C250 water ballast vs. C25

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M

Mark

I wondered if anyone has made the transition from a C25 to a C250, or the other way around. How does the Water ballast boat sail compared to iron ballast? I really like both boats, but have never sailed on either one. I currently own a Mac 25, which has an iron swing keel, its sails ok, but lets face it, its a cheap boat. I am looking to trade up, can't go smaller, and where we sail, we have to keep it on the trailer (rigged). I have heard some sailors say water ballast boats heel more, and are uncomfortable to sail on. Is that true? Thanks for any input!
 
Oct 7, 2004
54
- - Melvern Lake - Kansas
Why not the wing keel?

I'm a C22 swing keel sailor that considered the C250s. It seems appealing to me to have the wing over water ballast on the C250. The wing gives you more headroom in the cabin and I believe the boat rides on the trailer only a little higher because of it. Since you are keeping the boat on the trailor and not having to frequenlty haul over land, it shouldn't be much of a problem. Also, this would eliminate having the ramp time required to drain the ballast every time you hauled out. Just some thoughts.
 
Jun 2, 2004
1,077
Several Catalinas C25/C320 USA
C25/250

Check the C25/250 forum, it's one of the best and busiest around:
 
M

Mark

Thanks,

I didnt realize that the 250 was offered with a wing keel, and no water balast. I saw the 250 water balast and liked it, but heard the water balast boats dont sail as well. I wonder what the weight is of the wing keel? I'll check the 250 forum.
 
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watercolors

water ballast is for towing

I sail a Catalina 22 and every summer I sail a Catalilna 25 swing keel and newer 250 water ballast on a small inland lake. The 22 and 25 can handle any weather or conditions on a small inland lake. Its easier to put your pants on in a 25. The friend with the 250 sails with me on my 22 when the winds are over 20 mph. The 250 owner expressed an interest is a ‘88 Catalina 22 I found in a estate sale. The whole reason for water ballast is towing, not one advantage for sailing.
 
F

Frankr

Wing Keel give 5 inches more head room

The Wing keel gives about 5 inches more head room overthe water ballast since there are no internal tanks
 
M

Mark

Wing?

Thanks for the info. How does the wing keel 250 perform in 20+ winds?
 
G

Greg

Wing 250 in 20 knot winds

I've solo'd in my 04 250 wing keel in 20 knot winds three or four times. A couple of those times I went out just to see what would happen. Its doable. Suggest you use just the main - furled or unfurled. Though I've never sailed a laser or dingy I'd imagine this comes close. Have to be real responsive to the main sheet - especially if it is gusting. You'll get plenty of speed and can push into the 6 or 7 knot mark with just the main up. If you control the main sheet well (always in hand and sometimes better if you don't even lock it in the tackle) you can keep the heel to a comfortable level (20 degrees or below) and and still navigate well both upwind and down. You'll have to plan your turns carefully and will almost always be spilling wind. A jibe can be a real experience - definitely wear your gloves, take up the slack in the main as you turn, and then get ready to release quickly. If you don't do this just right you'll get blown waaay over - but even then, the boat can take it. Bottom line - the boat can take it and will perform well. You'll have to be thinking a lot more than you normally do in this weather though. To see a pic of this boat doing a solo in 15 knot wind you can see Good Measure in the owner contributed photos for 250s. Comfortable enough.
 
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