I can't decide whether or not to purchase a 1975 Cape Dory 25 for the waters around Boston or a Catalina 22 for the extra adventure of trailer sailing. My instinct tells me that the Catalina is more versatile (visiting other bays and lakes around New England), yet my heart says to go for the Cape Dory--it's safer, more comfortable, and sails better. As a newer sailor who wants a forgiving boat in the changeable New England weather, do you think that The CD 25 is a better choice?
Thanks,
Brendan
brendansmith@hotmail.com
cd-25: Should I buy one?
Moderator: Jim Walsh
-
Tom
Re: cd-25: Should I buy one?
Brendan,Brendan Smith wrote: I can't decide whether or not to purchase a 1975 Cape Dory 25 for the waters around Boston or a Catalina 22 for the extra adventure of trailer sailing. My instinct tells me that the Catalina is more versatile (visiting other bays and lakes around New England), yet my heart says to go for the Cape Dory--it's safer, more comfortable, and sails better. As a newer sailor who wants a forgiving boat in the changeable New England weather, do you think that The CD 25 is a better choice?
Thanks,
Brendan
I had a Venture 21 (MacGregor) lighter than a Catalina 22 but similar with a swing keel. Fun boat but limited for Buzzards Bay with good chop and a breeze. This is the third year with the CD25 and I'm happpy with it. It takes a set and goes. Love the full keel. Has much more of a margin for the heavier winds that the Venture. I haven't sailed a Catalina 22 to compare directly. All I can say is don't under estimate the time to rig a trailer sailor even if you get a good system to rig it, its not quick and does get old unless you are spending a few days in a new spot.
Tom
S/V Stardust CD25
South Dartmouth, MA
tomb5050@aol.com
-
Ken Coit
Yes!
I never owned or sailed a CD25, but I have trailer sailed a Catalina 22 from coast-to-coast. Even though it was nice to be able to take the boat along on those corporate moves and crazy vacations, I'd go for the CD25 because of the quality and safety. The CD will take care of you if you give her a little care; the C22 will not do so well, especially if you only give her a little care. Swing keels have pivots; can you imagine the issues around either the pivot or the cable failing? I don't know that it has ever happened, but how about the cable failing with the keel raised? Would the rapidly descending swing keel rip the pivot out? How about blisters on a thin oil-canning hull? I sleep much better on a used Cape Dory than a C22.
That said, the C22 served me well for many years and it held its value fairly well, but not like a Cape Dory by any stretch of the imagination.
Our best sailing experiences with the C22 were those involving a slip. Our second best were those involving a mooring. And our third best were those involving dry sailing off a trailer stored at the marina. In no case, was day sailing a C22 something that I liked doing off a trailer if there was also a mast raising involved; it wasn't really worth it, especially if we were trying to show a neophyte how much fun sailing can be.
Trailing the C22 wasn't all that bad behind an Olds 88 or an Astro van, but when things go wrong, they can go very wrong. Try readjusting the slipping bunks on Interstate 95 in July while travelling from NC to NH. Try limping to a garage with a bad freeze plug while travelling across NM in August (we left the boat and trailer behind). Having an adequate tow vehicle in good condition is important.
Devoted trailer sailors have wonderful experiences sailing a bit and trailing a lot; good for them. Having done it with multiple Lasers, a Lightning, and the C22, my choice these days, even with a 20 ft. power boat, is to keep the boat close to where I want to use it and not trail. Our Grady White languishes just off the driveway; she needs a new owner.
The season is short enough in New England that you could pick a different locale for each season and not feel like you were stuck for an interminable time. The CD will sail easily to the next spot, so long as there is water around. The Catalina will need a trailer in some cases, even if there is water between the two spots.
I'm sure some have sailed C22s to Nantucket; I would not. I think that one should buy a boat that will help you in complex situations, not one that will worry you.
