production of wing keels

[George]

I would like to know if some one out there has any knolage of what years the wing keel was produced on the Catalina 25. I am interested in this model for my boat, but there dose not seem to be that many wing keels out there.

 

[R.W.Landau]

I am not sure but

This is what I found. In about 1986 the wing keel was introduced. It came with some changes through the next 3 years. You may find retro fit swing keel boats with wings. This is an intresting option.These boats in my opinion are the best trailerable boats in the 25' range. They are also pricy. There were not that many produced and most are newer. Owners like them and don't give them up easily.I think the year to buy is 1989 and newer. In 89 the cabin underwent height changes. Giving more head room than previous years. Expect to pay 16,000+ for an 89. This probably does not include a trailer.The 89 Catalina wing keel was my first choice. I did not like the swing keel at all and the fixed keel limited trailer ability.  My second choice was the O'Day 25. That is what I own now. It is a long story but the O'Day will more than satisfy this sailor.r.w.landau

 

[brad]

I think '86 is about right.

Ahoy George,I had a Cat 22 some years back....a wing. When i was researching the wing, I learned that the 22s started showing up with them in December '86. I searched for a 25 wing keel....but I also wanted an inboard. It was too narrow a production window (didn't Catalina go to the 250 in about '90?) and there was nothing to buy during the time I was looking. I ultimately bought a Capri 26 wingkeel with the diesal...haven't really regreted it and in many ways, the Capri is better (IMHO). A 25 still gets my gaze when I happen upon one however.Anyway, good luck in your search but remember that you only have a couple of years models to pick from.Brad

 

[Dick Lemming]

Wing keels

George,Catalina made wing keels from the 1987 to 1991 model years. R.W. is right when he says they are expensive- when I was looking,the few I saw were $10,000 to $15,000 plus trailer. I bought an O'Day 26 instead, which has more head room than the 1987-88 Catalina models, has a pull out double berth in the cabin, 2.5 foot shoal keel with swing down centerboard that drops to 6 feet. The O'Day 25 is very similar, but not quite the headroom. Many more of the O'Day 25's made though. Both have similar lines to the Catalina.