Hunter 25 vs. Catalina 250

[cpsailing]

Trying to decide between them. I am concerned about the shallow draft of the Hunter for performance into the wind. Any experience with this?

How about the trailering capability of the Catalina - it seems a bit intimidating with the wing keel, although I am sure it helps performance wise.

[mhartong]

You might try asking this question over at the C25/C250/Capri 25 Association

[soulfinger]

The C250's windward ability with the wing keel is quite good; we never tried trailering the one we have. I guess it can be done given the right type of ramp, but it seems like it would be quite a chore to do regularly, though probably would be fine for end-of-the-season, or to go sail different places. The 250 is a very roomy boat for its size. There will definitely be a lot of info on trailering at the C250 forum. Can't really comment on the Hunter 25.

[seadaddler]

You will find plenty comparing on The Hunterowners.com

[WouldaShoulda]

Either way, I'd definately go tiller!!

I have no idea why anyone would want a wheel on a 25ft boat!!

[soulfinger]

I won't go list the dozen reasons why a wheel is good on a 25' boat. It's a chocolate vs. vanilla debate. That being said, the stock wheel setup on the 250 could use more leverage to it, though it can be modified which dramatically increases performance. That being said, I was glad to have the wheel on our 250 (and we never upgraded it).

[Pivobeach]

I have a Cat 250 (wing keel) and trailered it about 2200kms last summer - no problem at all. Holds tight on the trailer and runs smooth. Went through a bit of snow which slowed us down (or stopped us) but generally it was fine. I have owned a swing keel in the past and the sailability of the WK is much better. My two cents...