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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

"Why I like the C25"

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thaind
Navigator

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Canada
145 Posts

Initially Posted - 05/22/2005 : 22:13:59

While I was browsing yesterday I went into the C36 website for the first time and noticed a forum entitled "Why I like the C36". I went to it immediately and read all of the unsolicited testimonials. I was most impressed with the direct candor of the messages. It was extremely informative, and I feel as if I know a lot about the boat that a sales brochure or magazine review would not have mentioned.

Much of the information that this site offers is intended to educate and promote the C25 to non owners. I searched through this website myself last September before deciding to purchase my own boat. It was largely the open and friendly sincerety of those that post in these forums that made me want to buy one. You seem like the type of people with the type of boat that I'd like to spend time with, even if it is over the web.

Is there any interest in such a forum here? Why do you like your boats?

Derek Thain 78 TR FK "PASSAGES"

Edited by - thaind on 05/22/2005 22:19:33

lcharlot
Master Marine Consultant

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Antigua and Barbuda
1301 Posts

Response Posted - 05/22/2005 : 23:30:02

I wanted a sailboat that offered the most useable interior volume as possible, reasonably good performance and excellent build quality, factory support for repair and replacement parts, and trailerability. And it had to be in a price range I could afford, which knocked out all of the brand-new boats. Of all the 1980's built 25'~26' trailerable sailboats that were available from Catalina, Chrysler, Hunter, MacGregor, ComPac, Pacific Seacraft, and Cape Dory among others, The 1988~1990 Catalina 25WK Mk. IV offered the most overall boat value.

Edited by - on

matsche
Captain

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USA
280 Posts

Response Posted - 05/23/2005 : 09:13:35

I agree with Larry. An excellent boat for the money. Since this is my first keel boat, I wanted something I could work on myself and learn from. Given the advice available on this forum, and the "relatively" low cost of replacement parts, the Catalina 25 was a no-brainer. I had intended to eventually upgrade to a bigger boat, but have since decided to keep this one for as long as it floats.

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 05/23/2005 : 09:52:32

I have owned a custom home, Merit 25, an Alfa Romeo, Beta Max, Macintosh Stereo, etc. I have always bought what I wanted regardless of market acceptance and have always paid heavily because of my taste and market ignorance. When I finally got my Merit sold in the early 90s I swore that if I ever got another boat I would buy a Catalina because it is the most "liquid asset" brand. I went into this boat feeling like I was compromising all my passion and making a purlely intellectual purchase. It may be the biggest compromise purchase I have ever made, for instance, the 22 is a better trailering boat, the 27 is a better sailing boat and more comfortable.
Every day I have owned this boat my passion for it has grown. I still don't kid myself, I own a Catalina, not a Palmer Johnson, but everyday I am greatfull for how well it is built and how easily I will be able to sell it if I ever need to. I have also developed a real apreciation for the openess of the traditional interior. Catalina was very wise to leave the interior so simple on such a small boat, it makes the boat feel larger than it is.

Edited by - on

JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 05/23/2005 : 11:36:38

Indiscipline III is my third boat. Its the smallest and slowest yet. Still, I've never had more fun with a boat.

I've sailed my C25 roughly 300 days at sea, and have covered about 3000 to 4000 miles in the 3 years I've owned her. I've been in seas to 8 feet and winds well over 30 to 35 knots. I've gotten my teeth knocked out in 4 foot chop at 4 seconds, as well as put the bow well under (thats very hard to do)! I've been as far as 50 miles offshore. I am almost always single handing. My boat is 25 years old and in all this time nothing serious has ever broken and I've never been towed in or disabled in any way. I have been frightened, wet, uncomfortable, as well as excited, enraptured, entranced, and yelling for sheer joy.

