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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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karmaf16
Deckhand

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USA
4 Posts

Initially Posted - 04/18/2005 : 12:39:56

Ah, the joys of indecisiveness... I am ready to hear other inputs and thoughts that I haven't come up with yet.
I am weighing the pros and cons of 3 different boats (to be my first): Cat 22, Cat 25, and Mac 26 (can I say that here?) I like the private head and room of the 25 and 26 but with only a Ranger to pull it, that leads me to the Cat 22 and Mac 26. Now, I hear alot of people bad mouthing the Mac 26 as not a true sailor and being very tender. Speaking of tender, the locals at the marina don't even like the swing keel option. I live in Buffalo so the thing will spend more time in dry dock than in the water. So, I'd rather be able to tow it home than to pay year round docking fees. Finally, the tow feature is nice so I can enjoy ALL of the lakes (Erie, Ontario, Fingers) and not committed to just one.
Phew..., now if I could just have my cake and eat it too. What does everyone here think?

Edited by - on

tinob
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1883 Posts

Response Posted - 04/18/2005 : 13:06:06

Hi Cal...welcome to the forum.

You really don't want anyone else to make this decision for you do you? I'll give it a little wiggle coping out that I'm not familiar with the prowess of the Ranger. I've heard hereabout that towing the c25 requires some heavy duty rigs. Half to three quarter ton trucks with long chassis and 4x4 drivetrain preferably.

Here on Long Island I could probably get by with less. Up your way it's kind hilly and more would be best.

So there you are the ball is back in your court.

Have a great season.

Val on Calista # 3936
Dockside 500/s34

Edited by - on

karmaf16
Deckhand

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USA
4 Posts

Response Posted - 04/18/2005 : 13:12:06

I have to agree the Ranger is WAY underpowered to pull the Cat 25. If I went that way, I would be renting a U-Haul in the spring and fall to position and de-position the boat. That takes care of the winter months but it would be a hassle when it comes time to go exploring other bodies of water.

Edited by - on

familysailor
1st Mate

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USA
38 Posts

Response Posted - 04/18/2005 : 14:26:16

I dearly love my swing keel C25 and tow it fairly regularly but you will be sorry if you try to tow a C25 with the Ranger. The Ranger would tow a C22 alright and C22s are stable vessels, though I have found that if you are very tall and spend much time in the cabin you will feel hunched over. I can't give you anything but hearsay on the Mac 26.

Good luck and welcome to the forum. You will not find a better bunch of people than those that hang out here.

Edited by - on

karmaf16
Deckhand

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USA
4 Posts

Response Posted - 04/18/2005 : 15:11:17

Thanks Russ, all good words. I've been reading this site for a 2 years now. This is just the first time I've jumped into the water. Thanks for the welcome.

Edited by - on

Leon Sisson
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1893 Posts

Response Posted - 04/18/2005 : 22:15:24

I owned a Mac Venture 22 for several years. The build quality was crap compared to a Catalina 22. I sailed a MacGregor 26 once in medium air. It was rediculously tender. In my opinion, Macs are the laughing stock of the sailboat industry for good reason. I suggest you cross MacGregors right off your list. (<i>Come on Leon, tell us what you really think!</i>

)

The swing keel Catalina 22 would be a very good trailer sailor behind a small to medium truck. There were so many made, that you should be able to find just the right combination of price and condition to suit your situation.

As already mentioned, to trailer a Catalina 25 any significant distance on a regular basis you really should have a full size pickup with full length wheelbase and serious rear suspension. These boats, on their trailers, can tip the scales between 7,500 and 10,000 lbs. And speaking of C-25 trailers, if you have to buy a trailer for one, I predict you won't be happy about the price.

-- Leon Sisson

Edited by - on

roberoo
Navigator

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USA
182 Posts

Response Posted - 04/19/2005 : 00:29:31

Hi Cal,

I live in lancaster (Buffalo) up the road from you. My experiences are :
Bought a Mac 26 put it at erie basin had it fall off the trailer bunks and through the hull. Insurance totaled it. As for sailing it was a huge mistake to buy this for Lake Erie where we sail. It is not as roomy as you wpould think, Pretty light etc. I actually started out by leaving it at erie basin with the mast up on the trailer. It was cheap 300.00 but a pain.

Ended up buying a Catalina 25 SR/FK and love it. I am in my 3rd year and it was the best decision for here in Lake Erie. If you want to talk, see or just have some buying experiences I went through. give me a holler (716) 864-5440 Cell (716) 683-2381 Home.

Bob

Edited by - on

Jeff Howe
Deckhand

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USA
21 Posts

Response Posted - 04/19/2005 : 10:57:40

I bought a 1989 Cat 22 Wing Keel and pulled it with a Ranger 4x4 4.0liter 5 speed. It was actually very nice. The 4x4 gave me low range to pull out of the water (very nice). You would be WAY over loaded with a C25 and a Ranger. I would agree with the poor comments on the Mac26...don't do it. The C22 WK is an awesome boat.

Edited by - on

karmaf16
Deckhand

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USA
4 Posts

Response Posted - 04/19/2005 : 14:51:23

Everyone is helping me keep things in perspective. This is not easy since you can't go to the local dealer and test drive each one so thanks for all of your inputs. Please, keep them coming.

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.