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• Sailboat Guide

• Catalina Yachts

Founded by Frank Butler. In sheer numbers sold, Catalina Yachts is certainly the most successful builder of sailboats ever in the US, and possibly the world. Time line extract from the company’s website: July 1969-Catalina’s first model, the Catalina 22, is built in North Hollywood, CA. Company owner Frank Butler hopes to build 100 boats if all goes well. March 1970-Catalina’s second model, the Catalina 27, is introduced following the success of the Catalina 22. December 1974-Catalina’s third model, the Catalina 30, is introduced; the trend-setting design is an immediate sales success and wins its class in the Newport to Ensenada Race. February 1975-The Catalina 22 exceeds Frank Butler’s hopes to build 100 boats when hull number 5,000 is completed. August 1979-The “International Friendship Regatta” is held in Japan; 4 U.S. and 10 Japanese crews compete in Coronado 15s. February 1980-SAIL Magazine names the Catalina 22 “trailerable boat of the decade.” March 1980-The Catalina 38 is selected as the match-racing boat for Congressional Cup by the Long Beach Yacht Club; Dennis Durgan wins. September 1980-Catalina 22 hull number 10,000 is completed. C22s are being built at Catalina’s East and West Coast plants in England, Australia, and Canada. January 1982-Patrick Childress completes a 2 1/2 year, singlehanded circumnavigation in his Catalina 27. July 1982-The first Catalina 36 is completed at the Woodland Hills, Ca., plant. March 1983-Mainsheet Magazine issue no. 1 is published, quickly growing to over 100 pages and 10,000 Catalina owner subscribers. May 1984-Catalina acquires Morgan Yachts in Largo, Fl., which becomes the Morgan Division of Catalina, specializing in cruising and charter boats and building many Catalina models on the East Coast. May 1985-Catalina 27 hull number 6,000 is built in Woodland Hills, making the C-27 the largest class of keelboats in the world. October 1987-Catalina 30 hull number 5,000 is completed. Catalina 30s are being built at the East and West Coast plants, as well as in Canada and England. November 1987-Singlehanded sailor Shane St. Clair sails his Capri 18 from Oxnard, Ca., to Hawaii in 28 days. July 1988-Billy Peterson supervises the installation of the largest (70 ft.)Computerized sail-plotting and cutting machine in the U.S. at the Woodland Hills, California plant. August 1988-Coronado 15 skipper Alison Jolly becomes the first woman to skipper in the Olympics; she wins a gold medal in the women’s 470 Class. January 1989-The first Catalina 42 is built. 100 hulls are delivered in the first year, breaking U.S. production records. February 1990-Catalina 22 hull number 15,000 is delivered. March 1990-The Catalina 37 is selected for the Congressional Cup, the first time a fleet of 11 has been designed and built especially for the Congressional Cup. Chris Dickson wins. September 1990-Catalina 30 hull number 6,000 is completed, setting a new keel-boat production record. July 1991-The first Catalina 28 is built. August 1991-Catalina’s Morgan Division completes Procyon, a 65-foot test boat for new concepts in yacht design and construction for Olaf Harken and Procyon Inc. November 1992-Catalina’s Morgan Division introduces the Morgan 38, the first all-new Morgan model in a decade. December 1992-The Catalina 270 is unveiled, replacing the C-27 and wins one of Cruising World Magazine’s “Boat of the Year” awards. February 1993-The Catalina 320 is introduced at the first “Sail Expo” and is enthusiastically received by new owners. February 1994-The Catalina 400 is introduced at “Sail Expo,” the only twin-wheel boat built in the U.S.; it’s the hit of the show. February 1994-The Capri 16.5 introduced at “Sail Expo,” a beach launchable performance sailing dinghy for sailors with a wide range of ages and skills May 1994-The Catalina 250 is introduced as the first water ballast trailerable sailboat from Catalina. January 1995-Frank Butler receives SAIL’S Industry Award for Leadership for “building boats that are “straightforward, offer price for value, are solid and honest”…“With a product analogous to the Ford in the car business, Catalina Yachts has allowed vast numbers of people to experience sailing, considering both the skill level and financial wherewithal of potential sailors, that might not have been able to otherwise, thus radically changing the sport of sailing over the past 25 years.” January 1995-The Catalina 22 markII is introduced with re-designed and enlarged deck and new interior. February 1995-The Catalina 22 is named as one of five charter members to Sailboat Hall of Fame. March 1995-The Catalina 36 mark II wins one of Cruising World Magazine’s “Boat of the Year” awards. April 1995-Catalina 250 Hull number 100 is built in Woodland Hills. May 1995-Catalina 42 hull number 500 is built in Woodland Hills. February 1996-The Catalina 34 markII is introduced with re-designed and enlarged deck, transom and interior. March 1996-The Catalina 28 mark II wins one of Cruising World Magazine’s “Boat of the Year” awards. April 1996-The Catalina 380 is introduced as reflection of the priorities expressed by experienced sailing couples and families. November 1996-Catalina 400 Hull number 100 is built in Largo, Florida January 1997-The Catalina 380 wins one of Cruising World Magazine’s Mid-Size Cruising“Boat of the Year” award. January 1998-The Catalina 470 is introduced January 1999- Catalina inaugurates the Catalina Cruisers Hall of Fame to honor the Catalina owners’ who have made notable voyages aboard their boats. February 1999-The Catalina 310 is introduced and wins Cruising World Magazine’s Pocket Cruiser “Boat of the Year” award. February 2000-The Catalina 310 is selected by Sail Magazine and it’s readers as one of the Top 10 sailboats for 2000 December 2000 -Catalina 36 Hull number 2000 is built in Woodland Hills, CA. September 2001-The Catalina Capri 22 is updated and is selected by Sail Magazine and it’s readers as one of the Top 10 sailboats for 2001. May 2001 -Catalina 14.2 Hull number 5000 is built in Woodland Hills, CA January 2002-The Catalina 350 is introduced to enthusiastic reviews and results in 100 boats sold the first model year. July 2002-The Catalina Expo 12.5 and 14.2 are introduced as particularly easy to sail for both younger and older sailors. September 2002 -Catalina Capri 22 Hull number 1000 is built in Woodland Hills, CA Catalina manufacturers ID: CTY