I selected my C25 because I wanted the smallest possible boat that I could day sail, race, and take on long distance single handed offshore cruises, as well as accomodate a family of 4 for short periods (several days). There are lots of boats out there that can do this. But I also wanted an outboard powered, simple, and popular boat, with ample parts and supplies, off the shelf sails, a builder still in existence, and an active owners group. Also I only had about $5000 to spend. There is only one boat meeting that description.

At times I wish for a larger boat. A C30 would be very very nice. Usually I make this wish when 6 people show up to go for a day sail with me. Then some breezy evening after work, when Indiscipline and I are slicing through the Pacific white caps, ducking spray, and trying to catch the sunset while hiked out steering with my tiller extender, I know we are just perfect together. Also, anchoring, docking, cleaning, fixing, engine maintenance, varnishing, bottom painting is so much easier. Buying boat stuff costs less.

I would like windows that don't leak.

Ideally, if I can take on what the Southern California Pacific ocean has to dish out in a C25 then I feel I'll be well trained for a major passage in a more substantial blue water vessel.

Some people "dis" the C25. I usually out point and out sail these people and head out on days they are staying tied to the dock. Since I don't trailer a C27 would have done me just as well but its not worth trading up to one.

Edited by - on

SailormanCGA72
1st Mate

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77 Posts

Response Posted - 05/24/2005 : 14:10:20

When I bought my '82 model swing keel, I was looking for a boat that I could trailer to my next duty station. At the time we were living in Key West and there were several opportunities for weekend trips (Dry Tortugas), so I wanted a boat that my family of five could spend a night aboard (as long as the kids were fairly small). The other aspect was affordability. (Uncle Sam is not known for his generosity when it comes to compensating those in uniform). I also wanted a boat that was forgiving because I wanted every member of my family to be able to sail. The Catalina 25 met all those expectations and more. If I won the Texas Lottery, I would buy a Nor'Sea 27, but until that happens, I'm very pleased with the boat I now have.

Edited by - on

JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 05/24/2005 : 18:34:29

For the price of a Nor'sea 27 you could get a great Catalina 36 and have money left over.

I've been in one. Looks nice. After berth is all wasted space in my opinion. I'd like to race one, see how it points and performs.

Edited by - on

stampeder
Master Marine Consultant

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1608 Posts

Response Posted - 05/25/2005 : 01:03:25

I love my C25. I did a ton of homework before I bought.
I bought the Catalina for the passion of the owners and the stability of the builder.
There is a Hunter dealer and a MacGregor dealer here - I was sold on their trailerability but wasn't sold on their compromises.
I know now, that I made the right choice. I feel like a guy who lives in city that sells Ladas and Gremlins who came back to town in a Cadilac.

I like the simplicity, I like the big boat sail characteristics, I like that its 25 feet and not 34, I love that I can leave it for weeks

and not worry about complicated systems, I like that I can have complicated systems if I choose.
I'm amazed that a boat built in 1981 is in this good of condition. I revel in the knowledge that if I want to sell it, it will sell quickly for what I paid for it.
The only regret I have is that I didn't buy this boat 24 years ago.

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 05/25/2005 : 01:39:57

I like my C25 because it was cheaper than my older Macgregor.

Edited by - on

Ben
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1234 Posts

Response Posted - 05/25/2005 : 07:22:05

I like my C25 because it is big enough to "camp" on comfortably, I'm able to keep up with the other boats in the club, and even pass a few of them, it is well supported by the builder and other suppliers, and of course BECAUSE OF YOU GUYS!!! Probably most of all though, because it is nice enough, and big enough that I don't really have to talk my wife into coming out sailing with me. She actually likes going sailing with me now.

Edited by - on

bbriner
Captain

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349 Posts

Response Posted - 05/25/2005 : 11:06:09

I was much more 'indisciplined' when I bought my '84 C25. This is my fist boat.. and I only knew I wanted to sail it so I was not interested in 'project'. I also had a very limited budget ($5K). I looked at a lot of boats but when I saw the C25 in I knew that was it. Nice lines, simple, an incredible amount of space below, and it was sailable. Not much work was needed. I knew absolutely nothing about this boat.

