Question:
Just moved to a Gulf Coast and want to sail.
Have looked at older boats in $10k range but new 1995 Catalina 250 at
$18K + Tax now front contendor.
Any advice?
Answer:
-Unless you plan on launching the boat every time you want to go sailing,
my advice is to stay away from the lightweight and inexpensive water
ballast boats. For example, if you compare the older Catalina 25 to the
new Catalina 250, you will likely find that a C25 with a keel is
superior most every way, except the ease of launch & rig. One possible
exception to that might be trying to surf the boat downwind in some
decent waves. Under those conditions I would expect the C250 to be
quite an adventure, although I might rather be on the C25 anyway.
If you do plan on "dry sailing" the boat, the C250 is one of the better
of the water ballast designs.
- I've owned a C250 (hull 67) for over a year. The boat is kept in
a lake in California with frequent trips to the bay. My wife and I sail
in small craft warnings on the lake and bay (San Francisco) with great
success. The boat is very responsive and quick!!! to pick up speed after
a tack. I can frequently pass Catalina 25 running 150% jibs while I use
the standard - from the factory jib.
I have no connections to Catalina nor do I receive anything for my
comments.
I would also add that any question that I've had about my boat the
factory in CA has been very responsive and had true concern. One
question that I had was answered by Mr. Frank Butler (the owner of
Catalina). I would bet that other manufactures would not be as
responsive.
-One suggestion: Compare a Catalina 25 side by side with the C-250
The 25 has a lot more headroom inside than the 250, since it has a full
pop-top, The interior layout of the 25 is completely different, so you can
decide
which you prefer.
However, the 25 is a much heavier boat than the 250 so if you plan to do
much trailering, you will need a heavy-duty tow vehicle (3/4 ton or 1 ton
pickup truck).
