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Date: 20 Aug 2006 Time: 06:53:42 Comments Date: 19 Aug 2006 Time: 10:21:28 Comments Date: 19 Aug 2006 Time: 03:31:56 Comments Date: 18 Aug 2006 Time: 06:48:27 Comments Date: 17 Aug 2006 Time: 22:57:13 Comments Date: 17 Aug 2006 Time: 07:11:42 Comments Date: 17 Aug 2006 Time: 02:15:38 Comments Date: 16 Aug 2006 Time: 06:12:54 Comments Date: 15 Aug 2006 Time: 23:27:37 Comments Date: 15 Aug 2006 Time: 01:16:42 Comments Date: 13 Aug 2006 Time: 22:07:05 Comments Date: 13 Aug 2006 Time: 04:59:32 Comments Date: 12 Aug 2006 Time: 23:58:20 Comments Date: 12 Aug 2006 Time: 07:43:42 Comments Date: 12 Aug 2006 Time: 00:54:24 Comments Date: 11 Aug 2006 Time: 05:37:57 Comments Date: 11 Aug 2006 Time: 01:22:34 Comments Date: 10 Aug 2006 Time: 07:11:39 Comments Date: 09 Aug 2006 Time: 23:46:51 Comments Date: 09 Aug 2006 Time: 01:29:51 Comments Date: 08 Aug 2006 Time: 07:12:46 Comments Date: 07 Aug 2006 Time: 22:13:18 Comments Date: 07 Aug 2006 Time: 02:04:05 Comments Date: 05 Aug 2006 Time: 22:40:04 Comments Date: 05 Aug 2006 Time: 10:32:11 Comments Date: 04 Aug 2006 Time: 23:28:43 Comments Date: 01 Aug 2006 Time: 23:16:16 Comments Date: 01 Aug 2006 Time: 00:41:03 Comments Date: 31 Jul 2006 Time: 05:15:59 Comments Date: 30 Jul 2006 Time: 08:22:48 Comments Date: 29 Jul 2006 Time: 23:02:16 Comments Date: 29 Jul 2006 Time: 03:18:38 Comments Date: 29 Jul 2006 Time: 00:54:26 Comments Date: 28 Jul 2006 Time: 04:46:12 Comments Date: 28 Jul 2006 Time: 01:47:03 Comments 03 Apr 2005     20:46:02 Comments Interested in buying a Luger Leeward 16 (even if it needs restorations). In Austin, TX Thanks for any leads. frjeffrey@earthlink.net 04 Mar 2005     11:19:09 Comments Marty Calrke gave me your URL, nice site. Mark Bryant SV Mystic 27 Sep 2004     15:04:24 Comments Great site Mark, I haven't been here for a while. We are really going to start pushing to get you and your family to one of out B.E.E.R. Cruises. We had 48 boats show up this year. Here is a link to next years event, and yes, Pensacola and Navarre will be rebuilt better than ever by that time. http://www.knology.net/~ballen1/ Take Care Ben Allen Montgomery, AL "Latte Dah" O'Day 26 17 Sep 2004     18:47:46 Comments What kind of margins do dealers make on new sailboat sales? We are interested in buying a Catalina 400 and want to know how much room we have for negotiation. Please respond to schoen95js@yahoo.com 22 May 2004     09:33:52 Comments Mark, My wife and I are looking for a place in Texas which rents small sailboats. We are not interested in a yacht, just a small (15' - 20') daysailer type of boat. We live in the Houston area. Any suggestions? Thanks. Craig 27 Apr 2004     15:15:43 Comments Hey Mark, I will be moving "Moon Chaser" 250 WK #385 from Canyon to Lake Travis in just a few weeks. I will slip at Commanders Point. Your web site is looking Good, Hope to meet you again soon, Steve Steakley 14 Jan 2004     00:39:48 Comments Love this site. I am looking for a 250wb. I hope there is room for 3 lucky sea dogs and my fiance. I hope to visit often. Greg Fortney gfortney@fai-med.com 28 Dec 2003     12:09:23 Comments Just wanted to say "Great Site". I have your site in my "Favorites" and visit several times a week. Lots of good info. Thanks, Paul Freasier 05 Dec 2003     18:37:10 Comments Mike, Thank you for updating the information on Paradise Cove Marina. It was so much work and stress to upgrade the marina that I just must insist on recognition of the changes ;D We are hands-on owners (not a corporation) and we are quite proud of the marina. I hope you don't mind that I send all sailors to your site. Keep up the good work! Rebecca Doll 30 Nov 2003     17:24:11 Comments Mark, Great site, very informative.  the marina's do not mention visitor slips. Are there places to stay ashore with docking space. I am from S.W. Louisiana, Lake Charles, La. Mac 26 "Guinnaveer". Mike Foreman sailwmike@cs.com 23 Nov 2003     23:57:02 Comments I really enjoy your sight and find it quite informative. I found out recently that The Sailboat Shop has changed hands again in once again is being run by that crusty crab that used to own it. Such a shame as I liked the new owners and found them to be very freindly and helpful. Thanks for all the info. Paul 08 Sep 2003     08:03:30 Comments Mark, Can you recommend one model year over another in the 250 wb? It seems like there were a lot of manufacturer improvements from 94-99. Have you been keeping track of the improvements since you purchased your boat? Please reply to my Email: ceryes@yahoo.com Thanks the great site.  Paul Ceryes 02 Sep 2003     12:51:31 Comments Interesting site with good local information. Take a look at my diagram for Harbour House Marina in Galveston at http://www.virtual-harbormaster.com/localknowledge.html Regards Paul Yirga www.virtual-harbormaster.com 12 Aug 2003     10:23:15 Comments Just wanted to post a follow-up to my post of three years ago (wanting to learn to sail)--I did take the class at AYC, crewed for a couple beer can races, put my name on their crew list when they put it on the web shortly thereafter, got a good skipper right away, crewed on other boats when that one wasn't racing and also did some cruising through the Austin Sailing Society--IIRC I sailed on over 25 boats last year, ranging from 15 to 43 feet. In December I bought a Harpoon 5.2, and I started racing her at the Centerboard Regatta in June. Still a very steep learning curve, but I'm having a great time. --Jenny 18 Apr 2003     18:44:44 Comments Very comprehensive website Mark. We have our boat at Paradise Cove Marina. It's a very nice facility but, I didn't see it on your site. You may want to check it out. The website is www.paradisecovemarina.net 03 Mar 2003     02:15:41 Comments Just checking out other boating sites. You've done a great job on your site. Visit mine sometime and let me know what you think - http://www.inflatable-boats-boat-accessories.com 25 Nov 2002     11:20:18 Comments Hi and just wanted to drop you a short note to say I am enjoying your website. Ready to buy a Catalina 14.2 or 16 or 18 with small cabin. Would appreciate hearing from anyone that might know the whereabouts of the above. Will stay in touch. Joe Higgins, Amarillo 22 Nov 2002     23:51:27 Comments Hi Mark: Seems like a really good site - - I scanned a number of comments. I am a small-boat sailor (lots of experience in 14 - 19' boats). I sold my Wayfarer 7 years ago when we were landlocked in Massachusetts (wish I hadn't <grin>). Is there anyplace (say Canyon Lake or Travis) where I could rent a sailboat for a day or half-day? My wife is not as interested in this as I am, so buying one is not a really good option at this point. Any thoughts you have would be appreciated.... Dave Goodrich  San Antonio 31 Oct 2002     11:09:07 Comments Hi, this is Ken at the Sailboat Shop here in Austin. I noticed you have me only listed in your Sailboat Dealers dropdown. I would appreciate it if you would list me in the Marine Supplies dropdown also. Thank you for your support in helping to keep the Sailboat Shop an Austin tradition. Also, we will be updating our WEB site www.sailboatshopaustin.com very soon.  Please keep in touch. Ken Michalek 19 Oct 2002     06:50:15 Comments Mark, thanks for maintaining this website, lots of good information. Just finished turning a 25 year old Catalina 22 into a beautiful overnighter. It is going to be good to get back on the lake again. Had a Buccaneer for 15 years, got married had kids sold the Buccaneer. Now my boys are 8 and 10 and it going to be a pleasure to show them the joys of sailing. Mario Villarreal  MarioV@austin.rr.com 04 Aug 2002     22:59:18 Comments Mark,  This is an outstanding site. I'm new to sailing. I hope to buy a 250 wk within the year. I'm reading everything I can get my hands on so that, hopefully this will be the only sailboat I'll purchase for several years. For this reason, I am especially appreciative of your meticulous details. We live in Austin. I've been eyeing the 250 at the Sail Shop but, financially, I've got a little bit more waiting to do. So far I'm leaning toward the 250 wk with trailer. Thanks again for your website. It is outstanding and appreciated very much. My family is really excited about my new quest for sailing.  