But, whatever your choice, keep on sailing,
Ken Coit, ND7N
CD/14 #538
CD/36 #84 Parfait
Hailing Port: Raleigh, NC
Sailing from: Beaufort, NC
parfaitNOSPAM@nc.rr.com
That said, the C22 served me well for many years and it held its value fairly well, but not like a Cape Dory by any stretch of the imagination.
Our best sailing experiences with the C22 were those involving a slip. Our second best were those involving a mooring. And our third best were those involving dry sailing off a trailer stored at the marina. In no case, was day sailing a C22 something that I liked doing off a trailer if there was also a mast raising involved; it wasn't really worth it, especially if we were trying to show a neophyte how much fun sailing can be.
Trailing the C22 wasn't all that bad behind an Olds 88 or an Astro van, but when things go wrong, they can go very wrong. Try readjusting the slipping bunks on Interstate 95 in July while travelling from NC to NH. Try limping to a garage with a bad freeze plug while travelling across NM in August (we left the boat and trailer behind). Having an adequate tow vehicle in good condition is important.
Devoted trailer sailors have wonderful experiences sailing a bit and trailing a lot; good for them. Having done it with multiple Lasers, a Lightning, and the C22, my choice these days, even with a 20 ft. power boat, is to keep the boat close to where I want to use it and not trail. Our Grady White languishes just off the driveway; she needs a new owner.
The season is short enough in New England that you could pick a different locale for each season and not feel like you were stuck for an interminable time. The CD will sail easily to the next spot, so long as there is water around. The Catalina will need a trailer in some cases, even if there is water between the two spots.
I'm sure some have sailed C22s to Nantucket; I would not. I think that one should buy a boat that will help you in complex situations, not one that will worry you.
But, whatever your choice, keep on sailing,
Ken Coit, ND7N
CD/14 #538
CD/36 #84 Parfait
Hailing Port: Raleigh, NC
Sailing from: Beaufort, NC
Tom wrote:Brendan,Brendan Smith wrote: I can't decide whether or not to purchase a 1975 Cape Dory 25 for the waters around Boston or a Catalina 22 for the extra adventure of trailer sailing. My instinct tells me that the Catalina is more versatile (visiting other bays and lakes around New England), yet my heart says to go for the Cape Dory--it's safer, more comfortable, and sails better. As a newer sailor who wants a forgiving boat in the changeable New England weather, do you think that The CD 25 is a better choice?
Thanks,
Brendan
I had a Venture 21 (MacGregor) lighter than a Catalina 22 but similar with a swing keel. Fun boat but limited for Buzzards Bay with good chop and a breeze. This is the third year with the CD25 and I'm happpy with it. It takes a set and goes. Love the full keel. Has much more of a margin for the heavier winds that the Venture. I haven't sailed a Catalina 22 to compare directly. All I can say is don't under estimate the time to rig a trailer sailor even if you get a good system to rig it, its not quick and does get old unless you are spending a few days in a new spot.
Tom
S/V Stardust CD25
South Dartmouth, MA
parfaitNOSPAM@nc.rr.com
-
Al Levesque
Re: cd-25: Should I buy one?
Absolutely the CD25!!! With our CD25 we explored from Block Island to Bar Harbor either solo, or two of us, or all five of the family. In the years we had the boat we never ran out of places to explore and many were short trips.Brendan Smith wrote: I can't decide whether or not to purchase a 1975 Cape Dory 25 for the waters around Boston....
Al
albertlevesque@cove.com
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Will W
Re: Yes!
I'm glad Ken was able to give you some comparison. I cannot since I have never sailed a C22. However I will add a few things.
If you really want to trailer sail, you can trailer a CD25. There are several people who visit this board who do so.
The CD25 is a much nicer looking boat.
I have had my CD25 out in some pretty heavy weather. She can get you through some trying times and, as Ken mentioned, can go places a lot of similar sized boats would be less comfortable sailing to.