Associations

• Catalina 470 Class Association
• Catalina 310 Owners Association
• Catalina 27-270 Association
• Capri 22 National Association
• Catalina 380 Association
• Capri 14.2 National Association
• Catalina 36 International Association
• Catalina 22 National Association
• Catalina 400
• Catalina Owners
• Catalina 34 International Association
• Catalina 25, 250, Capri 25 International Assoc.
• Catalina 42 Owners
• Catalina 320 International Association

Catalina 18

• Catalina 30 Yacht Owners Association
• US Sabot Class Assciation

Catalina 38

• Carpentier/Butler
• Charles McGregor
• Charles Morgan
• Frank Butler
• Frank V. Butler
• Gerry Douglas
• Nelson Marek
• Robert Finch
• Rodger Martin
• Sparkman & Stephens
• Ted Carpentier

67 sailboats built by Catalina Yachts

Catalina 22

Catalina 27

Catalina 30

Catalina 25

Catalina Capri 14.2

Coronado 15

Capri Cyclone

Catalina capri 22.

Catalina 36

Catalina 34

Catalina 28

Catalina 42

Catalina Capri 26

Catalina 42 MK II

Morgan Out Island 41 Classic

Catalina Capri 37

Catalina 37.

Catalina Morgan 381

Catalina 470

Catalina 250

Catalina 390

Catalina 380

Catalina 250 (Water Balllast)

Catalina 30 MKIII

Catalina 310

Catalina (Morgan) 50

Catalina 13

Catalina 14.2.

Catalina 28 MKII

Catalina 375

Catalina 350

Catalina 400 Mk II

Catalina 16.5k.

Catalina 30 MKII

Catalina 320

Catalina 385

Catalina Morgan 44

Catalina Aero 20

Catalina Capri 25

Catalina Capri 23.5

Catalina 22 MKII

Catalina Expo 14.2

Catalina Capri 30

Catalina Morgan 45

Catalina 445

Independence 20

Catalina 270

Catalina 320 mkii, catalina 16.5.

Catalina 30 (W/Bowsprit)

Catalina 14.2k.

Catalina Morgan 440

Catalina 275 Sport

Catalina capri 16.5.

Catalina 315

Catalina 309

Catalina 34 MKII

Catalina Expo 12.5

Catalina Capri 18

Catalina 387

Catalina 425

Catalina 36 MK II

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• Sailboat Reviews

The Catalina 25

Like most catalinas, the 25 represents good value for the money, but sailing performance and construction quality are average at best..

[Updated December 6, 2018]

The Catalina 25 is not exceptionally fast, stylish, or spacious compared to newer widebody models, and while the construction and workmanship are adequate, they too are not exceptional. But because of the builders strict adherence to a philosophy of offering a relatively spacious design, relatively well made, at a reasonable price, and backing up the product with generally good customer service, the Catalina 25 has turned out to be one of the most successful small cruising sailboats ever built, with 5,332 boats sold between 1976 and 1990, when the company ceased producing the model as demand tailed off.

The Catalina 25 Design

During those 14 years of production, the design went through a complete metamorphosis, starting out as a very simple and inexpensive trailerable swing-keel design, and ending as a relatively sophisticated minicruiser. As vice-president and chief designer Gerry Douglas says, The last boats we built had diesel inboards, hot and cold pressure water systems, and extremely complex electrical systems. They were like little Catalina 34s. It was what people wanted in the late 1980s.