Bobby Duvall 19 Jul 2002     21:29:37 Comments Hello Mark:  Interesting website; I currently own a 1962 Shark (Canadian sloop, keeled, 24', designed by Hinterholler) and I am trying to resolve the question of "unsinkable" with reference to "water ballast" sailboats. Specifically, I am interested in the Hunter 260, but so far no one has been willing to tell me that this is an "unsinkable" model. The McGregor water ballast sailboat touts this as a feature; would this apply to the Hunter 260 also?  Thanks  Robert Kihm ... rkihm@stratos.net 16 Jul 2002     16:18:46 Comments Mark,  Thank you so much for you information that you have provided. I used to have a c25 1983 model and will be looking for a used 250wb towards the end of next year. Your information has helped considerably.  Thanks,  Paul Ceryes  ceryes@yahoo.com 11 Jul 2002     09:22:51 Comments Hi Mark --  I've just inherited a couple of sailboat projects and have gotten the bug again after many years. I'm very happy to find your site, and it looks perfect -- the right information for Texas sailors all in one place so we don't have to do phone searches, beautiful pictures, a great discussion forum where the topics I'm interested in are the subjects, and the layout is just terrific. You must be in the magazine business! I'm looking forward to sailing in Texas and participating in your site.  Larry Corona lacherie@lcc.net 03 Jul 2002     17:38:14 Comments Just found your website today. I have been sailing twice and am hooked. I want to learn to sail and eventually in the not too distant future buy my own boat. I am interested in a boat about the same length as yours and definitely want a trailerable. Thanks for all of the great information you have collected. I also enjoyed your collection of poems and music. I will visit often.  Kevin H.  Ft.Worth, TX 21 May 2002     23:20:10 Comments We have an Islander 36, is there any way to find out where there are mooring buoys on Lake Travis available for weekends.  Thanks,  Skip & Lisa Lloyd 14 May 2002     14:52:38 Comments Thanks, Steve, for your nice words about the excerpt SAIL ran from my new book, "After the Storm,: which has chapters on a number of other storms at sea. There's nothing, however, from Texas -- one of my ancestral haunts (he Pierces of Brownsville and San Antonio) -- other than a brief reference to the Galveston hurricane. As Erik Larson did in "Isaac's Storm," I take the Weather Bureau to task for covering up its inability to accurately forecast a storm (this one off New England). I'll be happy to answer any questions about the book.  -- John Rousmaniere 20 Mar 2002     19:25:47 Comments After reading more of the log, I realized you may want to know this. John Rousmaniere has an excerpt of his new book published in this month's Sail (April 2002) magazine. The new book "After the Storm" is about accidents at sea. The excerpt was great. Steve 20 Mar 2002     19:04:11 Comments Great listing of Marinas. Just what I was looking for. Thanks. sward911@yahoo.com 11 Mar 2002     17:10:31 Comments Great site and thanks for the effort! Wife just gave me a Catalina 250 for my 40th birthday. Beats a tie! Enjoyed the pics and info. Greg 30 Jan 2002     17:13:48 Comments I just found the website and think it is great. I have a magazine you might want to add to your links. My wife and I really enjoy Lattitudes and Attitudes. It has great real to life stories about regular people's cruising adventures. The website for the mag is http://www.latsandatts.net I look forward to more on the site. Great work! 25 Jan 2002     18:41:17 Comments I'm an old sailor who came aboard to listen to "Eternal Father Strong To Save" --- my favorite hymn. I used to go to sleep to it each night at sea. I wonder if they play it on ships today? You have a great site, particularly your "collections".  Thanks, Bill [Thank you, Bill.  If you like the "collections" page, you might watch for a new book by John Rousmaniere that will likely be published at some point in the future.  I was surprised and honored to receive an email from John last year regarding my site.  He indicated that he was writing a book about storms at sea.  Topics to include how we think about the sea and boats and also seagoing rituals, like burial at sea.  I cannot wait to read it.] 17 Jan 2002     18:10:55 Comments Just bought a 1999 250 wing keel. LOVE your site! It's been very useful (especially your comparison of wing keel v w.b. - helped me to decide which way to go. Will be using boat in Chesapeake Bay. Thanks for your efforts! Melanie Pudelko melaniepudelko@hotmail.com [Melanie, let us know how she performs in the Chesapeake.  We'd like to hear about the bad as well as the good.  Happy sailing with your new boat!] 15 Oct 2001     22:47:38 Comments Are you originally from Michigan?  jim-hooker@home.com [No.  Started my journey right here in Austin] 03 Sep 2001     10:34:06 Comments We enjoyed your site and will forward it on to all our members. We'll let you know if we have any info you can post. Thank you for a great Central Texas Sailing site.  Texas Sailing Academy Robert Barlow [Thanks, Robert.  I'll try to learn more about the services you and your company provide.  I was glad to see that you are the local Beneteau dealer.  Although this may have been the case for many years, I never knew it.  Thank you for showing a new Beneteau at this year's Austin Boat Show.  And, thank you for making Lake Travis a sailing destination for many around the country with your sailing school.] 25 Jul 2001     02:05:30 Comments I love this site! My husband, our three children (9,6&3), and I love sailing. Fortunately we live in Houston. We really enjoy Kemah. It our kids favorite. We are members at Watergate, our kids love to swim at the pool and fish from the docks. We have been to Moody Gardens and Harbor House, both are @4-5 hours sail from Kemah. Sometimes we just sail around the bay then stop to eat at Sundance (a great little restaurant on the water, they have live music, it's fun) while the kids swim in the pool and feed the ducks. I would like information on sailing with children and exciting places to take them. 17 Jul 2001     12:11:01 Comments Just stopped in to say hello, and nice site! I sail a 2000 Mac26X in south Florida on the East coast.  Fairwinds,  Pete ~Manido~ 12 Jul 2001     20:31:31 Comments Really great site. Very informative for a person interested in locating in the Lake Travis area. I particularly liked the maps. Chuck Olson St. Charles, IL. 08 Jul 2001     15:50:23 Comments I found your address under Sailing-Lake Travis. I own a 23 ft North American Spirit sail boat. I am looking for someone to use the boat, in exchange they pay the Lake Travis slip fee of $150.00 per month, take care of the boat and provide nominal insurance coverage. If you know of someone who would be interested please have them call me Carolyn Bowles 266-8656 or lakeaustingal@austin.rr.com. Please forward this message to anyone in the Lake Travis sailing world.  Thanks 08 Jul 2001     15:48:33 Comments I think it is a great site. A lot of links. 05 Jul 2001     12:24:15 Comments Great site! You answered tons of the questions I had about C250s. I am a big person too and I am hoping that the swim boarding ladder allows you to enter your boat with ease. Does it? My decision has been made w/regards to a C250WK it is just a matter of when. Your unequaled C250 web site is just the thing I was looking for to help develop the order list. Catalina ought to put an extra cup of rasins in the Christmas cake they send to you. Talk about a dream sales tool... Chris Wray [Chris, thanks for the compliments.  Maybe Catalina Yachts should be paying me a marketing fee for the C250!  But then I wouldn't be free to say what I like about the boat.  Yes, the boarding ladder is very sturdy and more than sufficient to enable a BIG guy to board the boat easily.  The boarding ladder is one of many items that C25 owners envy (others being the cockpit size, stern seats and integrated motor mount).] 15 May 2001     14:02:22 Comments Do you have any information about marinas at Lake Buchanan? I would think that with all the traffic on Travis, that this would be an attractive alternative even with the drive. 04 Apr 2001     00:20:43 Comments Great site! I am considering purchasing a 1986 MacGregor '25 for $4,500. Learned to sail at Hickam Harbor in Hawaii on Rhodes 19/Cal 20 in the late '70s. Now that we're empty nesters, we want to resume sailing at Canyon lake and other lakes, rivers, coastal areas in south central Texas. Although we really like the Mac 26, we want to try a used boat first, to see if we will actually enjoy sailing as much as we did before. What should we look for in the Mac 25? [Unfortunately, I don't know anything about the MacGregor 25.  