New Catalina Owner?

[Bruce]

Hi Sailors - I guess have discovered our Planet. I have the opportunity to purchase a 1980 Catalina 25' for an extremely reasonable price. It has a built-in head, tiller-steering, 10 hp. outboard but has been sitting out of water for two summers. What types of things should I consider before committing? Apparently it needs a new outboard bracket and I'm sure the interior/exterior will need some cleaning up, but, from the 25' owners' perspective what should I pay particular attention to? Thanks for any help.

 

[LaDonna Bubak - Planet Catalina]

Things to consider

I'm sure others will have a more comprehensive C25-specific list of things but some basics to consider for any boat includes the condition of the sails, standing & running rigging, bottom (any blisters? they'd look like little circular cracks after being dried out for so long), trailer, head, fresh water system - the list could go on forever! There are several good self-surveying books out there - probably available at your local library - that would give our a really good idea of what to look for. Hopefully some folks with C25s will give you an idea of what to check out as far as the swing keel mechanisms go. Good luck!LaDonna

 

[Carroll H. Austin]

To NEW CATALINA 25 owner..

I purchased a "84 Cat. 25 last summer. In removing the main sail after haulout last fall, I noticed that the stiching on bottom of sail that goes thru the track along the boom had started to loosen considerably (near the aft end of boom). This may be an area subject to more pressure where a little preventitive maintenance (a stitch in time, saves nine) may prevent serious damage to the mainsail. If your model has a swing keel, it would be a good idea to check on the cable and related fittings, as I have noted from past comments in this website, as well as experience with an O'Day 23 that I previously owned. Good luck and good sailing with your new boat!!

 

[the Pirate of Sha-lin]

A New Catalina Fan!

I have a C-22, but this would be for any boat. If you're unsure, and have no experienced, trusted person to take a look, have the boat surveyed by a proffessional surveyor. You can get a recommedation from any marina or yacht club. The best of wind to you! Good luck.

 

[Arlyn Stewart]

Swing Keel?

If the boat your looking at is a swing keel, it has a 1500lb keel that if it experienced a cable break would damage the keel trunk. This is the achilles heal of an otherwise very fine boat. Check the trunk out for damage and if you purchase the boat, do the maintenance on the keel retract system to ensure all is in good order.