Catalina Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Catalina 25 by Esteban Diaz

Year built	1981
Location of boat	Middle River MD
The boat is sailed on	Bays, sounds, or protected salt water
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	2004
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	Absoloutely. I was first somewhat hesitant about the swing keel, given the horror stories about the keel possibly breaking loose and crashing into the trunk. Now that I've sailed the swing keel model for a year (300 nautical miles) I've really come to love this feature. I've used it on a couple of occassions to get in and out of shallow areas but the absoloute best part has been the three or so times I started to run aground. The boat came to a slow stop and a very difinitive "We've run aground" feeling. Ok - so we raise the keel a bit, change course and off we go. Very cool!
Gear that's been added	New sails - roller furling, new stove, cushions re-uphostered, teak redone, new batteries, porta pottie, new plumbing and light fixtures and all new safety gear. And a cool hat to match!
Structural or complex improvements	Just the roller furling. Top sides and bottom repainted.
The boat's best features	The sailing characteristic. The boat is incredibly stable and predictable. Handles well in a range of winds and water conditions. Love the swing keel. The pop-top is hands down one of the coolest features - literally. The lay out inside works very well; I wouldn't make any changes. My wife and I and our two young sons have been out on three day trips and the room was a little tight but very comfortable if not cozy. Just need to run a tiddy ship and we can all find our place.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	Some minor cracks on the deck - but I guess it's to be expected for a 23 year old boat. The only soft spot was on the forward hatch for which a replacement was easy to find. The traveler has close to no access for tightening or removing the hardware.
Sailing characterisitcs	Some weather healm, but I like that. The 4500 plus pounds definitely handles better than the newer boats of the same size. 15 to 20 degree list and she is in her grove. Feels like a bigger boat!
Motoring characterisitcs	8HP Honda does just fine and close to hull speed. Never felt in need of more power - then again currents in the Chesapeake Bay are not terribly strong. Long shaft is a must.
Liveability	Four people - three days two nights max.Three people - maybe four to five daysTwo people - one week plus easy.We're talking sailors here - not tourists....
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any	Bought it from a dealer in Annapolis - very friendly and easy to work with. Never heard from them since I motored away - but then again it's Annapolis. Big boats and big money.
Other comments	A classic design. Good on ya Frank. 23 years later, people still give us compliments on the lines and layout and believe it or not many are still surprised at the pop-top feature.

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