You might post your question on my messageboard (follow link above) or use a search engine like Alta Vista to search on this boat.  You'll likely turn up a site that focuses on MacGregor boats.  Good luck!] 20 Mar 2001     13:30:07 Comments Thanks for an invigorating site -- John Rousmaniere [Thank you, John, for the tremendous gift you've given those of us who began our voyage with your Annapolis Book of Seamanship.  We look forward to your next book.] 26 Feb 2001     10:44:31 Comments Thank you for the information on Port Aransas! We spent 4 weeks, last summer, at the municipal docks in Corpus Christi and loved it. This summer, we would like to explore the island. We are planning a move to the area in 1-2 years. In-laws are in San Antonio. Once again - thank you. fair winds, Rob and Marty Sterba SV Heeling Touch Port of Albuquerque [Thank you.  I hope to spend a week sailing Lorelei in the Port A/Corpus Christi area this summer.  I've just returned from a week sailing her in the Pensacola area . . . only covered about 150nm because of predicted bad weather.  We had hoped to travel as far east as Destin, but spent most of our time in Pensacola Bay and west to Orange Beach, AL.  The offshore passages were relatively short and uneventful except for the dense fog last Thursday.  Without our GPS, we would surely have been lost and not able to find the cut at Perdido Bay.  Sadly, lake sailing pales in comparison to coastal sailing.  We hope to retire to either Kemah or Port A down the line.] 05 Feb 2001     16:46:29 Comments Any pictures of the Yanmar inboard saildrive option? [Sorry, no.  I'd like to see this setup.  A recent post on the natl. assn. messageboard indicates that the option takes very little of the aft berth.] 26 Jan 2001     23:02:23 Comments Thanks for the information on the Cat 250 water ballast model.  I am looking to buy a water ballast sailboat for Texas trailer sailing and your site contains lots of good information.  I saved the image of Lorelei beached at Lake Travis. Do you ever take her to the coast? Bobby #91 Prindle 18-2  Kendall County Texas [I "hit the road" for Pensacola on Feb. 16.  We'll spend a week sailing in the Pensacola/Destin area of Florida including a 50nm offshore leg assuming the weather cooperates.  I'll let you know how the boat handles when I return.] 23 Jan 2001     20:58:15 Comments Hey ... nice website. I sail my Luger Leeward 16 on Canyon lake. I may visit Travis or Buchanan based on the info you have in this site. Ron Cook n794877@chef.net [Thanks.  Although Travis can be alot of fun, the powerboat traffic can ruin your day.  Buchanan is a great lake if you prefer a more uninhabited area.] 14 Jan 2001     21:57:01 Comments Mark, I have been sailing on Travis with my family for 6 years now and your site is very informative and well done. I have a Laguna 26 (The Artful Dodger)on E dock at Yacht Harbor. The "All Catalina Fleet 69" group is a great idea. If I get one of those plastic "Catalina Yachts" signs and put it on my boat can I join? Thank you for the fine website and we will be looking for you on the lake Joe Gage jgage@flash.net [Thanks, Joe.  We'll keep a lookout for you on the lake as well.  The Catalina fleet might get a bit suspicious when you show up with a Catalina "26".  You'd have to tell them that the factory produced these as "special order" items for only a short while ] 07 Jan 2001     07:54:41 Comments hello Mark   cool website      smooth sailing John Lillard    cc sailing center [Hey, John, it's good to see you are "web-enabled".  Thanks for making our time aboard that Morgan 46 enjoyable.  For all those who have thought about enrolling in an ASA sailing course, I highly recommend the Corpus Christi Sailing Center.  When I participated in the Basic Coastal Cruising course this past November, John was our cap'n.  John, I hope to see you again later this year for the bareboat cert. class.] 02 Jan 2001     14:45:40 Comments Hello,  I just stumbled onto this site today. Good info here for folks not familiar to the area. My wife and I sail on lake travis on V'ger. She's a Shannon 37 (#110). We've owned her for a little over a year and a half. Although we love lake Travis, we obviously didn't buy this boat for the purpose of lake sailing! We plan for move her to the coast in another 3 or 4 years and do some real cruising. See ya on the lake! Dot on s/v V'ger [Thanks for visiting.  I bet your Shannon is a beautiful boat . . . certainly more at home on the sea than on our lake.  One of my dream boats is a Cambria 44 designed and built by David Walters of Shannon fame.  Sadly, Mr. Walters sold his business to Cabo Rico.  Should I ever come into a small fortune, I'll have to travel to Costa Rica to purchase that new Cambria.] 21 Dec 2000     22:30:43 Comments i would like too see some pictures of boats etc.,not just writting.......... 20 Dec 2000     08:40:59 Comments Thanks for the site. I'm an avid sailor with a J-24, but want to add a new boat to be used for 2-4 day trips. I want trailerability, but good sailing also. A few questions: How does your WB sail? Are you happy with its performance. Seems there is a bit of controversy regarding this. Second, can you, at 6'3", sit up in the aft berth? It looks as if you may be able to if your back is against the starboard wall. Third, can you give me details about your Honda 9.9 purchase.  Thanks much.  Tom [Unfortunately, Tom, I haven't sailed another boat in the 25' range to give you a good opinion on how the C250 compares to other boats in its class. And, of course, the J-24 is not in the same class as the C250 even though they have similar LOA. I have, however, sailed a small dinghy or two (like the Sunfish) and larger boats such as a Catalina 34 & 36, and a Morgan 46. I am, generally, very pleased with the performance of my C250 (water-ballast with centerboard). It's certainly stiff enough for me and I don't consider it overly tender. Raking the centerboard helps to balance the boat beyond the ability you find in the sail controls.  It is easy for me to get the boat "in the groove."  The wing keel version doesn't have this additional "control".  In their review of the water-ballasted C250, the big boat-oriented Practical Sailor said, "the C-250 has a relatively easy motion, characteristic of a more heavily ballasted boat, no doubt due to the spread-out water ballast. As another boating writer pointed out, the C-250 'doesn't bob and pitch like a lightweight.' " I wholeheartedly agree! This runs counter to what is said by those who so often malign water-ballasted boats. It seems that those who complain the loudest have never sailed a water-ballasted boat. You might also like to know that I've been told by others who have sailed both the centerboard and wing keel versions that the wing keel tends to hobby-horse in a chop . . . moreso than the centerboard model which tends to plow through. I recommend you visit the Catalina 25-250 National Association messageboard to solicit more information. You might also read Practical Sailor's review (found, in part, here on my website). And, finally, Sail magazine had a recent article comparing trailersailers in this general class (including the Catalina 250 which received a favorable review). The short answer to your other questions . . . I can't say I've ever tried to sit up in  the aft berth; it might be possible in the location you suggest . . . and . . . I bought my 9.9 Honda from Esquire Honda in Ontario, Canada (great experience). What do I think now that I've had the boat for over two years? I'm completely happy with my purchase. It sails great; has good sail controls (roller-furling headsail, full-batten main w/two sets of reef points, topping lift, Lewmar winches, Harken blocks, boom vang, jiffy reefing; split-backstay . . . not all of which are sail controls); the cockpit is huge; the wheel steering option is a bonus; the cabin is open and roomy; the enclosed head a real hit with my wife. I consider myself lucky that I chose the Catalina given the very limited information available to me at the time. I'd be more than happy to elaborate on these items and any other questions you might have via email. Send me an email and I'll respond.]   