Check out the registry for this site. There are a couple of CD25 web sites that are exellent and will help convince you, I'm sure, to go with the CD. Make sure you check out the stories at Jon Ring's site. Also I posted an account of a five day trip including two days of nasty weather. You can find it in the Archives, posted on June 9, 2002.
Of course I'm biased but IMHO there is really no decision to make. Go with the CD!
Will Wheatley
Suzi Q
CD25
Sailing from Breezy Point, MD (For one more day, then I move to Annapolis)
willwheatley@starpower.net
If you really want to trailer sail, you can trailer a CD25. There are several people who visit this board who do so.
The CD25 is a much nicer looking boat.
I have had my CD25 out in some pretty heavy weather. She can get you through some trying times and, as Ken mentioned, can go places a lot of similar sized boats would be less comfortable sailing to.
Check out the registry for this site. There are a couple of CD25 web sites that are exellent and will help convince you, I'm sure, to go with the CD. Make sure you check out the stories at Jon Ring's site. Also I posted an account of a five day trip including two days of nasty weather. You can find it in the Archives, posted on June 9, 2002.
Of course I'm biased but IMHO there is really no decision to make. Go with the CD!
Will Wheatley
Suzi Q
CD25
Sailing from Breezy Point, MD (For one more day, then I move to Annapolis)
Ken Coit wrote: I never owned or sailed a CD25, but I have trailer sailed a Catalina 22 from coast-to-coast. Even though it was nice to be able to take the boat along on those corporate moves and crazy vacations, I'd go for the CD25 because of the quality and safety. The CD will take care of you if you give her a little care; the C22 will not do so well, especially if you only give her a little care. Swing keels have pivots; can you imagine the issues around either the pivot or the cable failing? I don't know that it has ever happened, but how about the cable failing with the keel raised? Would the rapidly descending swing keel rip the pivot out? How about blisters on a thin oil-canning hull? I sleep much better on a used Cape Dory than a C22.
That said, the C22 served me well for many years and it held its value fairly well, but not like a Cape Dory by any stretch of the imagination.
Our best sailing experiences with the C22 were those involving a slip. Our second best were those involving a mooring. And our third best were those involving dry sailing off a trailer stored at the marina. In no case, was day sailing a C22 something that I liked doing off a trailer if there was also a mast raising involved; it wasn't really worth it, especially if we were trying to show a neophyte how much fun sailing can be.
Trailing the C22 wasn't all that bad behind an Olds 88 or an Astro van, but when things go wrong, they can go very wrong. Try readjusting the slipping bunks on Interstate 95 in July while travelling from NC to NH. Try limping to a garage with a bad freeze plug while travelling across NM in August (we left the boat and trailer behind). Having an adequate tow vehicle in good condition is important.
Devoted trailer sailors have wonderful experiences sailing a bit and trailing a lot; good for them. Having done it with multiple Lasers, a Lightning, and the C22, my choice these days, even with a 20 ft. power boat, is to keep the boat close to where I want to use it and not trail. Our Grady White languishes just off the driveway; she needs a new owner.
The season is short enough in New England that you could pick a different locale for each season and not feel like you were stuck for an interminable time. The CD will sail easily to the next spot, so long as there is water around. The Catalina will need a trailer in some cases, even if there is water between the two spots.
I'm sure some have sailed C22s to Nantucket; I would not. I think that one should buy a boat that will help you in complex situations, not one that will worry you.
But, whatever your choice, keep on sailing,
Ken Coit, ND7N
CD/14 #538
CD/36 #84 Parfait
Hailing Port: Raleigh, NC
Sailing from: Beaufort, NC
Tom wrote:Brendan,Brendan Smith wrote: I can't decide whether or not to purchase a 1975 Cape Dory 25 for the waters around Boston or a Catalina 22 for the extra adventure of trailer sailing. My instinct tells me that the Catalina is more versatile (visiting other bays and lakes around New England), yet my heart says to go for the Cape Dory--it's safer, more comfortable, and sails better. As a newer sailor who wants a forgiving boat in the changeable New England weather, do you think that The CD 25 is a better choice?
