Catalina 25 or O'day 25 ?

[eddyvee]

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 !

 

[Don]

In a nutshell.....

Replacing the rudder might not be easy. The O'Day draw 2'3" with board up (assuming it is a CB model) and 6' with it down. That might be an advantage for lake sailing. The O'Day has ,IMHO, a better interior lay out. The Catalina has better pointing ability and is faster. The Catalina still has factory support and better availability of parts. The c25 is heavier by about 500lbs and more stable because of it's fixed keel and slightly wider beam. For what is's worth, I've sailed both and had an O'Day 23 (very similar) for 7 years.

 

[Larry Watkins]

Cat or O'day

eddyvee; IMHO, the Catalina wins, hands down. They're still in business, for one. The Catallina pop-top with enclosure is very nice for weekends at anchor, too.