29 Nov 2000     14:32:06 Comments Regarding my inquiry concerning the value of the Newport Neptune '24, I inadvertently left out my e-mail address. lakedwellers5256@yahoo.com Thanks again. Chris McNaught [Answered via email.  If anyone has leads on the Newport (or Neptune) 24, please pass them along to Chris.] 29 Nov 2000     14:26:52 Comments Hi, I just found you site and was wondering if you could help me determine the value of the following sailboat: 1979 Newport Neptune '24, good condition, with tandem wheel trailer and 71/2 hp Honda outboard motor. This boat is equipped with one set of sails including storm jib and spinnaker. I have looked in the NADA site for sailboats and nothing is listed for a Newport Neptune. In fact, the only Newports listed were from 1971 to 1981. Did they not manufacture these boats after 1981? Any information you could be provide will be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Chris McNaught Seneca Lake Geneva, New York 26 Nov 2000     13:02:57 Comments difficult question, hope you can help though. i live in College-Station Tx. I bought a used 18ft. sailboat, i'm seeking to buy a used rudder and tiller for this boat. The original parts are since long gone. Need advice on where to go, somewhere close in Tx. Please advise, Bill [Bill, the most cost effective way for you to come up with a rudder is to build one yourself.  Locating a used rudder (for your model or a similar model) will likely be difficult.  I'm sure you could build a serviceable rudder with materials you can find at your local West Marine or other marine supply store.  Same goes for the tiller.  West Marine has them in their catalog.] 03 Nov 2000     09:19:26 Comments Outstanding site. I have #370 a 1998 C250 WB and love it Sail on Lake Carlyle, IL from St Louis. We have made many enhancements to it most from the Tech Tips section of the Natl site. Added steering after seeing your pics. Edson had delayed shipping due to redesign, but finally got it in time for this season. Love it, like having power steering in a car. Would not do with out it. Keep up the great work. You can reach me at zebra50@rocketmail.com if you ever want to "talk" or get up this way. 17 Oct 2000     22:39:16 Comments How might I get a list of all the dealers that were at the 1999 Austin Boat Show? Joseph [You might contact the folks with the Austin Boat Show:  refer to http://www.austinboatshow.net/contact.htm.  Their site shows dealers from this year's show.  The list didn't change much between years.] 16 Oct 2000     09:44:42 Comments Mark, I just purchased a 1999 Catalina 250 (wing keel) hull number 387 - just three boats down the production line from yours! We will be sailing the boat on Joe Pool Lake just south of Dallas-Ft. Worth. I would really like to hear from you about the good (and not so good) aspects of your experience with your Catalina 250. My e-mail address is tracy.graham@gsa.gov   Let me hear from you. I think your website is great! It gave me a lot of useful information prior to my purchase. We especially like the photos on Lake Travis. I went to UT Austin - Austin IS the center of the universe. 12 Oct 2000     18:58:39 Comments Wow, finally, a sailing page on TX! I'm from Houston, and eventually I'm going to sail to the other side of Galveston Bay to Double Bayou. Sailed from Kemah to Moody Gardens last year. Splendid dockage at Moody Gardens.  Shane 10 Oct 2000     14:29:40 Comments Hi Mark,  You have done a great job on a wonderful boat. Every sailboat should have such an excellent site as this one. I currently own a Hunter 240 (also a 1999 water ballast boat). I used to own a 1994 Mac26. My first choice of boats last year when I was looking was the C250 WK. I opted to go with the h240, to save money. I am regretting it now. I am looking to upgrade to a C250 WK now, either a '99 or brand new. I loved the comparisons you have done on the wing keel and water ballast models. I would prefer the stability of a fixed keel, since the water ballast is not as stable. I love all your pictures and links. It shows you really love your boat and are very happy with Catalina. I am happy with my Hunter as well, but would like the extra space of the C250 WK. I have bookmarked your site and will return often to find out about updates.  Happy trailer-sailing,  Dan Busche  busche@uswest.net [Thanks, Dan, for the compliments.  I'm glad you found the information useful.] 25 Sep 2000     06:59:09 Comments You have a great website. My wife and I are just getting started in sailing, now that we are empty nesters, and your site has given us some very good information. We are still looking for the Catalina 22 that is perfect for us and, with your dealer links, maybe we are getting closer. There are real slim pickings up here in NE Oklahoma. If you know of any Catalina 22s that are available I'd love to hear about them. Thanks...Tony [Tony, you can typically always find a Catalina 22 for sale somewhere in central Texas.  The first two things you might do:  1) visit the Austin-American Statesman classifieds page (www.austinclassifieds.com) and search the "Cars, Trucks, Boats" section, and 2 call a few of the local marinas and ask if they know of Catalina 22s for sale.  The marinas are a good resource.  Don't forget to call the local dealer.  He may have a consignment boat on his lot.  BTW, today's Austin-American Statesman classifieds search shows two of the four listings to be for Catalina 22s.  Be warned: the navigation on their classifieds page is not perfect.  You have to click on the "Aviation/Marine" listing in their scrolling menu to activate the keyword search for "Catalina"] 31 Aug 2000     21:39:02 Comments Interesting site!  I had a MacGregor 26 @ Marina Del Sol by Southshore Harbor '93-'96. I have since moved to Central TX (Georgetown) and have a Hunter 26 on a lake near Belton, TX. I enjoy the clear fresh water to the murky salt water in Galveston Bay. I recently went down to the Kemah waterfront and was amazed at what they have done in the 4 years since I left. That MacGregor dealer (Sailventure) is a friend of mine. I do miss the great seafood down there.  Mickey M.  MICKMCL@email.msn.com 11 Aug 2000     10:54:49 Comments Any tips/links for those of us who just more or less out of the blue decided we'd like to learn to sail? I'm really not at the boat-buying point experience-wise, and my good friends and relatives with boats are small in number and distant in geography.  --Jenny  fearless@jump.net [If you know absolutely nothing about sailing, I suggest you first pick up a good introductory sailing book such as John Rousmaniere's "The Annapolis Book of Seamanship" or J.J. and Peter Isler's "Sailing for Dummies: A reference for the rest of us".  Try to get a good understanding of the theory behind sailing and begin to learn the terminology.  Unfortunately, one of the largest barriers to sailing is its terminology.  It's important that you understand the difference between terms such as "sheet" and "halyard" and "rode".  You also need to know the "different points of sail", how to "tack" and how to "gybe".  Get a good head start by READING.  Then, you might look for introductory sailing instruction.  On occasion, the Austin Yacht Club offers this training.  I believe they open it up to non-members.  The local All Catalina Fleet offered an introductory class just this past spring.  And, you will be very welcome as a guest at our monthly "on-shore" meeting.  If you express an interest, I'm sure you'll be invited to join us on one of our next cruises on Lake Travis.  Might you be interested in a "vacation" to the Texas coast or beyond that includes training?  There are a number of ASA and USSailing certified sailing schools along the Texas coast that offer introductory classes at reasonable rates. Finally, if you are the friendly type, walk the local marinas on a weekend and start a conversation with a boat owner.  Tell them that you are interested in learning to sail and I bet you might just be invited to sail with them.  I've found that sailors are generally eager to help others get into the sport.] 