Thanks,
Brendan
I had a Venture 21 (MacGregor) lighter than a Catalina 22 but similar with a swing keel. Fun boat but limited for Buzzards Bay with good chop and a breeze. This is the third year with the CD25 and I'm happpy with it. It takes a set and goes. Love the full keel. Has much more of a margin for the heavier winds that the Venture. I haven't sailed a Catalina 22 to compare directly. All I can say is don't under estimate the time to rig a trailer sailor even if you get a good system to rig it, its not quick and does get old unless you are spending a few days in a new spot.
Tom
S/V Stardust CD25
South Dartmouth, MA
willwheatley@starpower.net
-
Dan Hanlon
Re: cd-25: Should I buy one?
On this board, the answer is obvious. Go with the CD25. I bought mine last year and I love it. I'll just restate what others have said. The CD25 will take good care of you when the weather turns ugly. The Catalina just is not designed to do that. This means more flexability with the CD25. You can venture further safer. And of course the CD25 is a very pretty classic sailing yacht. She makes me blush with pride just to see her sitting out on the can.
Fair Winds,
Dan
I can't decide whether or not to purchase a 1975 Cape Dory 25 for the waters around Boston or a Catalina 22 for the extra adventure of trailer sailing. My instinct tells me that the Catalina is more versatile (visiting other bays and lakes around New England), yet my heart says to go for the Cape Dory--it's safer, more comfortable, and sails better. As a newer sailor who wants a forgiving boat in the changeable New England weather, do you think that The CD 25 is a better choice?
djhhan@aol.com
Fair Winds,
Dan
I can't decide whether or not to purchase a 1975 Cape Dory 25 for the waters around Boston or a Catalina 22 for the extra adventure of trailer sailing. My instinct tells me that the Catalina is more versatile (visiting other bays and lakes around New England), yet my heart says to go for the Cape Dory--it's safer, more comfortable, and sails better. As a newer sailor who wants a forgiving boat in the changeable New England weather, do you think that The CD 25 is a better choice?
Brendan Smith wrote: Thanks,
Brendan
djhhan@aol.com
-
Warren Moore
Re: cd-25: Should I buy one?
Brendan,Brendan Smith wrote: I can't decide whether or not to purchase a 1975 Cape Dory 25 for the waters around Boston or a Catalina 22 for the extra adventure of trailer sailing. My instinct tells me that the Catalina is more versatile (visiting other bays and lakes around New England), yet my heart says to go for the Cape Dory--it's safer, more comfortable, and sails better. As a newer sailor who wants a forgiving boat in the changeable New England weather, do you think that The CD 25 is a better choice?
Thanks,
Brendan
I own a CD28 and have sailed on my father-in-law's C22 on Lake George.You're comparing two different types of boats. The C22 is a nice sailboat for protected waters, the CD25 is more of a coastal cruising boat, given the area where you plan to sail you are much better off with a CD25. Good luck.
Warren Moore
CD28 Crisscross
wwmoore@hotmail.com
-
Greg Phillips
Re: Yes!
Brenden, Though I'm not so familiar with your waters, I can say that after 10 years owning a CD25 its probabaly your best choice of the two. If you do begin looking for a CD25 I would recommend searching the archives for what areas to be sure to survey on each boat. The CD25 is a great boat to learn on and will carry you far up "the curve" whether its cruising, racing or both you aspire to.Will W wrote: I'm glad Ken was able to give you some comparison. I cannot since I have never sailed a C22. However I will add a few things.
If you really want to trailer sail, you can trailer a CD25. There are several people who visit this board who do so.
The CD25 is a much nicer looking boat.
I have had my CD25 out in some pretty heavy weather. She can get you through some trying times and, as Ken mentioned, can go places a lot of similar sized boats would be less comfortable sailing to.
