I want to buy a new boat and have been looking at the Hunter 25 and Catalina 250. The Catalina dealer is a very experienced sailor and says the Catalina is a far superior sailing boat than the Hunter. I have never sailed either boat. I have had Com-Pac's in the past. I will be sailing in the ICW mainly. Any help would be appreciated.
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I've seen some posts (sorta) comparing them
and I remember reading that the Hunter did pretty well even though the keel was very shallow. I think most people liked the overall design and outfitting of the C250 a bit better and the wing keel does pretty well too. One of the pluses for the H25 was its ease of launching and retrieving so if you plan to trailer-sail, it could very well be a factor. Also, Check the Catalinaowners site (sister to this one) for the information/responses. You may have to do an archive search to get it. Best of Luck, Clark
and I remember reading that the Hunter did pretty well even though the keel was very shallow. I think most people liked the overall design and outfitting of the C250 a bit better and the wing keel does pretty well too. One of the pluses for the H25 was its ease of launching and retrieving so if you plan to trailer-sail, it could very well be a factor. Also, Check the Catalinaowners site (sister to this one) for the information/responses. You may have to do an archive search to get it. Best of Luck, Clark
Huntalina
Historically the Hunter out performs the Catalina. The Catalina is more traditional and retains higher resale value. Opinions vary but I think the late model Hunters in that size range are BUTT Ugly. I vote for the CAT
Historically the Hunter out performs the Catalina. The Catalina is more traditional and retains higher resale value. Opinions vary but I think the late model Hunters in that size range are BUTT Ugly. I vote for the CAT
Question
Tom, What 250 Catalina were you considering? We looked at the 250 WB before buying our Hunter 26 (also WB). Tom Grass
Tom, What 250 Catalina were you considering? We looked at the 250 WB before buying our Hunter 26 (also WB). Tom Grass
Always beat Catalina 25
Everytime I've been on the same course as a Catalina 25, my Hunter 26 has sailed right past the Catalina, but I'm a racer .... and a cruiser, but you know the old adage anytime two boat are going in the same direction, it's a ........
Everytime I've been on the same course as a Catalina 25, my Hunter 26 has sailed right past the Catalina, but I'm a racer .... and a cruiser, but you know the old adage anytime two boat are going in the same direction, it's a ........
Nelson, the C25 is a very different boat . . .
from the C250. Plus, the H26 has a longer waterline and more sail than either one.
from the C250. Plus, the H26 has a longer waterline and more sail than either one.
To Clarify Actual Performance .......
I'd compare PHRF handicap ratings.. Hearing sailing stories from fast sailors has never impressed me
I'd compare PHRF handicap ratings.. Hearing sailing stories from fast sailors has never impressed me
Sail them both...
See if you can't find a way to sail them both in similiar conditions. I'll be surprised if the Hunter can point as high as the Catalina but it you aren't racing that might not be a consideration. That stubby keel bothers me though...
See if you can't find a way to sail them both in similiar conditions. I'll be surprised if the Hunter can point as high as the Catalina but it you aren't racing that might not be a consideration. That stubby keel bothers me though...
C25 vs H250
I went through the same drill but in reverse. I compared the wing keel C25 aginst the water ballast H260. The H25 is so new that it's hard to tell without actually sailing both boats in similar conditions. Just looking at the numbers I'd say the H25 is better in light air but is more tender than the C250. Others may come to different conclusions. Click on the "Specs" link http://kobernus.com/hunter260/index.html In the end, all that number crunching did not matter - my wife liked the layout and "look" of the H260 better.
I went through the same drill but in reverse. I compared the wing keel C25 aginst the water ballast H260. The H25 is so new that it's hard to tell without actually sailing both boats in similar conditions. Just looking at the numbers I'd say the H25 is better in light air but is more tender than the C250. Others may come to different conclusions. Click on the "Specs" link http://kobernus.com/hunter260/index.html In the end, all that number crunching did not matter - my wife liked the layout and "look" of the H260 better.
One huge advantage (in my opinion) of the new Hunter 25 is that it has no water ballast and no swing keel to mess with (and maintain). To me this is a huge plus. I hated cranking the keel up and down on my Catalina 25. Changing the keel cable and pins isn't hard to do but it was a big potential point of failure that can sink a boat if they fail(and I've heard stories of this happening). I've never owned a water ballast so I can't comment on that, but seems like another giant pain. I would expect to give up some pointing ability while only drawing 2 feet... but I have yet to read any first hand negative reports about the new Hunter.
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