01 Aug 2000     16:16:46 Comments I was so surprised to see a website like yours that has so full filled information about Catalina 250. I hope that I could buy one some day. Appreciate your work which saves me a lot of time collecting the expected information Thanks again!! Leon 06 Jul 2000     14:44:14 Comments Your site ranks among the most informative that I have ever seen. The comparisons between the '99 and '96 model years has helped me in the decision to purchase a newer boat than I had originally planned. I live in Alaska, and have no way of actually seeing these boats until I fly or drive out. Your site has helped immensely. I do have one question in regards to the comparison section. What is the difference in the interior (headroom and manuverability within) between the WB centerboard and the wing keel? If you could answer this for me, it would be very much appreciated.  Thank You. [Catalina Yachts tells me that there is a 10.5" difference in headroom between the water-ballasted centerboard model and the wing keel model.  The biggest benefits to the wing's higher headroom will be seen in the head and aft berth areas.  I'm 6'3" tall and I'm sure I would enjoy the additional headroom.  But, not at the expense of higher freeboard (4") and the loss of easy trailerability.  Additionally, the wing keel will tend to hobby-horse more than the centerboard model because the water-ballast is spread out along the centerline of the centerboard model.   The simplistic choice is:  buy the wing keel if you plan to wetslip your boat . . . buy the water-ballasted centerboard if you intend to trailer the boat on a regular basis.] 07 Jun 2000     10:06:07 Comments would love for you to expand to lakes in waco area. also your dealer page is excellent and very helpful. have bookmarked this web site  thanks, glenn 02 Jun 2000     22:49:29 Comments Hi I like your site. I live in southern Oklahoma and I was looking for a lake that had sailboat cruises My husband and I have been married 30 years and we thought it would be romantic to take a sailboat cruise.  Debbie Rose billrose@brightok.net 15 May 2000     19:06:56 Comments GREAT SITE MY QUES: WHER IS THE BEST PLACE ON TRAVIS TO BUY GAS? I HAVE HEARD THERE IS A "CAPTAINS CLUB" WHERE MEMBERS PURCHASE GAS AT DISCOUNT RATES? MY EMAIL ADDRESS wculhane@swbell.net THX BILL CULHANE [Bill, the "Captain's Club" was a program offered by U-Flote-M.  Unfortunately, they are not offering the program this year.  The best place to buy gas?  If you mean the most convenient, it will depend upon the location of your boat.  If the lowest cost, I couldn't really tell you.  I purchase so little fuel for my sailboat, cost is not an issue.  For those in need of diesel, Commander's Point may be the only place on Travis that has it.] 12 Apr 2000     06:46:39 Comments Enjoined your website. Excellent source of info on Cat. 250's. I'm expecting delivery of my 250 soon. I plan to return here often for more info as I need it. I sail on Lake Ray Hubbard (Rockwall, TX).  Shawn Rogers 02 Apr 2000     08:24:52 Comments Nice site, Mark, some great info here for "Central Texas Sailors" Wally Boggus "2nd Wind" Yacht Harbor 08 Mar 2000     21:01:16 Comments Mark,  Thanks for all the great work on your site! Lot of effort... I have been cruising your site for some time and just realized that you may be able (assuming you have time) to answer a question I have. My boat, purchased late last year, is also dry-docked at Yacht Harbor and my wife and I want to try an "overnighter" this spring out on the lake. So the question is...where are the good anchorages?? (I obviously don't want to be run over by a powerboater). I have reviewed LCRA's & county websites looking for any applicable restrictions but it was not overly helpful. I'll slip in a second question while I'm at it...do any captains need crew for all the regattas and how would you get in touch with them?? (AYC website was no help here either...) Thanks again for the wonderful site - I'll keep an eye out for you at Yacht Harbor. Rod Palmer RodnKristen@worldnet.att.net [Responded via email] 23 Feb 2000     17:28:51 Comments Great site. I'm a new "trailer sailor" in D/FW. New owner of a Venture 21. Planning to sail Texas coast in several legs during spring/summer 2000. Would appreciate any first hand info. on sailing the inter coastal waterway, or the coast. Many Thanks- Craig Mays cemdallas@yahoo.com 18 Feb 2000     18:58:58 Comments Hi, I really have been enjoying this web site. I just purchased my first sailboat: A Cape Dory 25 hull #67. I was wondering how many other Cape Dory's are in the Central Texas area. E-mail me if you have or know of other Cape Dory's in the area. Thanks for the nice web site Mark. Stephen Heineke  austex@attglobal.net 09 Feb 2000     00:42:52 Comments EXCELLENT SITE. I do have a question about Lake Travis. I'm new to sailing and I live in DFW area. The few lakes here I've heard do not allow you to take residence at a marina. is this the same at Travis or is it just depending on facilities offered by the marina? Any insight greatly appreciated.  reply to dilla@ctelcom.net [Responded via email]  [I know of no such restrictions.  Each marina sets its own policy]   02 Feb 2000      19:17:50 Comments Hi, Have enjoyed your web site and found it from TSBB. I'm thinking of buying, used, a Cat 250 wb. The one photo that I would like to see would be sleeping area. Is it the Aft place or vee birth or dining area? Just my wife and I would use it, mostly. I guess that I didn't realize that the Cat250 was aft sleeping? Thanks and Cheers, Larry lkilbury@rochester.rr.com 02 Feb 2000     14:28:07 Comments I like your site very much, however, when I looked under "dealers" I didn't see Sanford Sails our dealership in west Texas. We sale (sail) Catalina, Hunter, and MacGregor, and just ask the other dealers WHO IS TEXAS LARGEST DEALER. Thanks, Don Sansails@aol.com 30 Jan 2000     19:57:51 Comments We, as Terri Foulkes of A-1 banners & signs and Steven Wiggins of Clearwater docks agree no sail boats, no show this year again, maybe 2001 will be the year for sailboats after all, they are very big but they could have shown outside of the convention center, like the house boats! thanks for the very good site! Steven and Terri! 07 Jan 2000     20:56:20 Comments This is good. I've been looking for something like this. Is there a chance you could include Ray Hubbard in your lake directory?  Kinda north but sorta central. Greg Stebbins Hunter 23 "Zephyr" Gstebbins@aol.com [Greg, I'm still a little thin on information regarding lakes much closer to home . . . Buchanan and Canyon.  You might consider building a site similar to this for D/FW area lakes.  I would certainly visit it before taking my boat "on the road."  There was a site dedicated to Dallas area lakes, but I think the guy moved to California.] 18 Dec 1999     18:14:33 Comments Dear Central Texas Sailors: What a wonderful site. I really enjoyed the diversity and signed up at the Avalon Harbor. However, I have now found out that Rochester, NY will not be the site of the 2000 Nationals. It would seem to me that TEXANS would not pass up an opportunity to hold the 2000 Nationals and make an attempt (if not feeble :-) ) to wrest from the Tall Rig plaque. I was hoping to meet one of your more eloquent ambassadors at the 1999 National but personal family matters rightfully prevented the trip. Anyways, Mark M. is a 250 owner and I begin to wonder if TEXAS has any ponds deep enough to allow a fin keel boat to compete considering our depth sounders start at 100 feet to allow for lake Michigan waters. As I said before, Any Lake Michigan Catalina sailor can beat any Texas sailor with his anchor dragging!! ;-) Now anybody in Texas interested in holding the nationals!! Your friendly northern neighbor, Ron M. Howell on Trust Me [Ron, I'd like nothing better than a Texas C25 Tall Rig to get that trophy away from you.  We are trying to get either the National Regatta or a regional event on Lake Travis this year.  Combining our "fleet" with the Turnback Canyon Regatta (hosted by the Austin Yacht Club) would be ideal.  This event includes both a "cruising" and "racing" fleet.  Stay tuned!] 04 Dec 1999     20:46:18 Comments Just want to tell you that you have a great site. Being a new owner having purchased my Papillon (Hull# 353) in September your site has really helped me. One of the first things I did after purchasing her was to join the association. If I can help you or the association please...please email me at jim@nfsnet.com.  Thanks,  Jim Schweitzer [Thanks, Jim.  Would you like to manage a website?  My tenure as "web editor" (so to speak) is up this summer.  