboard (mainly for the fact that the end-all solution is to get a new one) but the admiral insisted Diesel. I'm glad she did. It is easier to get in the boat and go, I fueled theboat when we bought it (5-months ago), the needle has not moved yet and the transom is cleaner. Can't talk to maintenance yet since we've only had it 5 months. I did not notice any heat running the boat on a 90 deg day in NC.

Edited by - on

Lightnup
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1016 Posts

Response Posted - 11/09/2004 : 19:02:32

ilnadi said:<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">When lookign for a C2, I wanted an outboard <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
I decided against the C2, figuring an additional 23 feet would come in handy.

(Hey, somebody else would have jumped all over this if I hadn't.)

Steve

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 11/09/2004 : 20:58:10

The couple I share my dock with have a C25 with an inboard diesel and they have had more than their fair share of difficulties with this engine. A couple of weeks ago he told me of his latest fiasco, when his inboard quit on the way back from a cruise which caused him to sail the last 30 miles directly into the wind. The problem this time had something to do with the cooling system which resulted in the cooling lake water being pumped into his bilge instead of the engine. With no cooling water, the engine quickly overheated and shut down. Fortunately, when he got back to the marina after that long days sail, he was able to start the engine and get into his slip before it overheated and shut down again.

The one positive thing to come out of my dock neighbors troubles is that he's become very knowledgeable on inboard diesels. This is due to both the amount of problems he's encountered and the difficulty of finding someone to come out to his boat to look at the motor.

Edited by - dlucier on 11/11/2004 15:33:11

aeckhart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1709 Posts

Response Posted - 11/11/2004 : 18:51:28

I have often envied friends who have inboard diesals. They do seem convenient and fuel efficient. I can't imagine having to do the maintenance on them in such a small space, although if a professional can squeeze in there, I guess I could too. In any case, I'm satisfied with an outboard until I can afford a C30. Room shouldn't be to much an issue then.

Al
GALLIVANT #5801

Edited by - on

deastburn
Captain

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USA
334 Posts

Response Posted - 11/12/2004 : 23:13:34

The beauty of the C25 is that you can have it the way you want it.

I prefer the outboard, for all its disadvantages in rough and choppy seaways. The 25 is a light displacement hull and seems unsuited to the extra weight of an inboard diesel. Having the outboard tells me I will never have to spend more than 2500 bucks or so to buy a brand new engine. It just seems right for this boat.

On the other hand, I can see there are those who love their inboard diesels. Yes, they cost more to maintain, and 2-3x as much to replace when the time comes. There is, of course the risk that PO has given in to the cramped nature of the installation and not properly maintained the engine. Something to check carefully when buying (same with a 27).

But what a wunnerful world! Have it your way (as they say in hamburger heaven).

Both have advantages and disadvantages.

BUT, the C25 IS a SAILBOAT, after all, so who cares about the engine? I have just been looking at a boat (not a C25)that is 14 years old and has a genuine 250 hours on the engine (I checked the carefully maintained logbook). Now there's a sailboat that has really been sailed....!

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