Hi all, I have the opportunity to buy either a neglected 1976 O'Day 25 C/B for "very, very cheap" that would need some significant cosmetic work, new mainsail, perhaps new outboard and rudder, OR a 1984 Catalina 25 fixed fin that is clean and ready to sail for "a litle less than blue book". I have not examined the bottoms of either boat yet. My question is, which is a "better sailing boat" ? Meaning what boat is significantly "better" than the other in windward performance, downwind, etc. I like the design of the O'day, do not mind the work required, but if the Catalina is significantly less tender etc is the higher cost of the Cat justified. Iknoiw there is no balck and white answer, but just wanting some opinions. BTW, I day sail in North Texas Lakes so this is not going to be an offshore cruiser, and I will not be trailering. Thanks !
- Status
- Not open for further replies.
M
Mike
It's all a matter of personal taste,
but since you asked, here's my take on the two: While I have never sailed on the O'day 25, I own a 23, and she is tender; significantly more tender than the Catalina 25. Since the O'day 25 is just a slightly bigger version of the 23, I would be willing to bet that the 25 is also a tender sailer, and more tender than the Catalina. A good generalization is that that a boat that carries its ballast lower will be less tender. The Catalina carries its ballast in the fin way lower than the O'day, which carries virtually all of the ballast and righting movement in the centerboard trunk/keel. Since I have never sailed on the O'day 25, I can't really say for sure which one will point higher or go faster; but, I own an O'day 23, and have sailed extensively on both the Catalina 22 and 25. There are so many variables, not the least of which is the skill of the crew; however, the boats all share a common design style (canoe bottom, transom-mounted balanced rudder, relatively wide beam), so I think it is fair to assume that all other things are at least relatively equal between the O'day and the Catalina; the major difference is the fin keel vs. the keel/centerboard. You may get some other opinions by those who have actually compared the two, but I would be willing to bet that the Catalina 25 is a stiffer, more stable boat than the O'day 25, which generally translates into greater speed and pointing ability. I have sailed both the centerboard and fin versions of the Catalina 22, and the fin version was noticably stiffer, faster and higher pointing. Downwind, I think the O'day would have an advantage; you can retract the centerboard, which does add to your speed. I know you didn't ask, but one thing that would make it easier for me to decide would be to also consider the other features of the boat. If you are planning to weekend or cruise at all, the Catalina has (or most of them anyway) a pop-top. This is a great feature that really enhances the livability on board. Almost made me bust my budget and buy the Catalina over the O'day 23.
but since you asked, here's my take on the two: While I have never sailed on the O'day 25, I own a 23, and she is tender; significantly more tender than the Catalina 25. Since the O'day 25 is just a slightly bigger version of the 23, I would be willing to bet that the 25 is also a tender sailer, and more tender than the Catalina. A good generalization is that that a boat that carries its ballast lower will be less tender. The Catalina carries its ballast in the fin way lower than the O'day, which carries virtually all of the ballast and righting movement in the centerboard trunk/keel. Since I have never sailed on the O'day 25, I can't really say for sure which one will point higher or go faster; but, I own an O'day 23, and have sailed extensively on both the Catalina 22 and 25. There are so many variables, not the least of which is the skill of the crew; however, the boats all share a common design style (canoe bottom, transom-mounted balanced rudder, relatively wide beam), so I think it is fair to assume that all other things are at least relatively equal between the O'day and the Catalina; the major difference is the fin keel vs. the keel/centerboard. You may get some other opinions by those who have actually compared the two, but I would be willing to bet that the Catalina 25 is a stiffer, more stable boat than the O'day 25, which generally translates into greater speed and pointing ability. I have sailed both the centerboard and fin versions of the Catalina 22, and the fin version was noticably stiffer, faster and higher pointing. Downwind, I think the O'day would have an advantage; you can retract the centerboard, which does add to your speed. I know you didn't ask, but one thing that would make it easier for me to decide would be to also consider the other features of the boat. If you are planning to weekend or cruise at all, the Catalina has (or most of them anyway) a pop-top. This is a great feature that really enhances the livability on board. Almost made me bust my budget and buy the Catalina over the O'day 23.
M
Mark
Comparison - O'day vs Catalina
I own an O'day 25. I encountered the same decision you are encountering now. While the Catalina 25 I was looking at had blistering (above the waterline and below) the deciding factor was the stand-up headroom I get in the O'day 25. Compare the two specs. I bet no interior room will come close to the O'day 25 (lots of freeboard). Good Luck.