If you would like to join the Website Steering Committee within our national one-design association, please let me know.] 03 Nov 1999     20:27:43 Comments I hope you or someone will copy a reply to my direct e-mail as I don't get here very often. I've taken my boat down to clear lake several times since buying it (an easy-to-trailer Chrysler buccaneer -- an 18footer) but still haven't made it into lake Travis (why drive 20 minutes when you can drive 4 hrs.). seriously, I'd heard windy point was a great place to put in, but one day after a visit to the sailmakers i drove (sans boat) to windy point and either made a wrong turn or have a very different idea than others as to what makes a good ramp. the road ended at a rough, rocky slope that left me very concerned about the prospect of backing my boat into the water there. was i missing something? am i more concerned than i should be? is there some other easy to access, public ramp that sailors like to use to get into Travis? what about the clubs/marinas etc. do any allow day use? I've got a sling for my boat, and would far prefer to hoist it in, rather than back down a ramp. (and don't mind a reasonable fee for use) any input would be appreciated. i love going down to Seabrook/Kemah but would love a quick Saturday afternoon sail once in a while too! Bennett Samson  bmsamson@aol.com 03 Nov 1999     13:00:49 Comments Hi, thanks for the site. Any news about Lake Buchanan ? Seems like it would be a great sailing lake. I found a set of slips on the east side next to Vanishing Texas River Cruise with about 7 boats, but I don't think I'd call it a Marina. Do you know of any other marinas on Lake Buchanan ?  Landon Tesar  R16884@email.sps.mot.com Austin, TX [Landon, my knowledge of Lake Buchanan is limited.  The last time I was on the lake, I don't remember seeing any marinas that had sailboats.  I received some marketing material a year ago or so from a gentleman who was building a new marina on the northeast side of the lake.  I have no idea if he ever built the thing. All things being equal, I would much rather sail on Buchanan than Travis.  But, all things are not equal.  It takes me almost 2 hours to get to Buchanan when the traffic is bad.  No existing sailing "communities" on Buchanan.  Travis has my All Catalina fleet and the Lake Travis Cruising Assn.   Other differences:  marinas (as you mention), restaurants, sailboat racing, etc.  BUT, Buchanan doesn't have the high volume powerboat traffic of Travis.] 02 Nov 1999     23:00:35 Comments Terrific website!!! No more can be said... from one 250 to another. Tradewinds Lake Tenkiller Okla 27 Oct 1999     10:41:35 Comments This is the best c250 site period. Thanks It helped me in my recent decision to purchase one Dave Cardoza Taunton, MA dave@citizenspower.com 14 Oct 1999     18:42:36 Comments Yes - love the quote. So, we've been nosing around the web - looked more into your website last evening, some great info. We are see-sawing on the w/b f/w keel. Been on the Trailer Sailor (Towing Questions on C250 Fixed Wing Keel --) and have obtained helpful information as well. So many questions...guess at some point we're going to have to take a leap of faith! Also saw the post on high winds -- including your response. Good info. (Think it was Catalina Planet site we were on then.) Thanks, again. 13 Oct 1999     19:38:18 Comments Not to be redundant, but why not. What a great site! I'm glad it's dedicated to sailing exactly the way it is. I love the quotation "In a powerboat, you get there in a hurry . . .in a sailboat, you are already there." Who's the source of the quote? We've been kicking around the sailing idea for several years now and are believing ourselves to be truly serious now. It's just difficult to make that exacting decision as to which model and to feel safe that we've answered all our questions. I recently posted a question concerning towing w/Jeep Grand Cherokee on the Trailer Sailor message board...that's one of the details we're figuring out now. Of course, your website is partially to blame for tipping us to the more serious side of our pondering...great info! Husband wants to know, did you take the boat to Kemah or visit sans boat first? [I don't know the author of the "in a sailboat . . ." quote.  I first saw it in a post on the Trailer Sailor site over a year ago.  It speaks to the essence of sailing, don't you agree? Our trip to Kemah this past March was our first visit.  We made another visit earlier this month and we were able to attend the Houston Intl. In-the-Water Boat Show held in Kemah on Clear Lake.  We were "without boat" on both trips.  We may plan a trip with the boat in March or April.] 03 Oct 1999     10:01:26 Comments Great site! I like the fact that you have a lot of good quality photos of your boat You have a nice looking boat. I'm just starting to look around for my first sailboat and had not considered Catalina until I found your site through www.trailersailor.com. and since I am dreaming...and dreaming...! I was looking for Mac26x or Hunter 240 and 260 but the C250 (water-ballast) is my final choice and I never seen it. Do you think I will able tow it with a " grand voyager" 3500 pounds capacity. What's the best towing car or little truck for this charge? I stay in Québec (Canada) and I would know the cost of your boat( if you want )and same equipments for an estimate. I hope give me this gift for summer 2000 ! jcroy@quebectel.com [I would be a bit concerned with the "Grand Voyager" . . . I assume this is the mini-van.  Your vehicle would have to be rated for towing at least 5,000 pounds.  My boat (dry) weighs about 3250 lbs. (not including gear, fresh water, etc.)   Add another 1300 pounds for the trailer and you've got quite a load.  Coming up the ramp you can add another 1300 pounds in water ballast.  I would go for at least a 1/2 ton truck with long wheel base or extended cab.  A Chevrolet Tahoe or Suburban would also be good choices. For a rough price, check out my review of the Practical Sailor C250 article located at http://www.texassailor.com/psc250.htm    I discuss price near the end.] 28 Sep 1999     10:37:08 Comments Just wanted to chip in a positive comment about the west marine on research (about which I thought I'd read some less than complimentary comments some time back). I've found them to be knowledgeable, generous with their time, able to fill my needs, and a whole lot less expensive than the sailboat shop. [As I said in my initial review:  "The employees are helpful and friendly."  By far, I spend more of my money at the local West Marine than any other marine supply company (including other mail order catalogs).  I am, however, disappointed that the store has removed many hardware and supply items of interest to sailors.  Apparently, sailors were not spending enough money to support the inventory.  I still like their products and catalog selection, but I now have to wait for a week to get them shipped in.  If you are interested in ski jackets or ski ropes, you're in luck . . . because they have plenty.   The Sailboat Shop?  Claude specializes in selling boats, not hardware or supplies.  I would never expect to get low prices there.  An emergency item for a higher price, yes!] 20 Sep 1999     18:59:58 Comments Fantastic site. My son lives in Austin and next year I plan on taking my just completed Pelican 12 there and try Travis first hand. I live near Amarillo so am in the center of good sailing. Plan on visiting your site often. Keep up the good work. Ken 16 Sep 1999     14:39:39 Comments VERY nice page mark, especially the tour of the Catalina facility. Thanks for all the work you do on the natl assn's page. Long live the rowdy forumers! Thanks for keeping our forum alive. Jesse Smith 11 Aug 1999     19:26:20 Comments Great site! I like the fact that you have a lot of good quality photos of your boat (& other Catalinas). You have a nice looking boat. I'm just starting to look around for my first boat and had not considered Catalina until I found your site through www.trailersailor.com. I'm also interested in the Hunter 260. What were your top choices for new sailboats in the ~25 ft range? [Considering that the dealers in our area don't offer a broad selection of boats in this range, my options were the Catalina 22mkII & 250 and the Hunter 240 & 260.  Since we were buying our first sailboat, we started looking at the Catalina 22mkII.  My wife saw a Catalina 250 parked adjacent to the 22 and quickly said that she'd rather have the larger boat because of the larger interior and enclosed head.  