Catalina Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Catalina 25 by Jack Metzel

Year built	1979
Location of boat	Lake St Clair, Michigan (near Detroit)
The boat is sailed on	The Great Lakes
How the boat is used	Racing
Normal wind strength	10-15 knots
Average size of crew	2-4
Liveaboard?	No
Owner bought the boat in	1979
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	YES!!! It is the most versatile boat made for my type of usage (racing, trailering, day/night sailing) for its cost. This boat changed my life for the better.
Gear that's been added	Extra Jib Halyard, cabin top clutches and winches, one line flattening /outhaul for mainsail, vigil loran, 1st reef (all lead aft to cockpit).Mast head fly lighting, spreader lights, and many new sails.
Structural or complex improvements	Have installed factory upgrades for swing keel.
The boat's best features	versatility, price, lasting value.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	Mast head sheaves, swing keel, various leaks, and outboard motor maintenance (including changing mount to starboard to correct 5% list to port).
Sailing characterisitcs	Several successful racing seasons, gained through experience and minor modifications in running rigging. It can compete with the fixed keel versions with a small rating advantage (6 sec per mile) Learned how to adjust weather helm through use of new rudder design and balancing sails. The original Catalina 25 is a better equipted boat than the 250. I hope the factory will bring it back as an option.
Motoring characterisitcs	With a 10 hp outboard this boat will travel close to hull speed.
Liveability	Excellent for family. I have made a large double berth by filling the saloon passage way with a plywood board (with detachable legs and the cushions from the table and quarter berth. We cruise the North channel of Lake Huron every year with 4 or 5 persons (two kids).
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any	I bought the boat used (3 months) from friend. My experience with the local dealer is mixed. They no longer push the Catalina, especially the smaller designs. The original dealer in the Detoit area was great as they helped organize fleets and racing, and provided slips in their marina.
Other comments	The proof of the Catalina 25's superiority comes from the fact that many trailer sailors with other makes, upgrade to the 25 Catalina.

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