If you consider all model years, you can find Catalina 25s with five different keel configurations: cast iron swing-keel, cast iron fixed keel, cast lead wing keel, cast lead fin keel without glass jacket, and in later boats, a lead keel encased in fiberglass. In the later boats there was a choice of fin keel, wing keel, or swing keel, and standard rig or tall rig. However, the swing-keel model, with a board-up draft of 2′ 8″, accounted for well over half of total production. Most Catalina buyers over the years have been cruisers rather than performance-oriented racers, and for many cruisers, the attractiveness of a boat suitable for shoal waters and trailering is undeniable. Relatively few Catalina buyers are avid racers, it seems. If the hundred or so owners who answered our survey request are an indicator, only a small percentage rate as important either the fin keels much more efficient foil shape and lower turbulence, or the greater light-air efficiency of a two-foot longer tall rig mast that increases sail area by almost 10 percent.

As the design developed over time, features changed enough so that in a number of respects the early boats are very different than 1987 and later model years. As a consequence, its imperative for prospective buyers to know what model year theyre looking at when shopping for used boats. Prices can vary from less than $5,000 to more than $16,000, not only dependent on condition, but also model year and features.

For example, at various times there was a choice of two different interiors: a dinette arrangement, and opposing settees. A flip-top (Catalinas version of the pop-top), which provided standing headroom, was a popular feature that was optional until 1987, at which time it became standard. In fact, in 1987 the entire boat underwent a major design change, yielding among other things a more contemporary deck and a more refined interior, with less teak and more fiberglass.

Performance and Handling of the Catalina 25

The Catalina 25, with a PHRF rating of around 228 for the standard rig or 222 for the tall rig, is not especially fast for its size. In fact, the swing-keel version, which is noticeably slower upwind than the fin-keel version, probably deserves an even higher time allowance than its been given. The fin keel is generally acknowledged to sail close to its rating, at least once the breeze pipes up to 10 knots or so. The swing keel is not as hydrodynamically sleek, and the keel lifting cable is out in the open where it causes extra drag, intensified if seaweed gets hung up on it.

The boat (especially the keel version) balances relatively well, tracks satisfactorily, and is quite maneuverable if sails are properly trimmed; it can be unforgiving if they are not. Several owners com plained to us of a heavy weather helm in a breeze.

The tall rig is a bit more tender than the standard rig, but definitely adds speed in light air. One just reefs a little earlier to maintain helm balance. But despite its virtues, the tall rig has a drawback mentioned by several owners: Unless you have a sailmaker chop off the bottom 12″ of the sail, the boom swings too low over the cockpit. This, however, may be the fault of some sailmakers; the consensus is that Catalina-supplied sails were not as well-made or well-shaped as those obtained from other sailmakers.

Under power, the Catalina 25 will make about 5- 1/2 knots with a 6-hp. outboard, and you can coax an extra 1/2 to 3/4 knot or so out of the boat with an 8- hp. or 9.9-hp. engine. (Theoretical maximum hull speed in ideal conditions is around 6.3 knots.)

The outboard is mounted on a fold-up transom bracket mounted off center to accommodate the outboard rudder. Some owners complained that the motor is difficult to raise and lower. Others observed that, in rough seas, when the boat pitches, an ordinary 20″ shaft outboard prop has a tendency to ventilate, particularly if the auxiliary is used under sail and the boat heels away from the side on which the engine is mounted. The owner consensus is that a 25″ extra long shaft largely solves that problem.

An inboard diesel engine would also solve the problem, but is not recommended; an owner of a 1986 model equipped with a 10-hp. Universal engine reports his boat is very slow under power, at least with the two-blade prop hes currently using. A three-blade prop might help, but would also significantly increase drag under sail.

Another disadvantage of the transom-mounted outboard is that its difficult for the helmsman to control. One owner who told us hed rigged remote engine controls in the cockpit said, Its the best thing weve done.

The boat needs to be reefed in 15 knots of wind (a jiffy reefing main was standard in later boats, though a roller furler for the jib was not). Above 15 knots, weather helm becomes very heavy if the main is left unreefed; one owner observed that she tends to round up in strong winds, or if heeled more than 15 degrees.

A short traveler is integrated into the stern pulpit, and although this works well while cruising, and

permits use of a bimini to protect crew from too much sun, mid-boom sheeting and a mid-cockpit traveler work better for single-handed daysailing and racing. Consequently, many owners have added the inboard traveler, some with a snap-on mainsheet block so they can switch back and forth.

