25FOOT CATALINA

[HFD2222]

I AM JUST STARTING OUT IN SAILING. I HAVE PICKED OUT A 25 CATALINA WITH WING KEEL AND 10HP INBOARD ENGINE. WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IS THAT HOW FAR IN THE GULF WILL THE BOAT SAFETLY GO. I WILL LEARN IN THE BAYS OF GALVESTON BUT I KNOW THAT THE OPEN GULF WILL CALL ME AND I WILL GO.
THANKS FOR ANY ENQUIRIES
JOHN

[HFD2222]

I AM GETTING COLD FEET ABOUT BUYING THIS 25 CATALINA. I HAVE NOT HEARD ENOUGH INFORMATION FROM ANYONE THAT HAS OWNED ONE.WHAT I WANT TO DO WITH THE BOAT IS LEARN TO SAIL AND CRUISE IT IN THE ICW ONLONG THE TEXAS AND LOUISANA COAST LINE. IN 4 YEARS WHEN I RETIRE I WOULD LIKE TO LIVE ABOARD AND LARGER BOAT MAYBE IN THE 34 TO 36 RANGE.WOULD IT BE BETTER TO BUY A LARGER BOAT NOW SAY IN THE 27 TO 30 RANGE OR STICK WITH THIS SMALLER BOAT.
ANY INPUT FROM ANYONE WOULD BE GREATLY APPREIATED.
JOHN