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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

No Pop Top

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Rich G
Navigator

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226 Posts

Initially Posted - 11/21/2004 : 23:36:28

I took a look at a 1984 Catalina 25 today. Everything about the boat seemed to be exactly what I was looking for (including the price) with one exception: it was NOT a pop-top model.

I'm pretty short. I can almost stand up in the cabin, but not quite. I think I could live with it. I sort of feel like I'm not going to be doing much in the cabin except sleeping, and I don't need to stand for that. The only time I can forsee regretting not having a pop-top would be trying to cook at the galley in the rain. For that, however, I think I could just rig a tarp over the boom and keep the companionway open.

I've heard that non-pop-top models don't sell easily at all. Is there any truth to this rumor or was it just a line handed to someone from a broker trying to sell a pop-top model on hand?

-Rich.

Rich

Cerberus
Hull #4695
1984 SR/FK No Pop-Top

Edited by - on

lcharlot
Master Marine Consultant

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Antigua and Barbuda
1301 Posts

Response Posted - 11/22/2004 : 00:08:33

The non-pop-top 25's are EXTREMELY rare; do you know the hull number of the boat you looked at today, so I can add it to my database? I didn't think there were ANY non-pop-top's made after about 1980. As for re-sale ability, if it's a Fin keel boat, it will likely be sought after by dedicated racers who want the minimum possible weight, although most of the race boats are 1977-1979 Mk. I's. The lack of the pop-top is a non-issue for potential buyers who are no taller than 5'-9", and I think there are enough smaller-sized sailors around who would not be put off by the lack of the pop-top, that you could sell the boat later without too much difficulty.

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 11/22/2004 : 07:59:25

Sounds great to me. A few people use theirs a lot but I only curse mine for how much deck space is lost to it. When leading lines back to the cabin a non popper will offer much more latitude. Fin or swinger? Tall or std? Are things led back now?

Edited by - on

aeckhart
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1709 Posts

Response Posted - 11/22/2004 : 08:06:17

Rich,

I'm a 6 footer and can count on one hand the number of times I've raised my pop top. Granted, I don't do a lot of cooking down below, but even then, I haven't found the need to raise the top. If you like the boat, it's in good shape, and the price is right, buy it. You may find that you'll be day sailing or racing with the local sail club most of the time anyway, at least until you feel confident enough to try weekend cruising.

Al
GALLIVANT #5801

Edited by - on

Mark Loyacano
Navigator

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USA
247 Posts

Response Posted - 11/22/2004 : 08:18:34

I've noticed, on very hot Summer days, how much cooler the cabin is with the top up (even if only a few inches). But bumping my head on those pop-top extension arms and lock down hardware just annoyed me too much ... so I removed all of it. The top is sealed up tight (white silicone), doesn't leak a drop anywhere (especially while pressure washing the deck) and I have not missed the hassles of the poptop since.

Edited by - on

Brooke Willson
Admiral

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USA
983 Posts

Response Posted - 11/22/2004 : 10:13:36

At 6'3", I find the poptop most useful on those hot summer days Mark talks about, especially when I'm working below. There have been windless days when we've been motoring, or even a few times running downwind in light air, that we've put the top up to keep cool. A couple of times I've used the enclosure with the top up while staying on board: it makes living below more bearable. My wife is a mild claustrophobic, so it helps her, too.

Rich, it all dpends on how you intend to use the boat. If you're going to mostly sail and not sleep, you shouldn't let the lack of a poptop affect the purchase of an otherwise good boat. If you're Shaq-sized or intend to stay onboard a lot, you might want to look at a different boat.

My bald spot has been damaged less by the hardware in the saloon than by those @#$%&* hatch dogs in the vee berth. Has anyone found a more benign alternative to them?

Brooke

Edited by - on

allencl
Navigator

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USA
143 Posts

Response Posted - 11/22/2004 : 14:30:19

I would repeat the comments by those who don't use the poptop much. In fact, it's one design feature that I don't like about our boats. I don't think (?) it would have an impact on your ability to sell it, but I guess that all depends on who you're trying to sell it too!

Good luck,

Edited by - on

John V.
Admiral

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USA
559 Posts

Response Posted - 11/22/2004 : 20:44:18

The thing I disliked most about my C22 was the pop top. So when I found several C25's side by side at Sail Place I bought the one without a pop top. (hull # 153 Larry) I am very happy with this version of the C25. being short I have no problem standing (sort of) in the galley well. I agree with many here seeing the pop top as a less desirable design feature.
Rich, if you like the boat buy it, provided you have a comprehensive professional survey prior to your making a final offer. No pop top is not detrimental IMHO. good luck
Al, give me a call re the Keewenaw cruise..

Edited by - on

dbehling
1st Mate

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USA
68 Posts

Response Posted - 11/23/2004 : 01:51:59

We've been spending alot of time on our 25 in the bay this season. All different types of weather. We haven't even bothered to raise the poptop. We cook down below too, just open the hatch all the way back and stand there, or sit and cook. Both myself and my husband are tall, yeah, we may bump our heads once in a while, but, considering we had a Capri 22 before, and had to walk around on our knees, we've come along way.

