Catalina Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Catalina 25 by Dave

Year built	1984
Location of boat	Cape Cod and the Islands
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	solo
Liveaboard?	No
Owner bought the boat in	2000
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	Yes - comfortable to sail and overnight on. Great little pocket cruiser.
Gear that's been added	Balanced rudder.
Structural or complex improvements	Plan to add wheel steering during winter layup.
The boat's best features	Good size for single handed sailing. Roomy for a 25 footer. While not blue water boat she is capable of holding her own it's a forging boat to sail. Overall quality for the money.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	Traveler set up is poor - have more problems with it jamming -
Sailing characterisitcs	Little bit of weather helm with standard rudder balanced rudder helps weather helm. Tendency to round up in the puffs (but that could just be me)
Motoring characterisitcs	Boat is equipped with standard issue 7.5HP 2stroke seems underpowered would be better with 9 or 10hp. Engine sets way down on transom when lowered hard to get to controls makes for interesting docking!
Liveability	We spent 30 hours on board during an extended cruise of about 85 miles. Never felt cramped but wouldn't want to spend weeks on board. We have the dinette model and the galley is a little tight. For extended time on board needs bigger holding tank.
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)	I've talked to them on a number of occasions and have found them very helpful and have had good experiences with them.
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any
Other comments

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