Anyone know of a nice 250 Catalina or Hunter 260 for sale? I want a wing (shoal) keel with galvanized trailer. Year isn't so critical but condition is! Thanks, Chief
Wanting to buy a Catalina 250 or Hunter 260
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We owned a 1995 Hunter 26 which is the early version of the 260 and to the best of my knowledge they are all water ballasted. I do know Catalina 25's can be had with a wing keel or water ballasted.
Ray
Ray
Was not aware that Hunter 260 came only in water ballast. Thanks for your help as I do not want water ballast. Chief
If trailering and shallow draft are priorities, I wouldn't rule out water ballasted boats so quickly. Both boats you mentioned are water ballasted ( at least the earlier versions of the C250) and draw less than 2' with board up. That makes launching at a standard launch pretty easy, similar to a power boat. They're much more stable than many here say as well. I have owned an H23.5 ( water ballast) for about 17 years now. It's initially tender, but becomes stiff as it heels to 10-15 degrees. It's not a racer, but does pretty good in lighter breezes ( <10knts) compared to similar sized keel boats. It's a fine boat for it's purpose. It can beached easily, and more importantly, un-beached fairly easily.
Filling a tank with water isn't partially sinking it no more than attaching 1k lbs of steel to the keel, except if the boat does swamp, water ballast boats ( at least the Hunters) have positive flotation, which will keep it from completely sinking. I don't know if that can be said for a traditional heavy keel boat.
Obviously, you picked two water ballast boats that have other features you like. Take one out and try it. As in my case, the benefits listed above outweighed ( or is it under-weighed) the negatives, which are few and often exaggerated.
Filling a tank with water isn't partially sinking it no more than attaching 1k lbs of steel to the keel, except if the boat does swamp, water ballast boats ( at least the Hunters) have positive flotation, which will keep it from completely sinking. I don't know if that can be said for a traditional heavy keel boat.
Obviously, you picked two water ballast boats that have other features you like. Take one out and try it. As in my case, the benefits listed above outweighed ( or is it under-weighed) the negatives, which are few and often exaggerated.
There is a keel version of the 260, sometimes called the 260 keel and 270. Depending where you sail and how frequently you have to pull or tow the water ballasted does have some unique advantages.
I went through the same thoughts and choices before we got our 260 and have been very happy with the water ballast - easier towing, launch, retrieval and stepping off onto the beach and only getting up to my knees wet!
I went through the same thoughts and choices before we got our 260 and have been very happy with the water ballast - easier towing, launch, retrieval and stepping off onto the beach and only getting up to my knees wet!
shallow draft boat
I sail in deep water. there are few water ballasted boats in my area From what Ive heard they are very tender. Its mostly keels where I sail. There are some keel centerboarders around. Given the choice I would opt for the keel centerboard Less chance of problems
and reasonably stiffer
I sail in deep water. there are few water ballasted boats in my area From what Ive heard they are very tender. Its mostly keels where I sail. There are some keel centerboarders around. Given the choice I would opt for the keel centerboard Less chance of problems
and reasonably stiffer
Water ballast boats are initially very tender.
but once you transfer the weight, they harden up nicely, say over 12-15 degrees.
that initial 10 degree tilt does trouble some people.. but if you get past that, there are advantages to waterballast boats.
but once you transfer the weight, they harden up nicely, say over 12-15 degrees.
that initial 10 degree tilt does trouble some people.. but if you get past that, there are advantages to waterballast boats.
Thanks for the water ballast input but want a wing keel trailerable boat. I am leaning toward the Catalina 250. I have owned a 26' and have many years experience sailing both lake and seas. I am looking on line, any help would be appreciated. Yachtworld,Boattrader, where else? Cash available for purchase! Thanks, Chief
Thanks Jackdaw, I found this one but it is priced a bit high with an old 2 stroke on it. He doesn't seem to want to come down much. I am still working with him though. Chief
There's an old 25 sitting here on the hill, a REAL fixer upper. Might be had for very little. No trailer, motor. Grim looking, but appears to be all there..
jaxed.com usa searchable CL mashup....
http://boat.jaxed.com/cgi-bin/mash.cgi?itm=&fil=catalina 250&pg=&loc=&q=catalina 250
-plan on launching with a sling? or a big truck?
http://boat.jaxed.com/cgi-bin/mash.cgi?itm=&fil=catalina 250&pg=&loc=&q=catalina 250
-plan on launching with a sling? or a big truck?
I'm kind of partial to my Seaward 25 
(another good choice), but having owned a Hunter 23.5 previously, I wouldn't rule out a nice Hunter 260, if the price was right. Have fun with your search.
(another good choice), but having owned a Hunter 23.5 previously, I wouldn't rule out a nice Hunter 260, if the price was right. Have fun with your search.Jackdaw: I am close to getting a purchase agreement on the boat you referenced up north. I should know today and will post results. These wing keels are hard to find so would just have to put a Tohatsu 6 or 8 on it later. I am working with a $15600 offer right now. Hope he takes it! Thanks to all, Chief
Just made a gentlemans agreement (and sending deposit) with the owner to purchase the 1998 250 in Washington! Will go up next week to pick it up and sail the Sound while I am up there. Chief
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