In the summertime, the poptop is nice, but even then, sometimes it's more a hassle than it's worth.

Edited by - on

cvwall
1st Mate

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USA
56 Posts

Response Posted - 11/23/2004 : 08:36:42

I have mine up whenever staying aboard. I use the enclosure at night, and in buggy areas. At 6' 2" staying aboard would be a real pain without it. Also, there's no way the Admiral would do more than daysail without it, and I am in the unfortunate position of making tuition payments rather than payments on a bigger boat. Under way it is always secured in the down position.

Edited by - on

JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 11/23/2004 : 13:06:59

I really like the poptop and the cover. If you are just daysailing in warm weather (not too hot, not too cold) the poptop is not an issue. If you're over 6 feet and plan to go on long trips and spend weeks living aboard, the pop top plus cover are essential.

That said, I probably only put mine up evenings during summer vacation (with cover). 99% of the time, daysailing, I leave it down. With the poptop up and cover on, the boat interior is much much bigger, with tons of extra storage areas. Plus you can stand up while cooking.

In the summer, when working in the slip or lounging around its great to put it up for shade and great cool air inside.

Depending on your plans for the boat, I would not turn down a good boat just because it didn't have a pop-top. If you're going cruising, probalbly should have one.

Edited by - on

mmac
Navigator

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USA
168 Posts

Response Posted - 11/26/2004 : 12:09:40

When I ordered my boat, I ordered it without the pop-top. At the time I felt that having a flat cabin top for lounging or sunbathing would be better than a rarely used pop-top(at the time I had some friends who looked pretty good in sunbathing gear).
I'm 5' 10" and can't be below too long without sitting down, but I don't miss a pop-top. If you are going to use the boat to the extent that Jim does, then you should consider it. However, you shouldn't pass up a boat in good condition with lots of gear and upgrades because it doesn't have one.

Edited by - on

Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 11/27/2004 : 11:13:38

I'm glad I have a pop top. I'm 6'2" and use it all the time. In light winds I'll sail with it up, of course I can't use the vang with it up.

To each his own

Either way, you can't go wrong with any model of a Catalina 25

Edited by - on

At Ease
Admiral

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672 Posts

Response Posted - 11/27/2004 : 14:07:40

During the four years I owned my C25, the only time I put up the pop top was when there was no wind and I motored out on the lake to lounge and do some minor cleaning.

As previously stated...get the C25, can't go wrong...regardless of the top configuration.

Edited by - on

Sid
Navigator

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129 Posts

Response Posted - 12/02/2004 : 16:15:17

We use our pop top quite frequently.
While in the slip or at anchor it is up, on long weekends we put the enclosure on in the slip or for rain. Our summers are regularly over 100 degrees, I'm 6'1", and Admiral likes to use the a/c while on shore power.
Daysailing it stays down to allow use of the vang and better forward visibility. Your sailing conditions may be different.
If used primarily for daysailing, the pop top isn't much of a factor. Frequent overnight/cruising and over 5'9" are nicer with one.

Sid

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Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 12/02/2004 : 19:04:16

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Sid
 We use our pop top quite frequently.
While in the slip or at anchor it is up, on long weekends we put the enclosure on in the slip or for rain. Our summers are regularly over 100 degrees, I'm 6'1", and Admiral likes to use the a/c while on shore power.Sid

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
You air-condition the boat with the poptop inclosure on? What BTU is that thing?

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oldsalt
Admiral

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USA
578 Posts

Response Posted - 12/03/2004 : 17:26:00

When my boat was new I usaed the pop top quite often, but as the years went by I began to raise it less and less. Now I miss the added deck space more than the use of the pop top. I wouldn't let the lack of one be a deal breaker.

Edited by - on

Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 12/03/2004 : 17:35:26

Anybody but me remember the days when we didn't have pop tops, and had to use a can opener? If you didn't have one you used a screwdriver and hammer, but it still tasted oh so good

Edited by - on

oldsalt
Admiral

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USA
578 Posts

Response Posted - 12/03/2004 : 17:40:17

Ah, but do you remember the "Chug a Mug"?

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Sid
Navigator

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129 Posts

Response Posted - 12/03/2004 : 18:28:41

The PO installed a 12k BTU Mermaid A/C, good for boats up to 34'. So it keeps things very cool, even in 100 degree heat outside. Overkill but makes getting the Admiral out to the lake easier.
Sid

Edited by - on

Todd Frye
Navigator

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USA
222 Posts

Response Posted - 12/13/2004 : 18:24:17

I don’t use the pop top a lot, but when I do, I sure appreciate it. We have a few weeks that get into the 100 degree heat range. With the pop top up, the difference in comfort is very noticeable. Also if I’m on an extended sail and go below to prepare lunch or work with charts or on a project, the extra headroom keeps me from getting “tension fatigue” in my neck and upper back. So I’d say it does give me a slight comfort advantage. Having said that, whatever comfort I gain from the pop top is negated real quick when my head bumps into those %@#*% hold down knobs. While on a friends Catalina 27, I was impressed by the amount of headroom. However, that’s a whole new set of compromises to consider. Todd Frye

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