Catalina Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Catalina 250 by Fernando Garc�a

Year built	1997
Location of boat	Lake Rapel, Chile, South America
The boat is sailed on	Lakes
How the boat is used	Day sailing
Normal wind strength	10-15 knots
Average size of crew	2-4
Liveaboard?	No
Owner bought the boat in	1998
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	Yes, I do. I think it is much better than other like Hunter.
Gear that's been added	Second battery, Knot meter, gps, deep meter, radio
Structural or complex improvements	I�m studding to improbe the rudder. This is the worst part of my boat. I have seen the 3rd generation rudder on internet, but I don�t now if it is possible to use in the water ballasted model like mine.
The boat's best features	Ease to sail, very good termination, good look.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	The kick up rudder. The worst of all. I broke it once, the aluminium pieces. Catalina send me new ones, but just mor robust, not an improved design.
Sailing characterisitcs	On summer I sail every day for 3 or 4 hours on Lake Rapel, in Chile. Winds are moderate, 10 to 15 knots, and low waves. It tends to round up with strong gust of wind, and the rudder does not respond fast.
Motoring characterisitcs	I run a 9,9 jhonson, but at a minimum. It�s OK.
Liveability
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)	I would ask them better client attention. I have read several times the rudder problem, and Catalina never gives a technical solution.
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any
Other comments