As a Catalina 25 owner (1984 fixed keel tall rig), I'm telling you that this ain't right. That keel should be stiff and rigid. Here at work we have a crane that we use to haul our boats out and service them. When my boat was last hauled out a few months ago, I pushed and pulled on that keel multiple times while the boat was in the slings, and never felt any movement at all. It sounds to me like either the fiberglass of the keel box has become weak and needs to be rebuilt or repaired, or the bolts are far too loose (like everyone else has been saying). Down here on the Texas Coast, the price of that repair is usually anywhere from 2-4k depending on the extent of the damage. If I discovered this problem on my own 25, I'd fix it and not look back because I've poured so much time and energy into maintenance and repairs as she's been my first sailboat since I was 16. However, if I were in your position and had no sentimental or monetary attachment to the boat, I'd definitely walk away, especially if I had other better options. Just my opinion...hope it helps!
Simon Sexton -- Youth Sailing Coordinator, Sea Star Base Galveston