Since then - about a year ago - I have been out just about every weekend on the SF Bay (I have not ventured out under the GG Bridge yet). This boat handles high winds and waves with ease. She is a great heavy weather boat - stable and dry. She points high (maybe not as high as some tight racing rigs) and once she gets going is fast enough. Down below, everything is dry. I have a porta-potti so I don't worry about the plumbing.

Once I discovered this site I realized what I had lucked into! A great little heavy weather pocket cruiser that is built like a tank - with a fabulous support group. Plus, the wife is now enjoying sailing too. I wish I had done this years ago!

Bill B
Wind Dancer #4036

Edited by - on

ronrryan
Admiral

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USA
561 Posts

Response Posted - 05/25/2005 : 11:07:15

If the C25 had a keel/centerboard hull, like the O'Day, it would be the greatest value in a 25 foot boat evr built. As it is, it comes pretty close--better quality, better mfgr support, and above all, there is NO better bunch of helpful and knowledgeable sailors than on this site. When I bought mine, I don't believe I could have bought the resin and cloth to make a boat for what I paid, never mind a nice little pocket cruiser. Fair winds, ron srsk Orion SW FL

Edited by - on

joegeiger
1st Mate

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USA
63 Posts

Response Posted - 05/25/2005 : 11:48:24

I bought my '86 SR/FK almost two years ago and couldn't be happier (Okay... maybe standing headroom, but only after hitting my head for the ump-teenth time on the cabin roof between the main cabin and the head area). I wanted a boat that would be easily single handed, comfortable enough to stay on over weekends and week-long trip's, and wasn't expensive or complicated to keep up and maintain. The C25 is all that and more. There are plenty of resources (like this wonderful forum and Catalina Direct) that also helped make up my mind and I like that it has the feel of a bigger boat with out the expense of having a bigger boat (cheaper marina fees, cheaper parts, cheaper insurance etc...) Above all, it has allowed me to realize a dream.

Edited by - on

clayC
Navigator

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USA
207 Posts

Response Posted - 05/25/2005 : 15:22:32

I used to teach wind surfing at Utah Lake in the late 80's. after the days instructions an the class had time to pratice I would sail over to the boat slips and check out the sail boats. There was one there that just spoke to me (remember this is Utah and there were only a few to check out) her name was midnight sun(?). I never got the chance to talk to her owners or go on board. She was stored in the boat yard for a few years after that and I tried to find out who owned her but the ranger I spoke to didn't know.

Two years ago I spotted her in a field parked in the grass with some old construction stuff, very, very unkept. I got bold and climbed abord. As filthy as it was she felt great! I started a diligent search for the owner, county land records, boat numbers, I even had a cop friend run the plates of the tractor it was next too to find an owner. I finaly found the owners and made an offer. In the shape it was in and with no motor I probably paid to much but I have no regrets. Even before it hits the water I love this boat. The time I have spent has truly been a labor of love.

I just hope it doesnt sink!!!!

Clay C

Edited by - on

Buzz Maring
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1771 Posts

Response Posted - 05/25/2005 : 15:56:34

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by clayC
 I used to teach wind surfing at Utah Lake in the late 80's. after the days instructions an the class had time to pratice I would sail over to the boat slips and check out the sail boats. There was one there that just spoke to me (remember this is Utah and there were only a few to check out) her name was midnight sun(?). I never got the chance to talk to her owners or go on board. She was stored in the boat yard for a few years after that and I tried to find out who owned her but the ranger I spoke to didn't know.

Two years ago I spotted her in a field parked in the grass with some old construction stuff, very, very unkept. I got bold and climbed abord. As filthy as it was she felt great! I started a diligent search for the owner, county land records, boat numbers, I even had a cop friend run the plates of the tractor it was next too to find an owner. I finaly found the owners and made an offer. In the shape it was in and with no motor I probably paid to much but I have no regrets. Even before it hits the water I love this boat. The time I have spent has truly been a labor of love.

