I just got a 1983 Catalina 25, and got her in the water at Port Aransas Texas. I have a few questions: - where can I find detailed information on this model? - is there any provision for a shore power hookup? the battery switch has several settings (like "all", "1", "2", etc), what does this mean? - I see a water connector, does this support pressurized water? or is it just a connector to a tank? - what is a good motor size? it now has a 4-cycle 6hp Nissan, not sure if this is strong enough for coastal areas Any help is appreciated! thanks, Bill P
Catalina 25 (1983) new owner questions
- Thread starter billpaustin
- Start date
- Status
Hi Bill...
........I'll give my 2 cents regarding the motor. I think a 6hp is fine. One thing to remember is once you go larger than a 6hp the motor will almost double in weight. For your boat a 6hp should be fine. If you are looking to get the most out of those 6 horseys, talk to a prop shop about a new prop. The stock prop on those little outboards is designed for a boat of about 1500lbs and my guess is that you are not getting the motor up to it's recommended RPM speed. The motor will last longer as well, with the proper prop. You will see similar boats with a larger motor but it's overkill. Tim
........I'll give my 2 cents regarding the motor. I think a 6hp is fine. One thing to remember is once you go larger than a 6hp the motor will almost double in weight. For your boat a 6hp should be fine. If you are looking to get the most out of those 6 horseys, talk to a prop shop about a new prop. The stock prop on those little outboards is designed for a boat of about 1500lbs and my guess is that you are not getting the motor up to it's recommended RPM speed. The motor will last longer as well, with the proper prop. You will see similar boats with a larger motor but it's overkill. Tim
Welcome, Bill...
And congrats on the "new to you" boat. You might try the CatalinaOwners.com but then again, you might have posted this question from there. You can also try a google for any Catalina 27 Associations. The battery switch normally has four settings: Off-1-All-2. The off is just that, terminates the battery connection to the DC panel in the boat. The number 1 selects battery 1, 2 selects battery 2, and All selects both batteries. Not sure about the water connector. Try motoring the boat before thinking about switching out the outboard. If you achieve hull speed, then a bigger motor won't get you any advantage. I use a 9.9 4-stroke on my Lancer 27 and I get hull speed without any problems. Good luck with the boat and again, welcome to the forums.
And congrats on the "new to you" boat. You might try the CatalinaOwners.com but then again, you might have posted this question from there. You can also try a google for any Catalina 27 Associations. The battery switch normally has four settings: Off-1-All-2. The off is just that, terminates the battery connection to the DC panel in the boat. The number 1 selects battery 1, 2 selects battery 2, and All selects both batteries. Not sure about the water connector. Try motoring the boat before thinking about switching out the outboard. If you achieve hull speed, then a bigger motor won't get you any advantage. I use a 9.9 4-stroke on my Lancer 27 and I get hull speed without any problems. Good luck with the boat and again, welcome to the forums.
thanks all ...
My worry is that on the Texas coast, we normally get a 15-20 knot onshore breeze, and the tide moves around 3 knots. This can make it interesting to get out to the Gulf. I have to use the Corpus Christi ship channel, and be able to avoid all the tankers, freighters, etc. The fun part
I haven't run the motor at high speed yet, just motored slowly to the slip. I'll test it out before spending any money. Thanks for the propeller tip. Sailing is year-round here, even today it is in the 70's with 15 knot breezes. Bill P
My worry is that on the Texas coast, we normally get a 15-20 knot onshore breeze, and the tide moves around 3 knots. This can make it interesting to get out to the Gulf. I have to use the Corpus Christi ship channel, and be able to avoid all the tankers, freighters, etc. The fun part
I haven't run the motor at high speed yet, just motored slowly to the slip. I'll test it out before spending any money. Thanks for the propeller tip. Sailing is year-round here, even today it is in the 70's with 15 knot breezes. Bill P
some answers
Hi Bill, Welcome aboard and congrats on your new boat. Regarding Catalina 25 support and information, you are in luck. Start with 'catalinaowners.com' and check out 'boat info' and look for the 25. After that just do a google search and in a few days you will be an expert. On your battery question, there is no way to know if the boat came with a charger. As mentioned, the 'off, 1, 2, all' switch is a battery selection switch. You will need to do some looking around and see how many batteries you have and how they are wired. Most small boats have one battery, most big boats have 2 (or more) batteries. With a 25' boat there is no way of knowing. It's possible that your outboard has an alternator that charges the batteries. If not, you will need to either remove the batts and charge them, or add a charger (and a slip or dock with electric). The water connector is to allow you to fill the water tank. There should be water pump for the galley / head. The recommended engine size is 7.5 - 10hp, so you are a little under, but close. For more info on your boat, check this out: http://www.catalina-capri-25s.org/manbro/Cat25manpre88.pdf Good luck, Barry
Hi Bill, Welcome aboard and congrats on your new boat. Regarding Catalina 25 support and information, you are in luck. Start with 'catalinaowners.com' and check out 'boat info' and look for the 25. After that just do a google search and in a few days you will be an expert. On your battery question, there is no way to know if the boat came with a charger. As mentioned, the 'off, 1, 2, all' switch is a battery selection switch. You will need to do some looking around and see how many batteries you have and how they are wired. Most small boats have one battery, most big boats have 2 (or more) batteries. With a 25' boat there is no way of knowing. It's possible that your outboard has an alternator that charges the batteries. If not, you will need to either remove the batts and charge them, or add a charger (and a slip or dock with electric). The water connector is to allow you to fill the water tank. There should be water pump for the galley / head. The recommended engine size is 7.5 - 10hp, so you are a little under, but close. For more info on your boat, check this out: http://www.catalina-capri-25s.org/manbro/Cat25manpre88.pdf Good luck, Barry
You can download a parts list at
http://www.catalina-capri-25s.org I'm happy to help with any questions you might have, give me a call: Dave Groshong Customer Service SailboatOwners.com Toll Free 877-932-7245 ext.116, Mon-Fri, 9-5 Pacific
http://www.catalina-capri-25s.org I'm happy to help with any questions you might have, give me a call: Dave Groshong Customer Service SailboatOwners.com Toll Free 877-932-7245 ext.116, Mon-Fri, 9-5 Pacific
- Status