That is-- if she were to buy a boat.  She should have never taken me shopping.  I don't shop, I buy. To be honest, I was so turned off by the local Hunter dealer that I quickly lost interest in Hunters.  And, besides, they only had a 240 sitting on the lot.  Appeared to be much more cheaply made than the Catalina 22mkII.  My marina has a number of 260s, but I just don't like the styling or the fractional rig without a backstay.  Of all four boats, I would get the Catalina 250 wing keel w/tall rig if the boat were to stay in the water.  The Catalina 250 centerboard if trailered.   Even with hindsight, I would not have changed my decision. The only think I might have done was find a dealer in the region who offers Seaward 25s  They look very salty and well-made.  Worth at least a look.  I would NOT have looked at the MacGregor 26X.  Hope this helps.] 10 Aug 1999     20:53:55 Comments Back again I am. guess that's what happens when you're waiting for parts for your boat and have to do your sailing second-hand. anyway, just wanted to add my comments to yours on Kemah/Clear Lake. I'm fortunate that my in-laws keep their boat at one of the yacht clubs on clear lake. thus we're frequent visitors, spending a week down there each year as well as a number of weekends. Last trip I brought my boat down from Austin (the in-laws are power-boat types, I'm sorry to say) and had my first experience sailing that lake. For daysailers like mine, it's ideal. Big enough that you don't get caught worrying about shore-induced wind-shifts too often, small enough to get up, back and around in an afternoon sail. As you said, there are a slew of boats down that way. my father-in-law says clear lake has the second largest pleasure boat population in the country. Clear lake seems limited to those of us under 25' or so but when we get out into Galveston bay, the big dogs are out in force (though the bay maxes out at around 8' except in the channel, and there are some bars that are said to eat newcomers for lunch on a regular basis. Anyway, we love it down there (a family with a bunch of kids less than ten). The sailing, the food, access to moody gardens etc in Galveston, all make it well worth a trip. Sorry we can't say much about hotels since we stay at the club, but there is a Hilton at one end of the lake that seems nice (at least from the water) in addition to what's in Kemah (it's right across from NASA). 03 Aug 1999     19:06:54 Comments Great job on your site. If that boat sails half as good as she looks, you are a lucky man. Wheel steering on a trailerable -- whew-hoo!! 27 Jul 1999     09:56:26 Comments Enjoyed this site very much. Texas sailor gonna be so site is extremely helpful. 26 Jul 1999     12:09:57 Comments Hi.  Just got a new sailboat and was looking for a place to launch, perhaps store, it (it's a Buccaneer 18 that fits in the garage, but living near downtown Austin makes it a pain to store and haul to the lake whenever i get the urge to sail); yours is an excellent site for locations and brief descriptions of marinas and launch ramps, though I would have liked pricing information from more than your home club (but I guess that's not available to you, too bad). Slips are sure high here -- even more than my old marina back in Washington DC (which only charges 5.60/ft/mo). I still need to explore your site more to see what your dealer page says (I'm not thrilled with the guy over by Highland Mall, who I thought was the only one in town) and was hoping for some kind of club links for other sailors not necessarily marina based. but I'll keep looking, and meanwhile hope the wind freshens sometime soon so I can get out in my new boat and play. Having never sailed on Lake Travis before, could you give me feedback about where you'd think the better sailing areas are? Seems to me down by the dam where the lake is wider would be fun, but I don't want to be dodging jet skis and power boats the whole time (lacking your keel, I'm going to feel every little wake) so am open to anything. the closer to MoPac the better..... well, I guess I'll dig more, maybe your destinations page answers my question. ps...somebody suggested I try canyon lake...I guess if you don't trailer you haven't been there lately, but if you have any feedback on that or anything else close, I'd be interested.  thanks again. Bennett Samson bmsamson@aol.com [Hello Bennett:  I thought our slip rentals were reasonable considering the limited availability.  I've heard that slips in other parts of the country go for much more.  But, then, they provide much more as well (e.g., swimming pools, clubhouses, etc.)  Unfortunately, you'll find it difficult to locate sailboat wet-slips on Travis.  You might try calling those marinas on the Cypress Creek arm of Travis.  They are conveniently located for you. As far as sailing spots . . . many sail the main basin to Starnes Island.  Since I keep my boat at Yacht Harbor, I spend more time sailing between Emerald Point Marina and Lakeway.  You'll find that powerboat traffic is much higher in my area than it is in the main basin.  I've not yet been on Canyon Lake.  Buchanan would be great!  Very large and little traffic.  I wouldn't want to get caught out in the middle during a storm, however.  No place to run.] 24 Jul 1999     20:45:05 Comments Fantastic site!!! I was looking for a marina in Lake Travis and wow! your page on marinas is outstanding, it saved me lots of time. I would like to know if there is a chart available somewhere for purchase with nav details and hazards in L. Travis. I'd appreciate if you could point me in the right direction My email is danielartusi@hotmail.com  Thanks and again congrats on a great web with tons of great info  Daniel [Daniel:  If you can find a chart or map with detail below 681'msl, I'd love to know about it.  I do have one map that gives ballpark depths . . . it uses different shades of blue to indicate depth and it does have contour lines.  Unfortunately, it is not very detailed and it does not show underwater hazards.] 24 Jul 1999     13:06:04 Comments I've enjoyed your website! I'm new to sailing on Lake Travis. Where do you find out what the wind speed at Windy Point? I'd prefer to look it up before I load up my boat and drive out there only to find I should be water skiing instead!!  thanks... kms2000@earthlink.net [If you can't find wind at Windy Point, then you will not find it anywhere on Travis. UT's Lake Travis Test Station has the current lake data.] 23 Jul 1999     13:52:45 Comments Hi Mark,  Excellent Site. Unfortunately we recently pulled out Starwind 22 out of Lake Travis due to frustration over the large number of power boaters, and some sailors not following the right of way rules. The straw that broke the camels back was almost getting hit by some guy in a seaplane: (The good news, we purchased a lake front lot on Lake Buchanan and can't wait to try out the new lake. Any good/bad comments about that lake? Thanks, mcmike@totalaccess.net [You might contact Bob Hyde via email (see post below concerning Buchanan) and see what he has to say.] 14 Jul 1999     13:28:58 Comments Hi Mark I hope you don't mind another question. I read somewhere on your site that you did something special in buying your Honda 9.9. I think you said you bought the motor in Canada, that it was an "Esquire", and that you saved about $1,000. I may have some of the details wrong. Would you please give me the details on your outboard motor and how you bought it. Sam Morgan F105PLT@aol.com [Sam:  I've responded to you via email with the specifics.  Recent complaints about internet sales by a few Honda dealers have shut the practice down in the U.S.  American Honda (so I've been told by one Honda dealer in Idaho) has put the screws to the few dealers with a large internet presence.  Fortunately, the Canadian dealers haven't been effected . . . yet!  The distribution channel is attempting to protect its high-margin "local" business by squashing internet sales.] 13 Jul 1999     14:11:41 Comments Hi Mark, What a site!! I couldn't read it all, but I will be. Very nice pictures from a great ship. I'm thinking to get one 2hand from the states. Her in Holland there a rather no 2hand to buy.  