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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Outgrown the 25...

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smythyll
Deckhand

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USA
21 Posts

Initially Posted - 06/30/2005 : 10:10:55

We have simply outgrown our 25 and are contemplating either a 27 or a 30. With three young boys, who tend to get big quick, I was hoping for any insight on either a Catalina 27 or Catalina 30 from those of you with experience with either.

I know there are a thousand ways to analyze this, but any thoughts on either boats performance would be appreciated. We don't race, just weekend cruising.

Thanks for any insights.

By the way, I've listed my boat on several sites if anyone's interested or looking. It's a '81 SK, SR, and I'm very anxious to sell (have to sell before buying a new one). Thanks!

Edited by - on

JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 06/30/2005 : 10:27:49

I've sailed both. There is no doubt, with 3 boys you need a C30. Don't even waste time looking at 27s. They are not much bigger than a 25.

The C30 is a real nice boat and if I had some $ I would buy an older one. Good performance - sails just like a C25. Its great to have an inboard and all that wonderful room. 2 in the V berth, 1 in the quarter berth, you and your wife in the master bed in the salon.

Plenty of room for a dinghy on the bow or even install davits.

Of course purchase costs are higher and cost of upkeep is higher. Can't go wrong with a C30! Have it surveyed and make sure to have an engine survey. Engine problems can cost BIG bucks in the older boats.

Edited by - on

cclark
Navigator

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USA
104 Posts

Response Posted - 06/30/2005 : 14:32:16

I would even consider going up to a 32 or 34. Prices between 30-34 is highly variable with year and make, but stopping at the C27 doesn't make much sense. You don't get very much more room. One thing to remember when comparing the Catalina's to other makes, The Cats tend to feel about 2 feet long than they are because of the wide beam.
Good luck with your search and keep us informed on what you decide and find.
Chris

Edited by - on

pwhallon
Admiral

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USA
694 Posts

Response Posted - 06/30/2005 : 16:46:47

Hi,

IMHO: I've owned a 25 and a 27. The 27 is not a whole lot bigger than the 25. In some ways the 25 is more comfortable.

Go for 30 or bigger.

PW

Edited by - on

joegeiger
1st Mate

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USA
63 Posts

Response Posted - 07/01/2005 : 10:52:55

I agree... When I was looking to buy a boat I looked at several C27s and C25s. I went for the C25 because it seems to have more space (bigger quarter berth). The only advantage of the C27 is standing headroom and an inboard). I also preferred the dinnette model to the traditional layout as the table functions as a nav station, dining area, and berth.

If I were going to move up, with limited funds, I'd look at a C30... if I had the $, I'd buy a new C310. That is such a well thought-out boat.

Edited by - on

bnpirate
1st Mate

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33 Posts

Response Posted - 07/02/2005 : 00:39:44

you might look at a 270 but not a 27 like others have said not much bigger than the 25

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 07/02/2005 : 10:02:24

Remember when you step up to the 'non-trailerable' range there are LOTS of choices...
Pearson, Ericson, Benetau, O'Day, yada... (along with Catalina of course).

the yachtworld.com 'boats for sale' section will show 'em to you.

Edited by - on

Stu Jackson C34
Admiral

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844 Posts

Response Posted - 07/03/2005 : 13:45:19

We moved from a 25 to a 34. We looked at 30s and the Admiral said "It's just a bigger 25, and wouldn't it be nice to have separate cabins and no open quarter berth?" We looked for over a year and saved our $$, bought a 1986 in 1998. Great boat. I would also recommend staying with Catalina - you tend to get used to how they build things, plus if you get another boat you'll be kicking yourself for NOT getting another Catalina. Just my opinions, but O'Days have thinner hulls and flex, Beneteaus sail like garbage trucks and everything inside the boat is hidden behind walls, so you can't work on it... The list goes on.

One important thing for you when you go look at bigger boats that MAY have a diesel engine: MAKE SURE YOU CHECK WHERE THE OIL DIPSTICK IS. If it's hard to get to, you WILL NOT ever do it on a daily basis, and NOT doing it religiously every day before you turn the engine on could easily ruin a $6,000 or more engine. And if getting to the dipstick is hard because the designer screwed up, figure out how many other problems in maintenance that will arise.

Good luck, go now, go bigger, but stay with these guys on this board, they are WAY helpful and a great resource.

Edited by - Stu Jackson C34 on 07/03/2005 13:48:39

Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 07/03/2005 : 14:45:35

Hey Stu,
I'm not currently in the market for a bigger boat, but hopefully will someday have a 34 to 38 footer.
Thanks for your comments on Oday's and Beneteau's.
I think your wife is very insightful on getting a 34, makes perfect sense. You are a lucky man.
I thought that the Oday's were built better than that, and the Beneteau Oceanis look great, but after all, they are French.
For those of us who will probably never be able to afford an Island Packet, or Valiant, or Cabo Rico, Catalina is definitely the way to go.
I have lurked on the C34 and C36 discussion sites, and they both have lots of good, helpful folks just like here.
Just one big happy Catalina family

Edited by - on

At Ease
Admiral

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672 Posts

Response Posted - 07/03/2005 : 14:54:47

Stu makes some good points.

