Hull 1137 is online

[BubbleheadMd]

Hi all,

I recently purchased a '69 Coronado 25. I live very close to Annapolis, MD.

I'm a 20 year US Navy man, 11 of them were on submarines. Submarines have a sail (referred to as the conning tower by lubbers) but the wind doesn't blow underwater so I know very little of actual sailing. I grew up in Florida, around small boats and I've owned powerboats but I'm only now crossing over from the "darkside" of powered craft.

Like dieselboy, the weight of my decision is settling onto my shoulders. A sailboat requires more forethought and deliberation to operate as they draw more water and you can't just throw them in reverse to avoid a situation. I'll be taking a sailing course this Spring.

A little about the boat ('69 Coronado 25), bought with no survey. Here is my (un)professional assessment:

Equipped with the longer keel vs. the shoal keel

New Honda 4-stroke outboard, mounted in a "pocket" at the stern. It's not visible from outside of the boat. Came with a standard jib, a Genoa, and a main. All sails have at least a few years of life if I care for them properly.

Fiberglass in pretty good shape with almost no cracks in the gelcoat, no fish-eyes. No stress fractures seen on the deck around the main mast. Standing rigging replaced two years ago. Lifelines all present and in good shape.

Equipped with depthfinder and marine band radio. Navigation and running lights functional, some convenience circuits are not. Bilge pump non-functional, auto-helm non-functional. Minor wiring fixes should correct most of that.

Teak is worn but restorable. Thru-hull fittings for the head were plugged and 'glassed over. No sign of water stains running down the bulkheads where the portlights are, which is a hopeful sign that they aren't leaking. The wooden cabin cabinets are worn and could use freshening up to make the interior more pleasant instead of like the "Orca". Cushions present and in fair shape. RV cassette toilet installed in place of the original head.

Needs a new boom cover for the main, row-dinghy included. Total cost: $1800.

I know it's hard to tell without pics, but have I been had or is it a fair deal?

I'm looking forward to cruising and sleeping over on the Chesapeake Bay and mastering an ancient art.

All advice is welcome!

[zeehag]

boat and dink together -- is a coronado 25---in decent --for you---condition---for about what they get for them in their used condition in cali---is not a bad deal....is a better one of the dink is a realllly goood one.....not a bad little boat.....welcome to the sailing world and have fun and smoooth sailing!!!

[BubbleheadMd]

Thanks Zee. The dinghy isn't much. It's just a hard plastic one-piece rowboat that can move 2 people at a time. No motor. It has a hole in the bottom for a tiny sail mast though. I laughed at that.

At least the boat will be in a berth, walking distance from my house. No need to row out to it.

[ahab211]

Hi, I've sailed on one and compared to my Shark at the time very roomy and stiff to sail. I almost bought one before buying my C@C 24. I was scared off by the through hull Chrysler that was barely operable and also the hand painted deck covering stress cracks. Still he didn't return my offer of $2,500 CAN. So, $1,800 sounds like a good deal! Ahab211

[BubbleheadMd]

By "stiff to sail" I take it you mean that it was not as responsive as the Shark?

To me, the Coronado doesn't look as sleek as other boats. It looks kind of "truck-ish", built for durability, not for speed but I'm still happy with the look. Yeah, I also liked the amount of room in it.

Thanks for your input. I haven't found a whole lot of info on them.

[swimnfit]

Bubblehead.
Welcome to Sailnet and congratualtions on the purchase of your boat. I too am retired USN. I spent all my time on the surface however (skimmer Navy).... commonly referred to as "targets" from your community. I am still in the searching phases for my boat but I can tell you that I have heard good things about the Cals. If you have the opportunity to take your sailing classes throgh a local MWR sailing center, then all the better. The price is right and you can get a lot of hands on education in a familiar (read military) setting.
Welcome Aboard !!