A peculiarity of the design is that the distribution of the boats components evidently caused listing, in some boats to starboard, in others to port. For example, in the 1981 dinette model, owners complained that the dinette, engine, fuel tank, galley, and head were all on the port side, causing the boat to list noticeably to port. Catalina evidently took these complaints to heart, but the results were not totally effective; an owner of a 1982 model complained that batteries, holding tank, and outboard on the starboard side produced a list in that direction.

Other owner responses to our questionnaire included the following:

The absence of a bridge deck is a possible safety hazard when sailing offshore in a big following sea.

Narrow (7″ wide) sidedecks make going forward somewhat difficult. So do the 22″ high stanchions when the boat is heeled, impeding passage forward on the high side; shorter stanchions would help, but wouldnt be as safe.

The lifelines don’t lead to the top of the bow pulpit, but instead run to the deck at the bow to provide a slot for a deck-sweeping genoa. This can make the foredeck area insecure in adverse weather conditions. Bails on the top of the pulpit and pelican hooks on the lifelines would be an improvement, since it would then be possible to raise the lifelines in heavy weather or when a high-clew jib is being used.

Catalina 25 Interior

Compared to other boats available in the 1970s an early 1980s, the Catalina 25 is relatively spacious below, though some readers complained that the aft double is really only a single quarter berth and that the port side settee berth is not long enough for an adult. Newer beamier designs, of course, have the advantage of more elbow room below.

At least one owner improved sleeping accommodations by building a plywood platform which fits between the table on the port side and the settee on the starboard. The aft berth cushion, under the cockpit sole, was shortened slightly to fit on this platform. When in place, the platform results in an athwartships berth about 6′ 4″ long and 5′ 1″ wide, big enough for a double sleeping bag. When not in use, the plywood platform stows on the aft berth.

Light and ventilation below is very adequate, as long as theres a breeze from forward. Because the forward hatch slopes down the forward edge of the cabin trunk, when open it becomes a very effective windscoop. Boats with pop-tops have additional ventilation.

The pop-top was an extra-cost option, and a very popular one. Reader praise of the pop-top is almost universal, with comments from Buyer interest is much higher on boats with pop-tops to Contrary to what some folks say, this pop-top does not leak in the rain or spray. Headroom is 6′ 4″ with the pop-top raised.

Until the 1983 model year, when the company redesigned the icebox so it would, as one owner reported, keep block ice for three days, the icebox was severely under-insulated; many owners reported that it would only hold ice for less than a day. Another complaint was that the icebox drains directly overboard, and as a consequence, if the drain is left open when the boat heels, water enters the icebox. One reader killed two birds with one stone: We keep our trash in the built-in cooler where it is out of sight, and use an Igloo cooler which is bigger and works better.

Construction of the Catalina 25

The Catalina 25 has a full fiberglass hull liner, which makes it easier to keep the boat clean but at the same time can make repairs and adding owner-installed custom components more difficult.

Several owners judged that Florida-built Catalina 25 hulls, though adequate in strength, are not as well finished as the California-built boats. And several others commented on gel coat chipping and cracking, voids, pits, and crazing, particularly in stressed areas such as at sharp changes of direction in the cockpit, and corners of hatch covers, though these problems didnt seem to be a function of builder location.

Bottom blistering seems to have been a fairly common problem on Catalina 25s when an epoxy bottom coat had not been applied under the antifouling paint to prevent water incursion. Catalina now has a 10-year no-blister warranty, but during the era of the Catalina 25, the company had a five-year warranty with gradually diminishing payments during the period. Judging from reader response to our questionnaire, some owners were not entirely satisfied with that arrangement.

In the swing-keel version, Catalina used an ordinary galvanized steel trailer winch to hoist the keel, and although there are no doubt some 20-year-old boats that still have the original winch, many owners have had to repair or replace some or all of it, particularly when the boat is sailed in saltwater.

Another problem with early swing keel models involved breaking the pennant. At the lifting point on the trailing edge of the swing-keel there is a tapped hole on a flat area into which screws a stainless steel eye. A swaged fork fits over the eye and pivots on it as the keel swings up or down. The factory fixed the eye in place with Loctite, but over the years the eye could rotate, so that the clevis pin became parallel to the keel instead of perpendicular to it. Then it would bind, and eventually end up bending and then breaking the wire at the joint of the wire and the swaged fitting. To solve the problem, Catalina came up with a device to keep the eye from rotating, but some older boats may not be retrofitted. Owners and prospective buyers of older boats should examine the swing keel to be sure the eye is solidly fixed in place.

Several owners complained that there is no mechanical lock to stop movement of the swing keel,

which even at anchor can move laterally in its trunk, banging, thumping, and making it, according to one owner, hard to sleep through the night. Catalina offers a retrofit kit to alleviate the problem, composed of nylon or neoprene washers -but according to some owners, this cure is only partially effective.