Check out the registry for this site. There are a couple of CD25 web sites that are exellent and will help convince you, I'm sure, to go with the CD. Make sure you check out the stories at Jon Ring's site. Also I posted an account of a five day trip including two days of nasty weather. You can find it in the Archives, posted on June 9, 2002.
Of course I'm biased but IMHO there is really no decision to make. Go with the CD!
Will Wheatley
Suzi Q
CD25
Sailing from Breezy Point, MD (For one more day, then I move to Annapolis)
Ken Coit wrote: I never owned or sailed a CD25, but I have trailer sailed a Catalina 22 from coast-to-coast. Even though it was nice to be able to take the boat along on those corporate moves and crazy vacations, I'd go for the CD25 because of the quality and safety. The CD will take care of you if you give her a little care; the C22 will not do so well, especially if you only give her a little care. Swing keels have pivots; can you imagine the issues around either the pivot or the cable failing? I don't know that it has ever happened, but how about the cable failing with the keel raised? Would the rapidly descending swing keel rip the pivot out? How about blisters on a thin oil-canning hull? I sleep much better on a used Cape Dory than a C22.
That said, the C22 served me well for many years and it held its value fairly well, but not like a Cape Dory by any stretch of the imagination.
Our best sailing experiences with the C22 were those involving a slip. Our second best were those involving a mooring. And our third best were those involving dry sailing off a trailer stored at the marina. In no case, was day sailing a C22 something that I liked doing off a trailer if there was also a mast raising involved; it wasn't really worth it, especially if we were trying to show a neophyte how much fun sailing can be.
Trailing the C22 wasn't all that bad behind an Olds 88 or an Astro van, but when things go wrong, they can go very wrong. Try readjusting the slipping bunks on Interstate 95 in July while travelling from NC to NH. Try limping to a garage with a bad freeze plug while travelling across NM in August (we left the boat and trailer behind). Having an adequate tow vehicle in good condition is important.
Devoted trailer sailors have wonderful experiences sailing a bit and trailing a lot; good for them. Having done it with multiple Lasers, a Lightning, and the C22, my choice these days, even with a 20 ft. power boat, is to keep the boat close to where I want to use it and not trail. Our Grady White languishes just off the driveway; she needs a new owner.
The season is short enough in New England that you could pick a different locale for each season and not feel like you were stuck for an interminable time. The CD will sail easily to the next spot, so long as there is water around. The Catalina will need a trailer in some cases, even if there is water between the two spots.
I'm sure some have sailed C22s to Nantucket; I would not. I think that one should buy a boat that will help you in complex situations, not one that will worry you.
But, whatever your choice, keep on sailing,
Ken Coit, ND7N
CD/14 #538
CD/36 #84 Parfait
Hailing Port: Raleigh, NC
Sailing from: Beaufort, NC
Ken Coit wrote:Tom wrote: Brendan,
I had a Venture 21 (MacGregor) lighter than a Catalina 22 but similar with a swing keel. Fun boat but limited for Buzzards Bay with good chop and a breeze. This is the third year with the CD25 and I'm happpy with it. It takes a set and goes. Love the full keel. Has much more of a margin for the heavier winds that the Venture. I haven't sailed a Catalina 22 to compare directly. All I can say is don't under estimate the time to rig a trailer sailor even if you get a good system to rig it, its not quick and does get old unless you are spending a few days in a new spot.
Tom
S/V Stardust CD25
South Dartmouth, MA
Good Luck
Greg Phillips
CD25 #469 Linda Lou
Apalachicola,FL
2mileyc@digitalexp.com
-
Boyd
Re: cd-25: Should I buy one?
Hi Brendan..
I had a Hunter 23 before I got my CD30 MkII. Kept it for about 5 years. The Hunter 23 is bigger and heavier than the Cat 22 and has a fixed keel and a swing keel so it is much more stable than the Cat. I found that even with all those advantages it was still way to lively a boat to be out in much more than 2-4' seas. Never felt really at risk but a lot of times not comfortable. I would vote for the CD anytime based on her ability to take seas.
