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[Mac]

Hello,Just purchased a 1983 Catalina 25, fixedpresently kept in the Kemah Marina.Been out a few times in Galveston Bay and once in Clear Lake.The boat has broken electronics(depth sounder, speedometer) so navigation in the lake makes us a bit nervous. I have a list of questions and I'm open to suggestions and comments to help me enjoy all options.Is Clear Lake ok, since this is a fixed keel model and requires at least 4 feet?Is the Kemah Marina as good as it gets?Would you recommend getting the electronics repaired or replaced?What are some alternate or recommended financing options?How about boat limits (load lbs.?, max winds?, distance?.)I'm sure to have more, but I'll stop for now.Let me knowThanksMac

 

[Rick]

Galveston Bay

Hi Mac:I will try to address just a few of your questions. First...get out of Clear Lake to Sail.. It is generally pretty shallow...a four foot draft should be ok in most parts though. Second, A depth sounder is a must!!!! Galveston bay has plenty of deep enough water. Third, get some charts and use them until you are comfortable with the area. Hope you got out on the Bay this last weekend. Sailing was excellent!! Rick

 

[Rick]

Facilites in Clear Lake

Hi Again Mac:There are certainly some nice marinas in Clear Lake if that is what you mean is this as good as it gets. Though depending on your budget....There is both Lakewood Yacht Club and Houston Yacht Club....Both with excellent facilities AND dedicated and friendly sailors and power boaters...I suggest that you check out some of the other facilities as well such as South Shore and Watergate.

 

[Jmalt]

By All Means Swing by the Turtle Club!

I'm an 'ol aggie (class of '82) that logged a few hundred hours sailing and racing on the third coast, that is Clear lake/Galv Bay in the mid-late eighties. I raced the GBCA on several racers out of watergate- the In-place at the time. Enjoy sailing the lake and galv bay, but by all means, check out the turtle club-the floating bar located on the north shore. I remember the good 'ol wednesday nite can races....... Oh, yea, just a reminder don't run aground on any bars on the way to Redfish Island! Jmalt -SV Freebird

 

[Rick]

Electronics

Hi again MacOn the electronics...I recommend starting over....Mine are 88-90 vintage and they are expensive to repair and really out of date. The new stuff is so much better. On the depth sounder... Get a really good Fish finder....it has depth and so much more. I saw that someone else was recommending same. We have a really good fish finder on the fishing boat. Works really well.Best SailingRick