The surface of the cast iron swing keel was said by some of the performance-oriented owners to be comparatively rough as it came from the factory. They advise filling and sanding fair and smooth for better sailing speed. We would add that the keel should be checked regularly for corrosion, and an epoxy barrier coat should be maintained on the surface to prevent excessive rusting and deterioration.

Deck and cabin hardware, while generally adequate, is considered sub-par by some owners, particularly on the early models. For example, the type of closed-barrel turnbuckles Catalina used are hard to inspect without disassembly, and as a result tend to corrode internally, sometimes freezing or completely failing. Later models have the open-barrel type, which is preferable.

The forward hatch for several model years was attached with self-tapping screws rather than throughbolted, causing the hatch to become loose in some cases. By 1983, bolts had replaced the screws. Other relatively common complaints include rusty screws on deck fittings, broken boom goosenecks, insufficient bow eye backing plates, tillers splitting (on one boat the tiller split twice), and problems with rudders delaminating and splitting along the edge.

A particularly common problem noted is that rudder gudgeons and pintles break or come adrift

from the transom. The repair involves installing a handhole inspection port on the inside of the transom to gain access to the fastening bolts. One reader said his lower pintle had broken under racing conditions, but that he had cured the problem by adding a third pintle and gudgeon halfway between the top and bottom fittings.

Several other readers reported that their boats had loose gudgeon bolts, stress cracks in the transom at the gudgeon attachment points, and transom leaks. One owner reported the transom cracked below the motor bracket because of lack of reinforcement behind the bracket.

The hull-deck joint on some models used selftapping screws rather than through-bolts. Several readers experienced rain and spray leaks along the rail. Portlights also have been a source of leakage problems, as have cockpit scuppers, rudder gudgeons, and various pieces of dealer-installed deck hardware, mostly due, we guess, to inadequate bedding procedures and backup plates.

Trailering the Catalina 25

Despite the fact that a bare Catalina 25 weighs approximately 4,150 lbs., the boat plus trailer, loaded for a weeks cruise, can easily weigh over 6,000 pounds. That means its necessary to tow with a big pickup or van equipped with a towing package, and virtually eliminates prospective trailer-sailors who only have access to an ordinary passenger vehicle, no matter how powerful. (An exception: Big cars built before the advent of downsizing and integral frames. For example, one reader says he pulls his 6,000-lb. rig successfully with a 1973 Olds 98).

The Catalina 25s mast is deck-stepped on a hinge, but several readers complained that no factory method is offered to make mast-raising safer and easier. Still, some owners have devised their own systems, with which they seem to be satisfied. One who made extensive modifications figures it takes him a mere 45 to 60 minutes from the time he pulls into the parking lot at the launching ramp until hes sailing away-and only a little longer than that to reverse the procedure.

One reader pointed out that with the swing keel model the rudder is deeper than the retracted keel (unless its a folding rudder, which Catalina offered as an option in some model years), which can produce problems at the launching ramp under some conditions. Another owner feels that his fin-keel is as easy to ramp-launch as a swing keel, provided an extra-long trailer tongue extension is used. We think that might be true on some ramps, but not on others.

If youre shopping for a Catalina 25 already equipped with a trailer, check the GVWR (Gross

Vehicle Weight Rating) decal before you buy. It indicates the loaded weight of the trailer in pounds, i.e. the sum of the carrying capacity of the trailer plus the weight of the trailer itself. One reader ordered (from a Florida dealer) and paid for a trailer with a 7,000 lb. capacity rating. What he got was one rated for only 5,000 lbs. He was prompted to check the decal because, he says, The trailer looked skimpy. He weighed the combination with the boat stripped and it came to 5,620 lbs. The dealer claimed it was the same trailer they always use for this boat an the dealer passed me off to the Florida plant, who passed me off to the trailer manufacturer, who finally made good after Frank Butler got into the act-after seven months of hassling.

New or unseasoned sailors making their first or second foray into the boat-buying game may find that the Catalina 25 is an attractive choice. The boat is relatively easy to handle, can be single-handed without too much trouble, and while not fast in the racing sense, is fast enough to satisfy many cruisers. The interior is big enough for two to cruise in relative comfort, while the overall size of the boat is not daunting to most newcomers to the sport. Other advantages for new sailors are that Catalina, in most cases, does a good job with customer service, and theres a quarterly 100-page glossy publication for all Catalina owners (from 8′ Sabots to all the way to Catalina 42s) called Mainsheet which offers support and helps to keep communications open between owners.

Asking prices on used Catalina 25s range from around $4,000 for older (late 1970s) models that probably need some work, to around $16,000 for newish (late 1980s) models fully equipped and in like-new condition, probably with an inboard engine and a trailer included. A price of $7,000 to

$8,000 is typical for early to mid-1980s boats, though we noticed a wide range, presumably based on condition and accessories.