I own an O'day 25. I encountered the same decision you are encountering now. While the Catalina 25 I was looking at had blistering (above the waterline and below) the deciding factor was the stand-up headroom I get in the O'day 25. Compare the two specs. I bet no interior room will come close to the O'day 25 (lots of freeboard). Good Luck.
J
Jack Jackson
Oday vs Catalina
I would cast my vote for the ODay 25. I owned a Catalina 22 for years (and loved it), but I pick the ODay for 2 reasons: 1.Cabin space- The interior of the Oday 25 has the most space I've seen in a boat that size. The space is well thought out as well. I bought my 25 because my wife fell in love with the interior. 2.Decreased Draft- I sail in coastal NC where the water tends to be shallow. I love the decreased draft of the shallow fixed keel/centerboard combination.If you do run aground you know you are in shallow enough water that you can jump in and push off. I have never felt like the Oday was tender relative to other boats I've owned. It's heavy enough that it gives me a confident feeling (but I've never been out in anything much over 4 foot waves.)
I would cast my vote for the ODay 25. I owned a Catalina 22 for years (and loved it), but I pick the ODay for 2 reasons: 1.Cabin space- The interior of the Oday 25 has the most space I've seen in a boat that size. The space is well thought out as well. I bought my 25 because my wife fell in love with the interior. 2.Decreased Draft- I sail in coastal NC where the water tends to be shallow. I love the decreased draft of the shallow fixed keel/centerboard combination.If you do run aground you know you are in shallow enough water that you can jump in and push off. I have never felt like the Oday was tender relative to other boats I've owned. It's heavy enough that it gives me a confident feeling (but I've never been out in anything much over 4 foot waves.)
B
Ben Allen
Two Boats That Need An Owner
I currently own an O'Day 26, just about the same boat as the 25 with a few minor changes, I also had a 1985 Catalina 25 SK before this boat. Both boats sail very well, but the O'Day seems to be a little faster on acceleration. The Catalina, on the other hand is a stouter boat, Frank Butler over-enginnered this boat, and of the three versions of this boat (swing, wing, and fin) the fin is the strongest and least tinder of all. Some areas to look for on each boat: O'Day - Check the chain plate area, if it's not leaking here, it will soon. Catalina - Chain plates, same as above. Keel bolts and hull area for keel attachment (look for the Catalina Smile) Good luck with your choice. Ben Allen Montgomery, AL "Latte Dah" O'Day 26
I currently own an O'Day 26, just about the same boat as the 25 with a few minor changes, I also had a 1985 Catalina 25 SK before this boat. Both boats sail very well, but the O'Day seems to be a little faster on acceleration. The Catalina, on the other hand is a stouter boat, Frank Butler over-enginnered this boat, and of the three versions of this boat (swing, wing, and fin) the fin is the strongest and least tinder of all. Some areas to look for on each boat: O'Day - Check the chain plate area, if it's not leaking here, it will soon. Catalina - Chain plates, same as above. Keel bolts and hull area for keel attachment (look for the Catalina Smile) Good luck with your choice. Ben Allen Montgomery, AL "Latte Dah" O'Day 26
J
Jim Sullivan
Easy choice here
I take the Catalina in this case however if the boats were in equal condition then I would have a tough choice to make... We owned a Catalina 25 and enjoyed her a lot. She had been around Catalina numerous times and trailered to AZ, CA, NV lakes. We were often in the company of Oday 25 and 26 owners and shared lots of fun times..Either boat would be a good choice.. Good luck and good sailing: Jim Why Knot!
I take the Catalina in this case however if the boats were in equal condition then I would have a tough choice to make... We owned a Catalina 25 and enjoyed her a lot. She had been around Catalina numerous times and trailered to AZ, CA, NV lakes. We were often in the company of Oday 25 and 26 owners and shared lots of fun times..Either boat would be a good choice.. Good luck and good sailing: Jim Why Knot!
L
Leonard Hooks
Let me know if you don't buy the Oday
I have an Oday 25 and have sailed on a Cat 25. The Catalina will be faster, lower PHRF by probably 10 points, and the fixed keel will make her even more faster in medium to heavy air. The Cat will point higher. I think both are tender but the Oday is especially tender. I might be interested in the Oday if your don't buy it.
I have an Oday 25 and have sailed on a Cat 25. The Catalina will be faster, lower PHRF by probably 10 points, and the fixed keel will make her even more faster in medium to heavy air. The Cat will point higher. I think both are tender but the Oday is especially tender. I might be interested in the Oday if your don't buy it.
- Status
- Not open for further replies.