Catalina Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Catalina 25 by John Warner

Year built	1981
Location of boat	St Petersburg, FL
The boat is sailed on	Bays, sounds, or protected salt water
How the boat is used	Day sailing
Normal wind strength	less than 10 knots
Average size of crew	solo
Liveaboard?	No
Owner bought the boat in	1998
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	Most definitely yes! After looking at boats for two years, I found this one in sailboat trader. When I arrive at the owners house I knew this was the boat for me before I saw it. His home, yard and cars were immaculate and I knew the boat would be too! The price, holy cow !!! Six thousand for a boat in almost new condition, two year old sails, almost new rigging, one small blister, year old spinnaker. Most people think I paid a lot more. Fortunately I am the second owner of this boat.
Gear that's been added	Speakers in the cockpit and an anchor holder on the bow pulpit
Structural or complex improvements	None, the boat fits my needs as is.
The boat's best features	Pop-top (I'm 6'4
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	I absolutely detest my Johnson 8hp outboard. It is so difficult to flush due to the location of the intake point that I have not flushed the engine in a long time. I know I'm going to live to regret this when the engine falls apart. Other than the engine, the anchor locker is horrible. I have since hung the anchor on the bow pulpit in a PVC tube.
Sailing characterisitcs	Since I had only sailed three times before buying this boat, (Morgan O/I 40, Custom 48 catamaran and a 12' dinghy)I didn't know what to expect. In addition, I have not taken any sailing classes. The one thing I have discovered about her thou is weatherhelm. She seems to be excessive with that.
Motoring characterisitcs	Given that I despise my engine, she does motor close to hull speed. I'm not sure if it was planned, but the previous owner rigged the motor so that it swivels on its mount. This has made getting in and out of the dock incredibly simple.
Liveability	My parents and I spent Christmas and Easter on the boat in Boca Ciega bay and had dinner each time. Three people seems to be the maximum for the boat.
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any	Private owner
Other comments	I am already considering a Catalina 28 or larger, but I love my 25...

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