Prospective buyers should check for bottom blisters (which can be expensive to repair), evidence of problems around the keel bolts or pivot on the swing keel, rudder connection problems, cracks in turnbuckles or rigging terminals, leaks around windows and hull-deck connection, and other common (and correctable) flaws.

Also check for which of the many extra-cost options have been installed-options which many experienced sailors would say should have been standard: boom vang, genoa winches, pop-top with canvas enclosure (originally two separate options), basic electrical system with running lights and cabin lights, galley equipment, head, lifelines and stanchions, and sails. Check especially the brand of sails; many readers report that they have been dissatisfied with Catalinas own brand of sails.

Overall, we think the Catalina 25 is not fancy or fast, but is economical, a fair sailer, and roomy for its size-a good boat for non-racers who don’t have a big budget and for relatively new sailors who want to get their feet wet in the sport.

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12 comments.

Mr Nicholson,

Thank you for the report on the Catalina “25” I’ve Been searching for an older (less expensive) under 30’ single handed sailboat for the past several months and finally today someone posted a Catalina 25’ on buy, sell, or trade in the Destin Florida area. The elder gentleman wanted to restore it but a bad hip has preventing that, so he sold it to me. I started sailing about 20 years ago with a Balboa 27’ with a swing keel (what a life saver). Lost it in the divorce. There are many sand banks and shoals here in Choctawhatchee Bay and a swing keel is what a newbie needs. I don’t think this Catalina has a swing keel, at least I don’t see the crank in the cabin. The ships dimensions in your report help immensely. I have not done an inventory yet on board (they left a lot of stuff) I hoping the main is useable and I have already inspected and cleaned the storm jib, I don’t see a Genoa (Bimini) or any other jib sail hidden away. Anyways, thanks for your report I look forward to getting it under sail.

We’ve had a 1985 Catalina 25 swing keel since 2006. I’ve sailed a lot of different boats over more than fifty years. This boat has been a good investment for fun and reliability. I’ve never reefed in the near fifteen years sailing it on the Monterey Bay. We’ve burried the rails on more than one occasion and while it does weather helm in heavy winds, it’s easily managed and I’ve never been worried about a knockdown.

Have 1985 Catalina 25 swing keel, #K4978. I don’t know if it’s the standard or tall rig. Can I tell from the HIN#?

i am new owner of a 25ft 1981 catalina and i need 1 simple measurement .. height of wing keel from the bottom of keel to the bottom of the boat as i am building a trailer to get it home with..

sorry fin keel

I am looking to buy a fixed keel Catalina 25. The keel seems short ar 4 ft when I would have expected 5 ft for a boat this size. My question is does this make the boat more tender with ballast less lower in the keel. And how does this affect performance say against the swing keel model

Did you get to sail ‘er this summer? We have a 1980 fin keel and as long as your co-captain doesn’t mind 10 to 15 degree heel, you’re not afraid to reef the main in a blow and you’re not sailing in a hurricane, you’ll find that 4 feet of keel is plenty.

Hi Peter, We’ve had our 1986 C25 SR SK for four years now. Our mooring mates have an 81 TR FK and we oftentimes run them together. While the Tall Rig makes theirs a little tender, proper trim seems to mitigate most puffs. As for our Swing Keel, typically deployed fully, we notice we cannot point as high but routinely we are keeping up around 6kts. I do notice in the SK, with the other owners aboard, that we have gain positive comments for our sails so I guess that is where you have a tough time making scientific comparisons, lots of variables. We have an even less fair comparison, a C25 Capri who has newer nicer sails and a seasoned skipper who wins most regattas and that fin easily allows him to point with a larger sail plan. The more I write, the less I think this will help you; however, for a swing keel, we’re plenty happy from a non-competitive perspective and don’t have envy/regrets when looking on those with fixed.

We have a Catalina 25 from 1983. We are in a humid area. We love the boat! Our son wants to add an air conditioner of some form to make it more tolerable to sleep on hot nights. I do not want to overwhelm the interior where I sit at the table to prepare meals and do artwork. What suggestions might you have for our situation? Thank you!

Pardon it is an 89 not an 83 Catalina !

I have a 1985 22ft and the cable for the keel broke can this be loaded onto a trailer?

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Since 1969 Catalina Yachts has been building honest, sturdy boats that hold up in the real world. This means more sailing pleasure, less maintenance and excellent resale value for owners.

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From the past 50 years, and to the next 50, Catalina Yachts has devoted themselves to providing owners with quality and value that has made Catalina Yachts America’s largest sailboat builder.

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Catalina Yachts’ broad range of intelligently designed family-oriented sailboats includes the Sport Series, Cruiser Series, and Ocean Series. All equipped and ready to take to on offshore adventures.

