considering a Catalina 250

[Reuben]

I'm considering a 2000 Catalina 250 for a first-time family cruiser. Though I've been thinking larger (we're a family of four; two teen sons) we were impressed with the 250's space both below and in the cockpit. Has anyone anecdotes of cruising with a 250? What have been its strengths and weaknesses? Also, I noted several complaints about the 250's weather helm in models 1997 and before - was this problem solved in the later models? Many thanks for any and all tips.Reuben

 

[J Simmonds]

Great boat ! but is it big enough.

I have no experience with the 250, but my first keel boat was an '85 Catalina 25, it was a great boat and with more space than any other 25 footer ( and some slightly larger boats) that we looked at. With teenagers you are probably pusing the "size" limit on the boat, we found anything over 4 adults onboard cramped, you may want to consider a slightly larger Catalina than the 25, it all depends on what your wallet can afford. We have moved up to a 30 and the space is fantastic. Good luck.

 

[RICK LEONOWITZ]

CONCIDERING A CATALINA 250

The Catalina 250 is a great boat. I have owned my 1996 WB for 2 seasons. The boat tows like a dream. I keep mine in a slip on Lake Michigan in season and store it in the off season at my in laws house at no charge. You can't do that with a bigger boat. You will find the cockpit more than big enough for your family. Do you plan on day sailing or cruising? If only day sailing you will have enough room. It will be tight if you plan on sleeping on the boat for four. You can plan on spending twice as much for a 30' of the same year or settle for a much older 30' for thousands more. The weather helm is more prevelent above 18 knots of wind but is not bad with a reef set in. Good luck in your search.

 

[Arlyn Stewart]

Lots of questions answered here

Somewhere along about where you identified, Catalina started putting a stopper block in the center board to hold it raked aft a bit to better balance the helm. Of course, earlier boats can either retro fit the stopper or just cleat the boards lift line a little... no problem.If keeping in a slip, look at the wing keels, if trailering... center board.Lots of answers to questions via the link.

 

[Jared]

This will answer everything.

I have a Catalina 25 that I just got a couple of months ago and love it. Catalina 25 and 250 has their own organization and have a wonderful users forum that will answer any question that you would ever have. It is a very active forum too, so plenty to look at.http://www.catalina25-250.orgGood luck - and look at the Catalina 25 too, oldy but goody. Plenty of discussion on that site above as to advantages/disadvantages of both.