Advice regarding best model for me.

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Sep 26, 2007
8
- - Erie, PA.
I'll be purchasing a catalina next year. I have four people in my family however, I'm thinking I'll be sailing alone most of the time. Question is, Which model will accomidate four people some of the time yet accomidate me best most of the time? I'm currently working on other boats cruising and racing. I'll want to race so the boat will need a dual personality. Windborn
 
Jun 20, 2007
16
- - Keuka Lake
Best model for me

I have a similar situation with my family, sometimes four, sometimes alone. I believe the Catalina 22 is perfect. Can handle a small group, and can be single handed easily. I believe the 25 is a bit much, and anything smaller too crowded for four people. I like the 22, as well, because it can be sailed nicely with the "main" alone, and with a "genoa" alone as conditions dictate. It is a good solution to your situation.---Beau
 
J

Jeff

Capri 26 used or 270 new

The Capri 26 is the best racercruiser I have ever experienced in this size range. Fully outfitted for short cruising and also fast and stable. The 270 is good as well however more sluggish is lightmedium air. If you keep it clean and trimmed while not loading it up with more weight then it may be reasonable as a racercruiser.
 
J

Jeff

oops

Just noticed you are deciding between 22 and 25. 22 if trailering, 25 is slipped. 25 has a massive amount more room and will be more stable and faster top end. However a difficult tow. You can find 25's for about the same price as a 22. You may also want to consider a 250. More features and faster in light air than the 25 if you want to race. However more expensive as they're new. Also the 250 is a little lighter than the 25, therefore a little more sensitive to wave and wind action.
 
Sep 26, 2007
8
- - Erie, PA.
Thank you !

Thanks for taking the time to respond. I'm really excited about next year. I'll continue to collect information from experienced sailers like yourself. Thanks again. Windborn
 
Sep 26, 2007
8
- - Erie, PA.
Thank you !

Hey, that's some quality information. I don't intend to trailer. I'm one of the lucky ones regarding that. I work on the bay in Erie, Pa. I can leave work and be at the local slip area in about three minutes. The "25" seems to be one. I'm new to all of this and don't want to buy a newer boat. I think I'll keep it simple for next year and just make sure I'm on the water learning and having fun. Thanks again for taking the time to consider my question. Windborn
 
Sep 26, 2007
8
- - Erie, PA.
Thank you!

I'm inclined to agree with you from the standpoint of just me. It's a wonderful boat that will certainly accomidate four people in a pinch. On the other hand, It would be my luck that the family would want to go more than I anticipated. I'll have to work that out between now and next year. Anyway, thanks again for responding to my dilema. I truly appreciate you thoughts. Windborn
 
Feb 25, 2007
191
- - Sandusky, Ohio
25 feet LOA but at the water 22

Before you write the check, take a look at a C30. The chop of Lake Erie can be a lot for a boat with only 22 feet at the water line. Don't assume the 30 to be too much boat. If you're going to wet slip it anyway, you might prefer the longer boat.
 
Jun 20, 2007
16
- - Keuka Lake
one more thing

Before you buy, take a walk on a 22 25 and 30---you will note the difference, and get a sense of what singlehandling them would require. I still view the 25 and 30 as large boats with more to think about.I own a 22 and feel the 25 and 30 are much bigger to handle (my view)on your own.---I do agree that you need to be able to handle Lake Erie and a 22 might be too light for that.--good luck---Beau
 
R

Ray Bowles

Buy the biggest boat you can afford.

Windborn, Unless you have already decided on a specific boat for reasons of price, performance or features, then I would advise you to go with the largest well found boat that you have inspected. We have lived and cruised on a Island Packet 38 for quite a few miles, sailed a Hunter 26 for 3 enjoyable years and currently are in a love affair with our humble Catalina 22. I feel the C22 is much more exciting to sail then a C25 and that it responds to the slightest of inputs from her master. Something larger boats take longer to do. That said, the 25 does have quite a bit more room everywhere than the 22. Both will handle 4 persons for a day sail but will be somewhat busy. The 25 would be much better if young people are involved. Any boat in this size range will be fairly easy to master the basics of sailing on. I think it is a mistake to buy a smaller boat thinking it will be easier to learn to sail on. You will outgrow this "requirement" within the first few months and you don't want to be stuck wishing you had bought the bigger boat. Good Luck, Ray
 

Bilbo

.
Aug 29, 2005
1,265
Catalina 22 Ohio
C22

Having a C22 I would say that the 22 has more possibility for racing because there are more of them in one-design than larger boats. If you intend to sail in the Erie area under the protection of Presque isle, Then the 22 may be adequate with respect to the lake but I would not sail mine out into heavy weather on Erie. On Pymatuning, I just try to be safe and we have a great time with our 22. The larger boats have more room to stretch out for 4 though. Especially if you are a growing family with young kids. If yuo intend to sleep overnight, a 22 is small enough that every time you move about the cabin, you are going to have to move something to sit or lay down. With 4, you'd probably be bumping into a lot of elbows as well. Other considerations are hauling out. Can you do it alone with your vehicle or are you using harbor facilities?
 
Sep 26, 2007
8
- - Erie, PA.
Harbor facilities

Thanks for your response. I would be using a slip here in Erie. Given your response, it seems that I'm floating closer to the 25's. My children are 13 & 15 and growing. The 22 seems as though it will barely due. I fear that I'll kick myself down the road and wish I'd done the 25. Thanks for taking the time to respond. Windborn
 
Sep 26, 2007
8
- - Erie, PA.
Thanks Ray

Ya know, I really appreciate the time everyone has taken to answer this question of mine. I do have teens to consider and they're still growing. The 22 will do, but I'm strongly leaning toward the 25's. Being completely new to this world of sailing, I can't see myself going any bigger than that. In any case, thanks for your time, I really appreciate you thoughts. Windborn
 
Sep 26, 2007
8
- - Erie, PA.
Thanks Beau !

Lake Erie and growing teens. Starting to look like a 25. Most people have responded with information that reflects your thoughts as well. I think I'm definitely leaning toward the 25's. I get to see lake Erie on local races, It's not always friendly to light craft. The 25 might just have enough to be the best for the money. Thanks for your time. Windborn
 
Feb 25, 2007
191
- - Sandusky, Ohio
22 at the water line

I just realized my response was not clear. What I meant was the C25 only has 22 feet at the water line. I wasn't advocating the C25 over the C22. I was suggesting that the C30 might be the better boat for you. A trailerable C22 would be great at Pymatuning, though.
 
Sep 26, 2007
8
- - Erie, PA.
If the price was right

Thanks again, price will be an issue with regard to a 30. I have friends to assist with lessons and or practice. You're right, I'd buy the 30 if the price was right. Windborn
 
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