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Cruiser series 315, 10.06m / 33′ 0′′, cruiser series 355, 11.13m / 36′ 6′, ocean series, ocean series 385, 10.06m / 39′ 10′, ocean series 425, 13.11m / 43′ 6′, ocean series 445, 13.41m / 44′ 5′, making dreams a reality for over 20 years.

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Everyone at Charter Caribe knows what it takes to make a successful charter boat as well as a happy owner. Not only have we all crewed charter boats themselves (ourselves), we have been taking care of them for over a decade. Charter Caribe knows what it takes to send out consistently excellent charters, while at the same time making sure that the owners yacht stays in tip-top condition.

SoFlo Yacht Club is conveniently located at Bayshore Landing, right in the heart of Coconut Grove, Miami. The location has easy access to the Intracoastal and Atlantic Ocean through Biscayne Bay Inlet, offering state-of-the-art marina facilities with amenities second to none. Only minutes from downtown Miami, Bayshore Landing is within walking distance to the restaurants, shops, and galleries of Coconut Grove. Only 10 minutes from downtown Miami, 20 minutes from Miami International Airport and close to major roadways. The best way to see South Florida is from the water.

At Sail Caribe, we invite you to experience the legendary beauty and quality sailing of the Spanish Virgin Islands. We offer only newer, fully equipped, and meticulously maintained Lagoon catamarans and Jeanneau yachts for bareboat or crewed charters. Our yachts are better outfitted with navigation and comfort options that are not found on a typical bareboat charter.

TMM provides services to its yacht owners in four areas, Commercial (Marketing, Sales, Reservations), Customer Services (Charter Guest Related), Yacht Brokerage and Technical (Charter Preparation, Repairs, Scheduled Maintenance).TMM keeps the charter boats in its fleet busy and generating income for their owners by a diversified mix of marketing and advertising. TMM remits monthly statements to yacht owners relating to charter activity and running maintenance. Through our experience we know what yachts and equipment perform well in charter, including up-front cost, revenue generating ability, and cost-effectiveness to maintain.

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Catalina builds the largest selection of honest, sturdy boats that hold up to real world conditions, perform well and cost less to maintain. For Catalina owners, this means lots of extra value and enhanced sailing pleasure, with the added bonus of excellent resale value.

Catalina’s broad range of intelligently designed family-oriented sailboats includes the Sport series, with sprightly 12 – 25 foot day sailors, the Cruiser series, capable, roomy mid-sized yachts from 28–37 feet, and the majestic Ocean series 38 – 55 footers for more serious offshore adventures.

No matter what size boat fits your lifestyle, at Catalina it is about creating the best possible ownership experience. So if you’re looking for a long–term relationship with a high–quality American brand, its time to take a closer look at Catalina Yachts – standing firmly behind our hand–crafted sailboats for over 50 years.

For information on pricing and the many options that are available, please contact us .

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Massey yacht sales is your nation leading catalina broker. ask us more today, catalina info.

Established: 1989

• Located:  Corporate Headquarters-Woodland Hills, California —Catalina production factory-Largo, Florida

Construction:  Fiberglass

Category:  Sailboats

• Fun Fact: Catalina Yachts is the largest manufacturer of American owned, American designed and American built sailing yachts.

Catalina builds the largest selection of honest, sturdy boats that hold up to real world conditions, perform well and cost less to maintain. For Catalina owners, this means lots of extra value and enhanced sailing pleasure, with the added bonus of excellent resale value.

Catalina’s broad range of intelligently designed family-oriented sailboats includes the SPORT SERIES, with sprightly 8–27 foot day sailors, the CRUISER SERIES capable, roomy mid-sized yachts from 31–35 feet, and the majestic OCEAN SERIES 38–44 footers for more serious offshore adventures.

No matter what size boat fits your lifestyle, at Catalina it is about creating the best possible ownership experience. So if you’re looking for a long–term relationship with a high–quality American brand, it’s time to take a closer look at Catalina Yachts – standing firmly behind our hand–crafted sailboats for over 40 years.

Your Catalina Experts

The Massey yacht sales teams are Catalina experts. We have been selling and outfitting new Catalina’s consistently since 1978. Massey is the closest dealership to the Catalina production plant in Largo, Florida. We visit the factory often and know the specifics regarding the Catalina build, from stem to stern. Sharing that knowledge is part of what we offer to our Catalina purchasers.

Ed Massey personally oversees the make ready for each new Catalina delivered by Massey Yacht Sales. Ed has a well-earned reputation for being extremely thorough in testing all the systems and making sure every detail is checked off prior to delivery.

When it’s time for hand over to the new owner we include an expansive four day orientation by a friendly teaching instructor. When you head out to the open seas you will know your Catalina, her systems and handling characteristics very well indeed.

