We're considering buying an '81 CD25 for light cruising off the mid-Maine coast. We're also interested in a Catalina 25. My wife is a novice sailor and I haven't done much sailing in 30 years, although I did quite a bit on small boats as a kid. Any thoughts on the suitability of the CD 25 v. the Cat 25 for our purposes? We plan mostly to day sail plus a few weekends. I've heard that speed might be a consideration, as well as living space. Welcome any comments.
mahan@mint.net
CD25 as first-time cruiser
Moderator: Jim Walsh
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Don Kolenda
Re: CD25 as first-time cruiser
We recently purchased a CD25. Our slip neighbor (actually several) have Catalina 25 including the newer Cat 250 model. They're very nicely outfitted boats -- very huge inside versus our CD25. They are abit more tippy in heavier air I've noticed and due to high cabin top and no deck walking space, you are forced to be fairly exposed when venturing forward for any reasons (unless you've got roller furling and lines all led aft). Our CD25 has "beaten" and heads higher in all ranges of weather, in particular when there is a chop. She doesn't go backwards well if you're in a tight slip due to engine placement in well compared to Catalina 25 with transom mounted O/B. re: sleeping, our CD25 with 2 kids is adequate for weekending; I added a board across center of cabin with cushions to allow wife and I to effectively sleep amidships in queen size berth versus the berths as standard -- that helps alot. But the Catalina is nice if you'll need more entertaining or meal space out of the weather.Bill Mahan wrote: We're considering buying an '81 CD25 for light cruising off the mid-Maine coast. We're also interested in a Catalina 25. My wife is a novice sailor and I haven't done much sailing in 30 years, although I did quite a bit on small boats as a kid. Any thoughts on the suitability of the CD 25 v. the Cat 25 for our purposes? We plan mostly to day sail plus a few weekends. I've heard that speed might be a consideration, as well as living space. Welcome any comments.
don_kolenda@msn.com
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Bruce Bett
Re: CD25 as first-time cruiser
Bill:
I'm a big fan of the CD25! I know little of the Catalina 25 (I do see them around now and then). What I like about the Cape Dory are as Follows.
Her sea kindliness. I've sailed CD25s on lakes Erie, Huron and Superior occasionally in some pretty stinky stuff. I've never seen a CD25 pound!
Her seaworthiness: This is a well designed and well built little cruiser. Like most heavy balisted narrow beam boats she is tender 15-20 degrees or so. This is a good trait as it lengthens her waterline a bit. She stiffens up very nicely once she gets her rail in the water.
Her weatherliness: You can tack her in a little better than 90 degrees. She loves to sail on a close reach, and is strong on a dead beat.
Her classic lines: To me she looks like a cruising sailboat should look. She gets a lot of attention in the marinas on the lakes.
People who do not like the CD25 usually mention two things.
Racers say she is slow, and as a racing boat she is (I have been known to sail past Catalinas however). The full keel that gives her her sea kindly and seaworthy qualities also gives her a lot of wetted surface. You're not going to outrun those new sport boats.
Many people find her cabin accommodations inadequate. The proper word for a cd25 cabin is snug. Even those of us who love her best have to admit wanting an extra inch here or there from time to time. Learning how to zip up your pants while bent double is an accomplishment. Still she can be equipped with everything you need for costal cruising. The berths aren't bad. I and others in my family have cursed these boats for two weeks at a time and loved it! Keep in mind that you spend a lot more time on deck then you do below. I may curse when I hit my head or groan when I try to turnover in the vberth, but when I'm at the helm of Sostenuto I envy no man.
Bruce
Sostenuto CD25 #496
BETT@smtp.munet.edu
I'm a big fan of the CD25! I know little of the Catalina 25 (I do see them around now and then). What I like about the Cape Dory are as Follows.
Her sea kindliness. I've sailed CD25s on lakes Erie, Huron and Superior occasionally in some pretty stinky stuff. I've never seen a CD25 pound!
Her seaworthiness: This is a well designed and well built little cruiser. Like most heavy balisted narrow beam boats she is tender 15-20 degrees or so. This is a good trait as it lengthens her waterline a bit. She stiffens up very nicely once she gets her rail in the water.
Her weatherliness: You can tack her in a little better than 90 degrees. She loves to sail on a close reach, and is strong on a dead beat.
Her classic lines: To me she looks like a cruising sailboat should look. She gets a lot of attention in the marinas on the lakes.
