Questions about buying a Catalina 25

[ShamsB]

I am going to go look at a Catalina 25 and would love to get suggestions about what to look out for.

the description of the boat is:
The Catalina 25 is a proven short distance Cruiser excellent for the Columbia River and the Puget Sound. Primarily sailed on fresh water, the hull and plumbing are in great shape, as well as the full battened mainsail with reefing points and complementing headsails. Deck layout includes dual Lewmar 7’s in the cockpit, plus dual 6’s on the cabin top. Halyards are lead aft with lots of cleats and extra long fairlead tracks for multiple sheeting styles.
Below deck is set up for weekend cruising for up to seven with an alcohol stove, deep ice box, comfortable saloon table (converts into a double berth), marine head with 15 gallon holding tank, and plenty of storage space. Other features include plenty of cockpit lockers including dedicated fuel stowage. Bow and stern pulpits with integral swim ladder and full length life lines that can be dropped for loading heavy gear and plenty of opening ports make this a really nice boat.
As with all Catalina 25’s, safety plays a big part in overall design. A large flow cockpit mounted bilge pump, easily accessed thru-hull valves, a large Danforth anchor in a forward deck locker, and multiple fire extinguishers all lead to one’s peace of mind while sailing.

1984 Catalina 25
• several upgrades
• nice little boat
Specifications
• L.O.A. 25'0"
• L.W.L. 22'2"
• Beam 8'0"
• Fin Keel Draft: 4
• Tall Rig
• Displ: 4550 lbs
• Ballast: 1900

thanks all!

[lickingcardboard]

http://www.sailnet.com/forums/boat-r...trip-tips.html

read this to start with, i am.. but then i am a noob myself

[Sailormon6]

The following article, entitled "Self Appraising a Catalina 25." is from the Catalina 25 National Association website, and should be helpful. Elsewhere on the website is a forum, where you can get good advice from C25 owners.

Catalina - Capri - 25s International Association

[QuickMick]

When you go look at it, you may want to ask him/her if you get the whole shebang... just suggesting that if you see neat stuff on the boat you want it to be there when you pick it up... hate to have stroked a check to find out 'oh, that wasnt in the description, and wasnt included...'

[sailingdog]

Yes, definitely get a written agreement as to exactly what equipment and gear is included in the sale, if the boat passes muster. I would highly recommend you get a survey and sea trial as well.

[jjablonowski]

No mention of engine. Likely outboard, as description talks about fuel stowage in the cockpit-accessed lazarette. But a small percentage of those are equipped with sturdy Universal M-12 diesel.

You'll find many posts on the Catalina-Capri-25 site discuss problems with the swing-keel hoist mechanism, which you'll avoid with this fin-keel model.

At the probable asking price, your insurance company likely will not require a survey. Your call whether you want to pay for one.

"Weekend cruising for seven" is highly debatable. Also, headroom may be an issue.

That said, it's a great design, comfortable and easily handled. Best part: with more than 7,000 hulls produced over the years, and with many parts shared with Catalina 22s (which number perhaps double that), support and hand-holding is a breeze.

[ShamsB]

I'm now learning that it was a rental boat. Is that a big red flag or could that mean there was regular maintenance and it is in good condition?

[QuickMick]

Originally Posted by ShamsB

I'm now learning that it was a rental boat. Is that a big red flag or could that mean there was regular maintenance and it is in good condition?

hmmmm. as a matter of course are you more or less likely to do things to a rental car you would never do to your own? while i would like to give people the benefit of the doubt it would raise my eyebrows.

maybe your could casually inquire as to 'we would only rent it to qualifed ASA sailors' or 'any tom dick or harry with a buck'

[MarkCK]

I would consider it a red flag. Maybe not a huge glaring red flag, but a flag none the less. Most of the damage with rentals is usually cosmetic running into docks etc. Although groundings are also more frequent. I would think you would be able to see any extra damage that might have occurred because it was a rental, but maybe not. Rentals seem to suffer a lot of abuse.

[sailingdog]

Sailors that rent boats are often less skilled and less careful with the boat, so there may be more damage to the boat than if it was privately owned. Being a rental may mean that the boat got regular maintenance, but is no guarantee of it. I've seen some pretty badly neglected boats in school and rental fleets.