Trailering is a pain in the ###. I did go to some other places but the stress of driving ... the ocasional flat tire... checking for vertical clearances.. finding places to park.. all make it less than fun. Then there is the added adventure of launching and retrieving. Slippery ramps...ramps that are too shallow...too steep..low tide.. high tide. A bump at the end of the ramp...
It took me an hour from the time I got to the ramp till I was out sailing and another hour to get back on the trailer and down the road.. 2 hours out of a sailing day killed.
There is a lot of hidden expense in towing... maybe a new vehicle.. a hitch...a transmission cooler...etc.
I vote for the CD in the water.. I think you will enjoy it much more.
Boyd
Tern
CD30 MkII
Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
boyd@wbta.cc
I had a Hunter 23 before I got my CD30 MkII. Kept it for about 5 years. The Hunter 23 is bigger and heavier than the Cat 22 and has a fixed keel and a swing keel so it is much more stable than the Cat. I found that even with all those advantages it was still way to lively a boat to be out in much more than 2-4' seas. Never felt really at risk but a lot of times not comfortable. I would vote for the CD anytime based on her ability to take seas.
Trailering is a pain in the ###. I did go to some other places but the stress of driving ... the ocasional flat tire... checking for vertical clearances.. finding places to park.. all make it less than fun. Then there is the added adventure of launching and retrieving. Slippery ramps...ramps that are too shallow...too steep..low tide.. high tide. A bump at the end of the ramp...
It took me an hour from the time I got to the ramp till I was out sailing and another hour to get back on the trailer and down the road.. 2 hours out of a sailing day killed.
There is a lot of hidden expense in towing... maybe a new vehicle.. a hitch...a transmission cooler...etc.
I vote for the CD in the water.. I think you will enjoy it much more.
Boyd
Tern
CD30 MkII
Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Brendan Smith wrote: I can't decide whether or not to purchase a 1975 Cape Dory 25 for the waters around Boston or a Catalina 22 for the extra adventure of trailer sailing. My instinct tells me that the Catalina is more versatile (visiting other bays and lakes around New England), yet my heart says to go for the Cape Dory--it's safer, more comfortable, and sails better. As a newer sailor who wants a forgiving boat in the changeable New England weather, do you think that The CD 25 is a better choice?
Thanks,
Brendan
boyd@wbta.cc
-
Ken Coit
Addendum Re: Yes!
In another thread someone suggested that if you are uncomfortable with heeling, try to capsize your Cape Dory in 15 K wind. They claim it can't be done with wind alone and I would believe that. Not true in a C22. I have been close to a full knock down in a C22 and fortunately had secured the little lock that keeps the keel from retracting. There was a new C22 on the bottom of Lake Pleasant, AZ for many years; maybe she is still there as it was too deep for economical salvage. Her skipper cleated the mainsheet, which is a real temptation on windy days; a gust hit the boat, knocked her down, and the boat filled. Unlike swing keels or high tech racing foils with bulbs at the foot, fixed keels on Cape Dorys do not collapse or fall off at critical moments. They also track better.
Keep on sailing,
Ken Coit
parfaitNOSPAM@nc.rr.com
Keep on sailing,
Ken Coit
Ken Coit wrote: I never owned or sailed a CD25, but I have trailer sailed a Catalina 22 from coast-to-coast. Even though it was nice to be able to take the boat along on those corporate moves and crazy vacations, I'd go for the CD25 because of the quality and safety. The CD will take care of you if you give her a little care; the C22 will not do so well, especially if you only give her a little care. Swing keels have pivots; can you imagine the issues around either the pivot or the cable failing? I don't know that it has ever happened, but how about the cable failing with the keel raised? Would the rapidly descending swing keel rip the pivot out? How about blisters on a thin oil-canning hull? I sleep much better on a used Cape Dory than a C22.
That said, the C22 served me well for many years and it held its value fairly well, but not like a Cape Dory by any stretch of the imagination.