People who do not like the CD25 usually mention two things.
Racers say she is slow, and as a racing boat she is (I have been known to sail past Catalinas however). The full keel that gives her her sea kindly and seaworthy qualities also gives her a lot of wetted surface. You're not going to outrun those new sport boats.
Many people find her cabin accommodations inadequate. The proper word for a cd25 cabin is snug. Even those of us who love her best have to admit wanting an extra inch here or there from time to time. Learning how to zip up your pants while bent double is an accomplishment. Still she can be equipped with everything you need for costal cruising. The berths aren't bad. I and others in my family have cursed these boats for two weeks at a time and loved it! Keep in mind that you spend a lot more time on deck then you do below. I may curse when I hit my head or groan when I try to turnover in the vberth, but when I'm at the helm of Sostenuto I envy no man.
Bruce
Sostenuto CD25 #496
Bill Mahan wrote: We're considering buying an '81 CD25 for light cruising off the mid-Maine coast. We're also interested in a Catalina 25. My wife is a novice sailor and I haven't done much sailing in 30 years, although I did quite a bit on small boats as a kid. Any thoughts on the suitability of the CD 25 v. the Cat 25 for our purposes? We plan mostly to day sail plus a few weekends. I've heard that speed might be a consideration, as well as living space. Welcome any comments.
BETT@smtp.munet.edu
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Don
Re: CD25 as first-time cruiser
Don: Thanx for your comments - just the sort of info I was looking for.
I think for cruising newcomers we can sacrifice speed for stability and safety, particularly in our area of the N. Atlantic. I do, however, want a boat that can sail well into the wind and handle adequately. Thanx again.
don kolenda@msn.com
I think for cruising newcomers we can sacrifice speed for stability and safety, particularly in our area of the N. Atlantic. I do, however, want a boat that can sail well into the wind and handle adequately. Thanx again.
Don Kolenda wrote:Bill Mahan wrote: We're considering buying an '81 CD25 for light cruising off the mid-Maine coast. We're also interested in a Catalina 25. My wife is a novice sailor and I haven't done much sailing in 30 years, although I did quite a bit on small boats as a kid. Any thoughts on the suitability of the CD 25 v. the Cat 25 for our purposes? We plan mostly to day sail plus a few weekends. I've heard that speed might be a consideration, as well as living space. Welcome any comments.
We recently purchased a CD25. Our slip neighbor (actually several) have Catalina 25 including the newer Cat 250 model. They're very nicely outfitted boats -- very huge inside versus our CD25. They are abit more tippy in heavier air I've noticed and due to high cabin top and no deck walking space, you are forced to be fairly exposed when venturing forward for any reasons (unless you've got roller furling and lines all led aft). Our CD25 has "beaten" and heads higher in all ranges of weather, in particular when there is a chop. She doesn't go backwards well if you're in a tight slip due to engine placement in well compared to Catalina 25 with transom mounted O/B. re: sleeping, our CD25 with 2 kids is adequate for weekending; I added a board across center of cabin with cushions to allow wife and I to effectively sleep amidships in queen size berth versus the berths as standard -- that helps alot. But the Catalina is nice if you'll need more entertaining or meal space out of the weather.
don kolenda@msn.com
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Bill
Re: CD25 as first-time cruiser
Bill.
If I may? 1st, I am a previous owner of a Catalina 27. She was a sweet boat. Fast and stable. She was a 1975 so she was built fairly strong by today's standards. However, she was not a Cape Dory. I now have a CD 25D, and althoutgh she is smaller than the C-27, I still love my new boat. There is a tremendous differance in workmanship and quality. The V-berth on the C-27 was useless for anything but small childern and storage. I am 5'7" and could not comfortably sleep in the v-berth. My 25D doesn't have a v-berth (a non-v-berth baot may not be an option for you), but if you are comparing a CD 25 to a c-25 in my book (and I have never seen a CD 25) there should be no comparision!!!! Also, I was told (prior to purchase) that my 25D wa a slow sailer. True it is but for a cruiser I am very impressed. I have only been sailing for three years, and I bought the C-27 because I knew that in my area it would be easy to sell (and it was). I search for two year and then fell in love the the Cape Dory line of boats. I have never regretted that decision. A Cape Dory 25 list for about waht a good late model C25 does in my part of the world (Oklahoma). To me there would be no choice, but I had to "been there, done that position".