I just hope it doesnt sink!!!!

Clay C
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

What a great story!

Edited by - on

jlguthri
1st Mate

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USA
93 Posts

Response Posted - 05/26/2005 : 21:37:07

Big boat for shallow draft...

Edited by - on

deastburn
Captain

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USA
334 Posts

Response Posted - 05/28/2005 : 23:26:58

I have owned my '81 C25 since 1998. It is a fin keel model, so trailering has never been an issue for me--it has always sat on a mooring or at a dock. Its biggest advantage for me is that I can be on board and underway in ten minutes. I have a friend whose crew never showed up for a race last summer and his 35'Moody stayed on its mooring. Catalinas may be built to "sell for a price" and there are corners cut, no question. But where it counts, in the hull and in the major elements of rigging, the boat is built like a tank. Catalinas are tough where they need to be. I have a lot of confidence in my C25. However, I just retired (early) and my horizons are therefore lengthening, so I am looking around. I may hold onto the C25, however, or give it to one of my sons to play with.

Edited by - on

thaind
Navigator

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Canada
145 Posts

Response Posted - 05/30/2005 : 07:21:53

I realy appreciate the comments contributed here. They make me feel good about my purchase, and would assist anyone in deciding to do the same.

Edited by - on

NuNees
Navigator

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USA
125 Posts

Response Posted - 05/30/2005 : 20:24:14

Geeeze! I'm going to miss this crowd! No where is there a greater bunch of sailors. Regreatable, I won't be able to make the National in Witchita. My Loss.

Thank You all,

Edited by - on

Gary B.
Admiral

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USA
969 Posts

Response Posted - 05/31/2005 : 04:19:22

I bought my 1978 C25 swinger and EZ loader trailer used in 1983. I was moving up from a Windrose 18 which I had trailered to the San Juan Islands for the previous 5 summers. I think the C25 is the most utilitarian boat there is for the money. I can trailer her, do all my own maintenance, "camp" with a family of 4 for up to 3 weeks! (we do have the "custom" double athwartsips bed). I keep her at home on the trailer in the winter, and have trailered her hundreds of miles to explore new places (lakes/reservoirs, etc). We are trailering to Powell River in 3 weeks in order to cruise Desolation Sound on the inside of Vancouver Island. She has just been quite good to me (us).

I sold her to friends in 1992, and bought a Tartan 30 which I raced and sailed on the ocean some with some success. Actually, I was in LOVE with that boat and still am. But, after four years, when "bad things" happened in my life, the 30 was just a ton more expensive to keep and maintain so I had to sell her. I literally shed tears when that boat went away..

BUT....In 1998, our friends were buying a Gulfstar 43 and they put our old C25 up for sale. I BOUGHT HER BACK (in better shape than she had been in 6 years previously)....and since I teach theatre for a living, we renamed her Encore! (because we called her back for another go-around). And since I took up racing her, it is remarkable how much better she sails!!!!!! (3rd in last year's Nationals with the wife and two girls as crew ain't bad....out of 15 boats in the fleet).

Yes, there are prettier boats, faster boats, more roomy boats, ya-da-ya-da-ya-da.....but for a workin' dude on a budget, for the buck, it is really hard to think of a boat on which I could have more fun and enjoyment that we have had on Encore!

When I get tempted by bigger and better, I try to kick in my practical side......and stay happy where I am.....

Gary B.
s/v Encore! SK/SR #685

Edited by - on

Loren H.
1st Mate

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USA
45 Posts

Response Posted - 05/31/2005 : 15:18:06

Gary B. wrote:
"When I get tempted by bigger and better, I try to kick in my practical side......and stay happy where I am...."

Hey Gary,

Next time you think about selling, I'll be happy to help out with the kicking!

Edited by - on

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