You can trust the Massey sales team to be your best source of information and expertise when it comes to assisting you in acquiring your new Catalina yacht.

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In response to Catalina 22 owners’ requests for a production boat that more accurately reflects the original dimensions and weight of this popular one design boat, Catalina Yachts is now building the Catalina 22 Sport.

Catalina Yachts aims to encourage more family racing with the thousands of first generation 22s by offering an alternative to finding an older boat, and restoring it just to be competitive in the dozens of established Catalina 22 fleets.

Like the first Catalina 22, the 22 Sport is easy to trailer, and a great boat to step up from dinghy sailing to a pocket cruiser/race, offering the quality and value Catalina owners have come to expect since 1970.

GENERAL DIMENSIONS

Length Overall (including rudder): 23′ 10″

Length of Hull: 21′ 6″

Length at Waterline: 19’ 4″

Beam: 7′ 8″

Distance from Waterline to Masthead: 28′ 6″

Draft Keel Down: 5′ 0″

Draft Keel Up: 1′ 8″

Ballast: 500 lbs

Basic Weight: 2,250 lbs

RIG MEASUREMENTS

Total with 100% Foretriangle: 206ft 2

ENGINE & CONTROLS

Recommended: 4-10 HP Outboard

Optional: Primary Lewmar #15, Self Tailing

Optional Cabin Top: #7Optional: Lewmar Evo #7 NST

Cabin Top: Lewmar Evo #7 NST

Battery Qty – 1 Group 24

TANKS & CAPACITIES

Fuel (Optional Portable):  6 gal

Holding / Black Water: Portable Head

All specifications are approximate and subject to change without notice.

Actual equipment also subject to change without notice.

STANDARD EQUIPMENT

Construction.

• Hull of Hand-laid Fiberglass with Hull Liner bonded to the Hull
• One Piece Fiberglass Deck with Molded-In Non-Skid Surfaces and Fiberglass Deck Liner
• Lead Ballast Fiberglass Retractable Keel
• Five Year Gel Coat Blister Protection * ( 2 )
• Five Year Hull Structure Warranty * ( 3 )

SPARS & RIGGING

• Complete Standing and Running Rigging
• Anodized Aluminum Mast and Boom
• Low Stretch Halyards
• Internal Halyards

SAIL HANDLING & EQUIPMENT

• Stern Rail Mounted Traveler with Controls
• Boom Vang, Adjustable
• Winch Handle
• Genoa Tracks and Blocks on Adjustable Cars
• ( 2 ) Primary Winches
• Pre-stretched Dacron Sheets & Running Rigging

DECK HARDWARE

• Comfortable Cockpit with Contoured Coamings
• Cockpit Seat Locker
• Fuel Storage Locker
• Mooring Cleats, Fore and Aft
• Waterline Stripe, Midwatch Blue
• Midwatch Blue and Silver Sheer Stripes
• Stainless Steel Bow Pulpit
• Stainless Steel Stern Pulpit
• Manual Bilge Pump with Thru Deck Handle
• Opening Forward Hatch
• Large Self Bailing Cockpit
• Molded In Non-Skid Surfaces
• Fiberglass Composite Fixed Rudder w/ Varnished Wood Tiller
• Fiberglass Hull, White
• Trailer Bow Eye
• Heavy Duty Rub Rail
• Stainless Steel Mast Step
• Adjustable Outboard Motor Bracket
• Stainless Steel Hand Rails on Cabin Top
• Outboard Bracket
• Teak Interior Trim
• Storage Lockers under Berths
• Overhead Lighting
• Molded Headliner, Low Glare Texture
• Fiberglass Hull Liner
• White Vinyl Interior Cushions with Blue Piping
• Large Removable Ice Chest

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

• 12 Volt Electrical System with Control Panel
• Battery, 12 Volt
• 12 Volt Lighting Throughout
• Navigation Lights to International Rules
• Cabin Lights
• Steaming on Mast

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT

• Kick-Up Rudder
• Mast Carrier Front and Rear of Boat
• Stern Boarding Ladder
• Stanchions and Lifelines with Pelican Hooks
• Canvas Package ( Captains Navy ) Mainsail Cover, Tiller Cover, ( 2 ) Winch Covers
• Self-Tailing Winches
• Headsail Furling Gear
• Whisker Pole
• Mainsail w/Battens
• 135% Genoa with Sheets
• 135% Furling Genoa with UV Panels and Sheets
• 150% Genoa with Sheets
• 150% Furling Genoa with UV Panels and Sheets
• Cockpit Cushions, White Vinyl with Blue Piping
• Self Contained Head with Privacy Curtain
• Galvanized Trailer for Retractable Keel, Tongue Extension, Surge Disc Brakes, Tongue Jack
• Interior Fabric Cushion Upgrade

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