Looking @ purchase of c 25 swing keel need advice

[jmczzz]

I would like to move up to a C-25 from my C-22. I do want to stay with a swing keel like my 22.
The prospect boat is a 1980 that has been in a yard for 10 or so years. I have an appointment to go look at it in a couple of weeks so would like to know more about structural, rig, keel or other things I should pay attention too. My 22 is NOT a pop top but the 25 IS. The interior is said to be stock just needs tlc?
Wife and I really have enjoyed our '72 C22 just want a little more room to cruise the Great Loop starting next spring.
Any info pointers etc would be apreciated.
James

 

[Stu Jackson]

James,

Great boats, We had a fixed keel pop-top after a C22 swinger.

Ask these guys, they know:

http://catalina-capri-25s.org/forum/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=3

 

[jmczzz]

thanks, I've been reading thier threads..... lots of good info. james

 

[Apex]

pay careful attention to the keel trunk. The 25 association is a great resource as well. G/L. We had a fin keel 25, miss how it sailed.

 

[jmczzz]

thanks for thoes comments.
Here are a couple of pics taken inside subject C-25.
My guess it is some sort of cover over the keel trunk forward end. I have not seen this before. Can anybody tell me what i am looking at here? pic 1 is the total area of forward salon deck, pic 2 is a close up of the specific area in question.
Thanks, James

 

[Alansails]

We owned a C22 and a C25 TRSK/popup top and thoroughly enjoyed both boats and both were swing keels that we sailed each for 10yrs. Aside from the cushions that need replaced, I would say to you that the down side to swing keels is the keel cables/trunks/turning ball. ALL OF THAT NEEDS inspected to make sure the trunk does not leak,the keel bushings and pin are still intact and do not need replaced. You should put the boat in a sling to raise it out of the trailer to look at those parts. Than you can decide if that is the boat for you based on the amount of work to be done. And of course the expense. There are ALOT of good boats (Catalina) out there, you just need to be patient sometimes. We found our 310 and we were Not even looking. Our 25 was Hull #5612 so Catalina made alot of them. Hope this helps.

 

[jrowan]

I also had A C 25 years ago. I agree with the last post about thoroughly inspecting the keel trunk. They can & will leak. The trunk casing is not all that robust & can crack from groundings. Inspect it out of the water for keel, cable & fitting condition & in the water for leaks. Mine leaked while under sail & cost me about a grand to rebuild the trunk. They can also crack down low where the keel trunk meets the hull, & you cannot even see the crack until it leaks when launched. If it comes with a trailer inspect it thoroughly for bad wheel bearings & rotted bunk boards. Many trailers that come with these older boats are no longer road worthy. Mine wasn't. They are great lil' boats, but never sail with the pop top in the up position. The slide bolt that holds it in place can easily slip out & it will slam down hard onto the cabin top. That could really hurt anyone inside the cabin. Lastly, make sure you thoroughly test the outboard before buying, if it comes with one. They are expensive to replace if gone bad. Also sails are expensive, so if they look original they are probably toast. Like the others said, there are a lot of 'em out there, so try & find a good one. People tend to learn how to sail on smaller boats, & as a result they get beat up. I know cause that's what I did! Good luck.

 

[jmczzz]

thanks for that info. The keel trunk is a suspect area. James