Catalina C25

[David Hall22685]

Looking at buying a 1980 Catalina c25 and wondered if anyone had any thoughts. It is in need of work, and I have never worked on a boat before other than my 170 which is of course plastic, but am willing to learn. Also, having never sailed something that big before, was wondering if any of you have had any experience with that make or model?

 

[Steve Morris]

I live in WV and sail an O'Day 25 at Cave Run Lake, Morehead, KY. I have several friends who have Catallina 25s. Our boats are similar and I like both of them. I'd be glad to talk to you about this. Give me a call 304-727-5326.

Steve Morris

 

[Warren Milberg]

A friend of mine owned and sailed a 1980 Catalina 25 for many years. He added furling and some new sails as well as a new 8 hp 2-stroke Evinrude. His boat was the 4-ft fixed keel model. He really liked the boat and I don't think he had any serious problems with it. One item to check and be aware of is that Catalina used mild steel in the keel bolts. We did a retrofit on his boat to correct this issue. We called Catalina and they provided the instructions. If in decent condition, this is a nice boat.

 

[Stu Jackson]

If you're serious about the C25, go here: http://www.catalina-capri-25s.org/forum/default.asp?CAT_ID=1

We had a 1981 fixed keel for 11-12 years, great boat.

 

[David Hall22685]

Since looking at the Catalina, I have also found a MacGregor 25 much closer to home also with a trailer (the C25 does not). I know that the MacGregor is smaller inside but weighs much less. Was wondering about just how cramped the Mac would be compared to the C25. Also How does a much lighter boat sail compared to the heaver one? I am told that the C25 may weigh as much as 6,000 whereas the Mac may only weigh 2300 with a swing keel! Any comparison thoughts? Thanks for your help!

 

[RichBone]

Where will you be sailing it?

 

[watercolors II]

Catalina 25 or a MacGregor 25?

First they’re two different boats.

The MacGregor is just a larger 22 foot boat, easy to tow and set up, about 52 inches of head room so you can not stand up in one. Limited storage and amenities below, and limited sail controls above. Being a 22 foot boat, they will work great on small lakes in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia

The Catalina 25 is a much larger boat at the same length, heavier, more stable, forgiving and will handle bigger waters than found in the states listed above.

The MacGregor is a faster boat.

 

[caguy]

Since looking at the Catalina, I have also found a MacGregor 25 much closer to home also with a trailer (the C25 does not). I know that the MacGregor is smaller inside but weighs much less. Was wondering about just how cramped the Mac would be compared to the C25. Also How does a much lighter boat sail compared to the heaver one? I am told that the C25 may weigh as much as 6,000 whereas the Mac may only weigh 2300 with a swing keel! Any comparison thoughts? Thanks for your help!

Qoheleth, have you found any good pictures of the inside of the Catalina. I've searched the internet and haven't found much. I have heard that they are roomier and have considered going over to the dark-side for that reason.

 

[David Hall22685]

Mac vs C25

Qoheleth, have you found any good pictures of the inside of the Catalina. I've searched the internet and haven't found much. I have heard that they are roomier and have considered going over to the dark-side for that reason.

Well, actually they are on ebay. The Catalina is actually at Gibraltar MI. My problem with that is getting the thing to West Virginia. I do most of my sailing at Claytor Lake which is a part of the New River South West of Roanoke Virginia. I am looking to move up to a weekender and would love a winter project. I have not worked with fiberglass before but it has got to be easier than the ACP of the Hunter! I am willing to learn and love the room of the Catalina, however, getting it to WV is still problematic without a trailer plus larger vehicle!

 

[David Hall22685]

Which Boat?

In case anyone wonders, I bought the Mac.

 

[Paul Brinkley]

Congratulations! I'm sure the C25 is a good boat, but I think you find trailer sailing easier with the Mac. Enjoy! -Paul

 

[biorapper]

You have a great sailing boat! Not as durable as the catalina 25 and more apt to heel initially...but it is pretty tough, easy and cheap to trailer and, for it's size, very fast! You may want to eventually add a traveler and idarudder...then the odds are very good you will be passing boats of similiar length/niche.

p.s to watercolors post in reference to the catalina handling bigger waters and the macs not being able to handle said watersit may be you were thinking mac 22', i don't know about that boat...but if that is the case disregard the following.)

I have found that my mac 26s handles just as well as the catalina or hunter...you MAY have to reef a bit earlier...but I have gone out with whitecapps when a catalina owner sitting on the dock sipping beer was telling me how much better his boat was...he stayed at the dock while I made a nice spill proof rum drink and shoved off, with no working motor, into the fray. He kept on talking about how much better his boat sailed even after I challenged him to a race, which he declined. The boats are close enough that it is the man holding the helm and lines that makes the biggest difference when sailing lakes or coastal. I almost always out sail 25'/26' foot hunters and catalina's (lighter boat, much of the time, can sail faster).

At anchor however, the hunters and catalinas are much nicer! Also, if I had an angry swordfish, or was banging against a reef I would rather be in a catalina or hunter. However, most if not all mac/cat/hunter sailors are close to civilization and don't have to worry about that...just make sure you have a good vhf radio (and a handheld backup!).

 

[David Hall22685]

Ah! Thank you for the good word, however another question: is it assumed that anyone with anything 12' or longer races it? I learned how to sail in a 16' fiberglass canoe with a lateen sail both which dad made out of spare parts he found in the garage. Dad loved to sail but living in WV there was no one to race. Power boats seemed to have too much advantage and the changing winds put us at a disadvantage with the paddle boats.

Since moving to Bluefield and finding that the only suitable lake was an hour away, I bought a used Hunter 170 and learned (by trial and error) how to sail a sloop. My family refused to sail with me that first year but as I got better they ventured out once or twice. I am even teaching my daughter how to sail (or at least I think I am.)

One of my first trips out some old seafaring salt came over to me in the parking lot and started asking me lots of questions and invited me to go racing with them on Sunday. I thanked him and he wandered off. Since I am still standing at the back door of the church shaking hands with my congregation when they race, I have never been to a race. My day off is Monday and there is not very many people with boats of any kind on the lake on a Monday. So I have no idea how to race or no one with which to race. I just enjoy geting out and enjoying the wind, rain or on rare occasions the sun for a quiet afternoon on the lake.

So if any of you want to teach me to race, come down to Claytor lake in south west Virginia on a nice Monday afternoon and I will give it a shot! Blessings,
Qoheleth - The Preacher

 

[biorapper]

Not always but much of the time two sailboats in close proximity are acutely aware of each others boat speed. One funny story was when I was with my girlfriend and saw a sail about a quarter mile away...I said (after a few rum drinks) "I'mmm a huntinnng him down". She laughed and said "he doesn't even know your out here". I caught him quickly (he was still learning I think). When I caught him he said to me "man, you hunted me down with ease". I let loose the sail and talked for awhile about tell tales and stuff. It is usually very good natured fun out there! get a book and read about the controls for your sails and what they do....then, most imp. get out there and sail....you will be fine tuning your knowledge probably for the rest of your life!