Bill
S/V Rhapsody
CD 25D #148
don
willie@clnk.com
If I may? 1st, I am a previous owner of a Catalina 27. She was a sweet boat. Fast and stable. She was a 1975 so she was built fairly strong by today's standards. However, she was not a Cape Dory. I now have a CD 25D, and althoutgh she is smaller than the C-27, I still love my new boat. There is a tremendous differance in workmanship and quality. The V-berth on the C-27 was useless for anything but small childern and storage. I am 5'7" and could not comfortably sleep in the v-berth. My 25D doesn't have a v-berth (a non-v-berth baot may not be an option for you), but if you are comparing a CD 25 to a c-25 in my book (and I have never seen a CD 25) there should be no comparision!!!! Also, I was told (prior to purchase) that my 25D wa a slow sailer. True it is but for a cruiser I am very impressed. I have only been sailing for three years, and I bought the C-27 because I knew that in my area it would be easy to sell (and it was). I search for two year and then fell in love the the Cape Dory line of boats. I have never regretted that decision. A Cape Dory 25 list for about waht a good late model C25 does in my part of the world (Oklahoma). To me there would be no choice, but I had to "been there, done that position".
Bill
S/V Rhapsody
CD 25D #148
don
Bill Mahan wrote: We're considering buying an '81 CD25 for light cruising off the mid-Maine coast. We're also interested in a Catalina 25. My wife is a novice sailor and I haven't done much sailing in 30 years, although I did quite a bit on small boats as a kid. Any thoughts on the suitability of the CD 25 v. the Cat 25 for our purposes? We plan mostly to day sail plus a few weekends. I've heard that speed might be a consideration, as well as living space. Welcome any comments.
willie@clnk.com
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Paul Grecay
Re: CD25 as first-time cruiser
I used to sail in Maine (Pemaquid region). Beautiful coast. My advice...get the Cape Dory. When the wind comes up high, the fog rolls in and the sea state gets rough you will not be saying "Gee, I wish I had a bigger living room". The stability, safety, and security of the Cape Dory with her full heavy keel, narrow beam, and conservative sail plan will be a real comfort...esspecially in the cold blue waters of the Gulf of Maine. Get the cd.
Paul
rfurman@dmv.com
Paul
rfurman@dmv.com
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Chris J
Re: CD25 as first-time cruiser
Bill Mahan wrote: We're considering buying an '81 CD25 for light cruising off the mid-Maine coast. We're also interested in a Catalina 25. My wife is a novice sailor and I haven't done much sailing in 30 years, although I did quite a bit on small boats as a kid. Any thoughts on the suitability of the CD 25 v. the Cat 25 for our purposes? We plan mostly to day sail plus a few weekends. I've heard that speed might be a consideration, as well as living space. Welcome any comments.
cjaso@maine.rr,com
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Chris J
Re: CD25 as first-time cruiser
We're considering buying an '81 CD25 for light cruising off the mid-Maine coast. We're also interested in a Catalina 25. My wife is a novice sailor and I haven't done much sailing in 30 years, although I did quite a bit on small boats as a kid. Any thoughts on the suitability of the CD 25 v. the Cat 25 for our purposes? We plan mostly to day sail plus a few weekends. I've heard that speed might be a consideration, as well as living space. Welcome any comments.Chris J wrote:Bill Mahan wrote: Purchased a CD25 8/3/98. Sailed from West Bath to Portland , ME 8/4/98. Enjoyed the sail. CD 25 tracks extremly well on all points of sail. I've been sailing in Casco bay since and enjoy the stability of the the boat - I'm new to sailing. A little snug below, especially when using the head, but manageable. I believe you will enjoy a CD 25.
cjaso@maine.rr.com
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chris
Re: CD25 as first-time cruiser
Purchased a CD 25 on 8/3/98. Sailed home from west bath to portland, me 8/4/98. the cd 25 tracked extremly well. have been day sailing in casco bay and enjoy the stability. snug below especially using the head,but manageable. I beleive you will enjoy a cd 25!Bill Mahan wrote: We're considering buying an '81 CD25 for light cruising off the mid-Maine coast. We're also interested in a Catalina 25. My wife is a novice sailor and I haven't done much sailing in 30 years, although I did quite a bit on small boats as a kid. Any thoughts on the suitability of the CD 25 v. the Cat 25 for our purposes? We plan mostly to day sail plus a few weekends. I've heard that speed might be a consideration, as well as living space. Welcome any comments.
cjaso@maine.rr.com