Our best sailing experiences with the C22 were those involving a slip. Our second best were those involving a mooring. And our third best were those involving dry sailing off a trailer stored at the marina. In no case, was day sailing a C22 something that I liked doing off a trailer if there was also a mast raising involved; it wasn't really worth it, especially if we were trying to show a neophyte how much fun sailing can be.
Trailing the C22 wasn't all that bad behind an Olds 88 or an Astro van, but when things go wrong, they can go very wrong. Try readjusting the slipping bunks on Interstate 95 in July while travelling from NC to NH. Try limping to a garage with a bad freeze plug while travelling across NM in August (we left the boat and trailer behind). Having an adequate tow vehicle in good condition is important.
Devoted trailer sailors have wonderful experiences sailing a bit and trailing a lot; good for them. Having done it with multiple Lasers, a Lightning, and the C22, my choice these days, even with a 20 ft. power boat, is to keep the boat close to where I want to use it and not trail. Our Grady White languishes just off the driveway; she needs a new owner.
The season is short enough in New England that you could pick a different locale for each season and not feel like you were stuck for an interminable time. The CD will sail easily to the next spot, so long as there is water around. The Catalina will need a trailer in some cases, even if there is water between the two spots.
I'm sure some have sailed C22s to Nantucket; I would not. I think that one should buy a boat that will help you in complex situations, not one that will worry you.
But, whatever your choice, keep on sailing,
Ken Coit, ND7N
CD/14 #538
CD/36 #84 Parfait
Hailing Port: Raleigh, NC
Sailing from: Beaufort, NC
Tom wrote:Brendan,Brendan Smith wrote: I can't decide whether or not to purchase a 1975 Cape Dory 25 for the waters around Boston or a Catalina 22 for the extra adventure of trailer sailing. My instinct tells me that the Catalina is more versatile (visiting other bays and lakes around New England), yet my heart says to go for the Cape Dory--it's safer, more comfortable, and sails better. As a newer sailor who wants a forgiving boat in the changeable New England weather, do you think that The CD 25 is a better choice?
Thanks,
Brendan
I had a Venture 21 (MacGregor) lighter than a Catalina 22 but similar with a swing keel. Fun boat but limited for Buzzards Bay with good chop and a breeze. This is the third year with the CD25 and I'm happpy with it. It takes a set and goes. Love the full keel. Has much more of a margin for the heavier winds that the Venture. I haven't sailed a Catalina 22 to compare directly. All I can say is don't under estimate the time to rig a trailer sailor even if you get a good system to rig it, its not quick and does get old unless you are spending a few days in a new spot.
Tom
S/V Stardust CD25
South Dartmouth, MA
parfaitNOSPAM@nc.rr.com
-
Ryan Barnett
Re: cd-25: Should I buy one?
Brendan,
Just thought I would chime in since I recently learned to sail on a buddy's Catalina 22 and bought a CD25 two months ago.
Both are great boats for daysailing and weekending, but having sailed both feel that in comparing the two you are comparing a great lake boat and a great costal cruiser.
In light winds the Catalina will leave us behind, but the balance is turned as the lake starts to get choppy. (I almost have the weight of the Catalina 22 in the keel : ) ) My CD25 will plow through chop and power boat wakes.
When the wind picks up I like the Cape Dory because of the stability that everyone has allready mentioned. On the windiest day I was on the Catalina, it took two of us to sail the boat because the gusts were really knocking us around. I have allready singlehanded my CD25 on a similarly gusty evening. She will heel up around 20 degrees but it then take a huge gust to get her over 30. I find the Cape Dory WAY easier to control in gusty conditions.
Although the Catalina is beamier and with the pop top it sort of has standing headroom, our CD is roomier on the interior. It also has more deck space than the catalina. There is enough room to walk forward without going around or crawling under the rigging. I can honestly say that with just my wife and I, we could comfortably spend a week or so on the boat. That open up alot of areas to explore without the hassels of trailering.