In 2003 when I decided to go bigger, I opted to stay with Catalina and last year went from our trusty C25 to a 1997 C320. An absolutely great boat. Catalina puts so many things on the boats as standard that other makers have yet to consider, plus hold their value, look great, hold up well, easy to maintain, sail well, and on and on. I still get people wanting to 'tour' my boat. They are amazed at the little things Catalina does...like putting labels on the thru hulls, an engine that is accessible from both front and rear, all controls in the cockpit, power windlass and more.

Also, like Stu, I continue to monitor this forum...best sailing forum around, with lots of good information, regardless of the boat you currently own.

Check out these sites, lot of boats for sale here:

www.sailnet.com/boatsearch

www.yachtworld.com

www.catalinaowners.com

www.boatus.com

www.ablboats.com

www.boats.com

www.sailboatlistings.com/

Have fun!

Edited by - on

Lee T
1st Mate

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26 Posts

Response Posted - 07/04/2005 : 20:48:49

In my opinion, the biggest improvement for handling more people is to have a galley that someone can work in without blocking movement around the boat. C27 does NOT have this (I have one), but the C30 does.

Lee

Edited by - on

cathluk
Admiral

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USA
513 Posts

Response Posted - 07/05/2005 : 15:09:01

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by At Ease
 Stu makes some good points.

In 2003 when I decided to go bigger, I opted to stay with Catalina and last year went from our trusty C25 to a 1997 C320.

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

I love the C320! Lots more $$$ though. We're looking at a C28 for our next boat - need more headroom for Dan & a boat that's a little heavier to handle the choppy Chesapeake waves better.

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ilnadi
Captain

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452 Posts

Response Posted - 07/05/2005 : 17:08:00

I agree with Stu. When we look at bigger boats for the "some day" upgrade, the admiral says "why not a aft cabin instead of q-berth". Her main concern is using the q-berth for kids and having all the nav equipment and electrical panel right within each. Something to think about with three kids.

Having said that, a C34 c. 1980 seems to be a price sweet spot.

I think the C25 probabaly has done more for selling bigger boats over the years by making people like sailing than a whole lot of ads in magazines.

Edited by - on

Douglas
Master Marine Consultant

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1595 Posts

Response Posted - 07/05/2005 : 19:43:48

The C-27 V berth is actualy 6" shorter than the 25s and not much more room. Aft two feet is motor well. Get the 30 it's the best bang for the buck.

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smythyll
Deckhand

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USA
21 Posts

Response Posted - 07/06/2005 : 15:21:42

First of all -- THANKS for the numerous replies!! I have been on this board for years, mostly a silent observer who has much appreciated all of the advice and opinions of those far more experienced than I!

We have ruled out completely the 27. The only way I would do this is if someone wanted to trade even up, and even then it would be a hard decision.

We are leaning heavily toward the 30 for the following reasons: Galley/interior layout seems far more spacious than a 25/27. Good points about the galley -- seems like lunch time will be far more calm with preparation not being in the way. Headroom is a major issue, in that I'm 6'1" and my wife is 6'0". Seems like we can move around the cabin without fear. Overall this is simply a bigger boat (dah!), and I've read somewhere that little boys tend to grow into big ones fairly quickly!!

We are currently at a price point of around 12-13K. I know there are a thousand 28-32 footers in that price range, but for basic weekend cruising and no racing, and given my wife-and-3-boys situation, should I even spend any time exploring other options??

Again, all thoughts are greatly appreciated and are certainly instrumental in my decision. One last question (other than the one above) is this: Any big negatives on a C30 that I should be concerned with, other than the routine maintenance -- standing/running rigging, engine care, bottom jobs, etc?

Thanks again!

Edited by - on

Douglas
Master Marine Consultant

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1595 Posts

Response Posted - 07/06/2005 : 23:39:50

Been there done that got the T shirt . The Catalina 30 is for the money the best boat ever made for the purpose you have intended . I has more room hands down than anything else available and will still sail well . Yea I know there are others with a lot of room but they either have way to much free board or no keel & cost more . The C-30 is just the best flat out . I bought an Alberg 29 but there were other reasons . Full keel / cut away forefoot heavy weather boat . She sails very nice in up to 30 Kts of wind BUT she has less room and costs a lot more . You cant go wrong with the C-30 & it has a great support group. If you want something else like Cape Dory, Newport, Pearson , or Alberg you will have to go older and will still have less room .

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