Catalina Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Catalina 250 by Ray Seitz

Year built	2001
Location of boat	Cincinnati area
The boat is sailed on	Lakes
How the boat is used	Weekends and longer
Normal wind strength	10-15 knots
Average size of crew	2-4
Liveaboard?	No
Owner bought the boat in	2001
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	Yes. I bought the Waterballast model because of trailering. The trailer and boat tow excellently. With the mast raising system and tounge extension on the trailer it is easy to visit other locations.
Gear that's been added	Yes. Lewmar portlights in the aft berth, depth gage, barrier coat & bottom paint.
Structural or complex improvements	No.
The boat's best features	The support network from the Catalina 25/250 forum, personal attention to complaints from Frank Butler. The portability of this boat. The ability to get into and out of very shallow water. The ease of maintenance all I do topside is wash as needed and wax 2x per year. It is quite easy to sail for a beginer. It is tender but I do not find this a problem or a real issue.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	I have had no problems after one full season.
Sailing characterisitcs	As stated above it is easy to sail and is quite forgiving. Catalina seems to have worked out some earlier issues with tenderness etc. with the third generation rudder.
Motoring characterisitcs	It motors quite well. I have a 8 hp Honda four stroke. More than enough hp. I can get to hull speed even in a 20 knot headwind.
Liveability	We (wife, daughter, and dog) have spent numerous weekends on our lake and one extended week long trip to Lake Erie. It has always been quite comfortable, even when adding some of my daughters friends into the equation.
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)	It has always been good. Use the phone, other forms of communication do not work as well with Catalina.
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any	The dealer has been good. Strictly Sail, Cincinnati.
Other comments	The quality is great and the boat is great. This boat tows so good I am very confident with towing and I have a larger vehicle now than when I bought the boat, which means I will probably opt for the 270 Catalina and the wide load permits soon.

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