In the end you also have to consider what kind of deal becomes available. If you find a great deal either vessel it could be enough to tip the balance for you. They are both easy to sail and learn on, and they both have good resale value if they are taken care of.
Good Luck
Ryan
CD25 #19
I can't decide whether or not to purchase a 1975 Cape Dory 25 for the waters around Boston or a Catalina 22 for the extra adventure of trailer sailing. My instinct tells me that the Catalina is more versatile (visiting other bays and lakes around New England), yet my heart says to go for the Cape Dory--it's safer, more comfortable, and sails better. As a newer sailor who wants a forgiving boat in the changeable New England weather, do you think that The CD 25 is a better choice?
trbarnett@hotmail.com
Just thought I would chime in since I recently learned to sail on a buddy's Catalina 22 and bought a CD25 two months ago.
Both are great boats for daysailing and weekending, but having sailed both feel that in comparing the two you are comparing a great lake boat and a great costal cruiser.
In light winds the Catalina will leave us behind, but the balance is turned as the lake starts to get choppy. (I almost have the weight of the Catalina 22 in the keel : ) ) My CD25 will plow through chop and power boat wakes.
When the wind picks up I like the Cape Dory because of the stability that everyone has allready mentioned. On the windiest day I was on the Catalina, it took two of us to sail the boat because the gusts were really knocking us around. I have allready singlehanded my CD25 on a similarly gusty evening. She will heel up around 20 degrees but it then take a huge gust to get her over 30. I find the Cape Dory WAY easier to control in gusty conditions.
Although the Catalina is beamier and with the pop top it sort of has standing headroom, our CD is roomier on the interior. It also has more deck space than the catalina. There is enough room to walk forward without going around or crawling under the rigging. I can honestly say that with just my wife and I, we could comfortably spend a week or so on the boat. That open up alot of areas to explore without the hassels of trailering.
In the end you also have to consider what kind of deal becomes available. If you find a great deal either vessel it could be enough to tip the balance for you. They are both easy to sail and learn on, and they both have good resale value if they are taken care of.
Good Luck
Ryan
CD25 #19
I can't decide whether or not to purchase a 1975 Cape Dory 25 for the waters around Boston or a Catalina 22 for the extra adventure of trailer sailing. My instinct tells me that the Catalina is more versatile (visiting other bays and lakes around New England), yet my heart says to go for the Cape Dory--it's safer, more comfortable, and sails better. As a newer sailor who wants a forgiving boat in the changeable New England weather, do you think that The CD 25 is a better choice?
Brendan Smith wrote: Thanks,
Brendan
trbarnett@hotmail.com
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Brendan Smith
thanks
Unbelievable! Thanks for your responses in my quest to figure out a good first sailboat purchase. It's obvious that there's a great community of people who read this messageboard. Your advice is incredibly thoughtful, specific, and helpful.
Warmly,
Brendan
brendansmith@hotmail.com
Warmly,
Brendan
brendansmith@hotmail.com
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M. R. Bober
Re: cd-25: Should I buy one? Did you ask the Catalina board
I also owned a Catalina 22--on the Chesapeake--and it was a great boat to use to learn how to sail. Understand though it is neither designed nor built to level of the CD. It is a light weight, fun boat and it is a very good one in moderate condition (and is cheap to repair and easy to resell).
The CD will stand up to much more rugged conditions & use. You will find its motion easier on your system. Beauty is subjective, but most would give the nod to the CD. That's the pride of ownership thing. On a very light air day, the Catalina will go zipping past you.
Every best wish,
Mitchell Bober
RESPITE
CD330
Annapolis, MD
The CD will stand up to much more rugged conditions & use. You will find its motion easier on your system. Beauty is subjective, but most would give the nod to the CD. That's the pride of ownership thing. On a very light air day, the Catalina will go zipping past you.
Every best wish,
Mitchell Bober
RESPITE
CD330
Annapolis, MD