Hello everyone. I owned a Catalina 22 for years and had to sell her but now I am back in the market and am considering a Catalina 25 swing keel. I am amazed at how much larger these boats are than the 22. I looked at one today on Lake Norman, NC and I think I can get it for 3K or so (it's a 1984) but the keel cable broke, the keel came off and is on the bottom of the lake under the boat...in the mud! The boat lost her keel when engineers lowered the lake, it got stuck in the mud and twisted. Is this a common problem for Cats if the stick a retract keel in the mud? I am concerned now about swing keels. Can this keel be retrived? Someone told me that it weighs 1,600 lbs! Is that true? Could the keel hanging system be broke? I have no idea what to offer for this boat. Anyone have any sugestions?
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Swing keel experience
Have seen 22 loose a keel and repair took care and made it better. I have a 79 25 swingkeel and have checked it each season and only replaced cable once. Check Catalina Direct, they have a manual for the 25 with suggestions and will sell you all the parts. Yes it is heavy, had mine off three times before getting a smooth shape and protection from salt water. Shaft pin is 1 inch which is only place you can lift and drag from, good luck
Have seen 22 loose a keel and repair took care and made it better. I have a 79 25 swingkeel and have checked it each season and only replaced cable once. Check Catalina Direct, they have a manual for the 25 with suggestions and will sell you all the parts. Yes it is heavy, had mine off three times before getting a smooth shape and protection from salt water. Shaft pin is 1 inch which is only place you can lift and drag from, good luck
think about the twisting forces you described...
acting on the hull as it "wallowed" around in the slip on top of that keel. The hull would have to survive twisting, pounding, rolling forces on all axis. Bulkheads probably moved, the hull & deck flexed, the keel mounting structure incurred the most immediate forces...scary to think about what could be wrong..or severely weakened on that boat. There are plenty of C25's around, keep looking. Good Luck, Steve W.
acting on the hull as it "wallowed" around in the slip on top of that keel. The hull would have to survive twisting, pounding, rolling forces on all axis. Bulkheads probably moved, the hull & deck flexed, the keel mounting structure incurred the most immediate forces...scary to think about what could be wrong..or severely weakened on that boat. There are plenty of C25's around, keep looking. Good Luck, Steve W.
Lost Keel
I agree with Barry, in fact, unless you have to trailer the boat, I would not want a swing keel at all. There are lots of good C25s out there, check: www.sailnet.com/boatsearch www.yachtworld.com www.catalinaowners.com www.boatus.com www.ablboats.com
I agree with Barry, in fact, unless you have to trailer the boat, I would not want a swing keel at all. There are lots of good C25s out there, check: www.sailnet.com/boatsearch www.yachtworld.com www.catalinaowners.com www.boatus.com www.ablboats.com
Not Good Deal
3K is way way too much for this boat. I agree with Steve W. that there is most like more damage than you see. Additonally, the keel could be damaged beyond repair. In which case you will be looking for another one. Ballest is listed as 1500/1900/1750 lbs on http://www.sailboatowners.com/boats/specs.tpl?fno=20&sku=303897909773679&bts=T. I would spend the extra $2-3K and get on that is ready to go. Regards George
3K is way way too much for this boat. I agree with Steve W. that there is most like more damage than you see. Additonally, the keel could be damaged beyond repair. In which case you will be looking for another one. Ballest is listed as 1500/1900/1750 lbs on http://www.sailboatowners.com/boats/specs.tpl?fno=20&sku=303897909773679&bts=T. I would spend the extra $2-3K and get on that is ready to go. Regards George
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