My Weimaraner (Layla von der Kampina) loves sailing, so I've got to buy one for Zeeland waters. Our lake cold The Grevelingen is the clearest en brightest salt waterlake in Europe at the Noordzee. Holland is beautiful certainly with a Catalina 250 under body. Is there a list with all there is on board? (I mean "everything") Sail to the Island Whight at the solent in the channel. You can meat Beken of Cowes there. After working at the finance departement is great tot sail. Thanks for the information.  Martin Voermans van Egmond (Member of the As.) voermart@casema.net 13jul-23:12 THE HAGUE [Hello Martin.  The closest thing to a "complete" list on my site is the Equipment List/Order Form provided by Catalina.  I've modified their list to fit my boat.  If you have any specific questions concerning my boat, please feel free to email me directly.] 06 Jul 1999     18:40:14 Comments Hi Mark Normally I write you through email (F105PLT@aol.com) but I thought I would use your guest log this time. I notice in the information about your boat that there is a significant difference between the advertised weight of the Cat 250WB and the actual weight. Catalina says the dry weight is 2,400 and your note says the true weight is 3,250 pounds. That is a difference of 850 pounds which is about 35% of the advertised weight. That is a very big difference and it puts the Cat250 at about the same weight as the Hunter 260. How do you figure the company figures are so far off from the actual weight? Second, I am wondering if I can get the Cat 250WB through my garage door. The garage has a door that is 16 feet wide and 10 feet high. Can the Cat 250WB & trailer go through this opening? What is the highest point on the boat when it is on the trailer and how high is this point? Well, thanks for the information. I think your WEB site is great and every time I sign on to it I see a significant improvement. Sam Morgan Nathrop, Colorado F105PLT@aol.com [Sam:  I read a post by another C250wb owner in which he tells of his conversation with Jerry Douglas (Catalina Yachts).  Apparently, Mr. Douglas told him that the published weights were incorrect; Mr. Douglas then provided the much higher weights.  I contacted Catalina Yachts via email to confirm this information.  David Graas (Catalina's Customer Service) responded by stating that Mr. Douglas' comments were correct. Since the beam of the boat is 8'6", you should have no problem with the width of your garage door.  You might have a problem, however, with the height.  After visiting my boat, it appears the distance from the ground to the unstepped mast (sitting in its cradle) is just over 10'.  Is your garage door opening this tall?.] 25 Jun 1999     15:07:40 Comments We are new to the web lookup and are trying to find out about Lake Travis condos for rent. We could not see a link for lodging. Could you help us out. We prefer a waterfront with docking for our boat and nice accommodations. Thanks for your help! [Unfortunately, I don't have much information on lakeside lodging on Lake Travis.  The Lakeway Inn is a long-time favorite for many visitors to central Texas.  Transient slips are available at the adjoining Lakeway Marina.   You might also contact Lago Vista Resorts and Whitecliff Condos.   Luna Azul is a waterfront home available for rent.  How about Captain Jay's Cove Bed & Breakfast?   And, finally, here is a good looking inn located across the lake from Arkansas Bend . . . Lake Travis Bed & Breakfast.] 18 Jun 1999     16:29:22 Comments Great site, Mark. Hope to see you on the lake sometime! 15 Jun 1999     10:00:21 Comments Mark Just came back from a run with the three year old and while I'm pooped he has a thousand jobs for me to do , so I've only scanned your site and to say That I am in awe of the job that you have done would most likely be the understatement of my year. If only he'd think to take his nap now things would be different. I came looking for log book patterns and never got to them. I will at a later time. One question with the time that this must have taken you when do find time to sail? Val on "CALISTA" [Hello, Val.  Glad you could stop by.  The answer to your question is that I have an unbelievably patient and accommodating wife.  She is truly a saint.  I  try to update the site late at night when everyone else is asleep.  But, this doesn't always happen.] 14 Jun 1999     14:34:03 Comments Mark, You have put together a great site. I will bookmark it and visit you again. Ben Allen "Boondoggle" 1984 C25 #4356 01 Jun 1999     19:49:28 Comments THANK YOU! For making this site. About the friendliest, helpful, and honest site I have stumbled upon. Brad Mayes 26 May 1999     12:01:28 Comments Hi Mark, I am an Oklahoma sailor (Broken Bow Lake) I have a Catalina 25 (1986) and enjoy sailing with my wife of 27 years. This is a great site & I'll be back! The 250 is magnificent! Congrats on owing a Catalina! Geary Powell gpowell@alltel.net 24 May 1999     21:59:24 Comments Hi, I will be moving to the Austin area the first week of June. Your page is one of the best as far as sailing goes for the area. I will be the new store manager of the West store you don't seem to be happy with right now and I would be interested with meeting you and knowing why. I am coming from Florida and am heavily involved with sailing. My past includes : sailmaker, boat canvas, custom sailboat rigging, racing deck layouts, tactics, Level 1 US Sailing Dingy instructor, yard work, one-design racing and PHRF racing (current, no longer now, tactician on 37 ft offshore boat), etc. Please send me a fax to 850-863-4409 on how to get in touch with you to learn more about Austin Sailing. I will waiting for your fax. Please also fax me an idea what the wind is like on Lake Travis. Thanks, Craig Wilusz New manager of Austin West Marine 09 May 1999     18:25:53 Comments Mark, Nice site. Wish we had one like this in east Texas (i.e., Lake Livingston, Conroe, Sam Rayburn etc.)  Keep up the good work. May see you at the Turnback regatta. John Metsger PRECISION 21 "PERIOZ" perioz@hotmail.com 22 Apr 1999     20:31:34 Comments Mark, Enjoyed pictures and comparisons of 1996, 1997, 1999 w/b , wk, etc. We own C250wb #173. Right now it is at our place on Lake Buchanan. We just moved permanently from Alabama to Grapevine, TX, so will probably keep boat in Scott's Marina this summer as we did two years ago. Do you ever sail on Lake Buchanan? Its a great sailing lake, but hardly any sailboats and practically no marinas . The changing water levels and lack of many protected anchorages are probably the reason. They are opening a new State Park on the North side of the lake this June. They plan to have berths for sailboat later, they say. I put my own mooring just off the shore in front of our house, but it is not safe to leave the boat there when noone is around. Consequently, we settled on the C250 w/b for it ease launch and recovery. Thanks for the photo and an entertaining trip around your excellent web site. Bob Hyde rawbonz@aol.com 15 Apr 1999     17:53:36 Comments Mark, You have a great web site with excellent stuff on the C250. I have used some of your pictures to help convince my wife why I NEED to buy a NEW C250! Thanks, Michael O'Shea mkosail@cjnetworks.com Topeka, KS 07 Apr 1999     22:34:45 Comments Very nice site. I think it is well laid out and shows you have but in a good effort. 06 Apr 1999     03:18:48 Comments The site is fine.. Mostly sail Conroe, but we spend a lot of weekends in Seabrook. We sail an old restored Venture 24. Tom 30 Mar 1999     14:50:38 Comments Mark, Great site. I have a Neptune 24 on Sabine Lake in Southeast TX. Almost bought a Cat 25 before the Neptune. That was 9 yrs. ago and my wife still talks about that Catalina. If your ever in the area or know of a group that would like to come down and sail our Best Kept Secret in Texas, also known to most cruising guides please let me know. We have plenty of room at the Port Arthur Yacht Club. Mike tortuga@ijntb.net 17 Mar 1999     23:21:17 Comments Thanks Mark, I came in from the trailer sailor forum to check out the mast system, sure would like to duplicate it for my cal 21. Loved the opening page especially the weather and the pic of the lake. I am adding this site to my favorite places and plan to stop in occasionally. Quite a boat that cat 25. Thanks keep up the good work. Eric 12 Mar 1999     19:46:23 Comments Mark, I really enjoyed browsing your site. I found it after I had been on the C25/250 association site. The picture of the LPG locker was of special interest to me. Do you think such a locker would fit in an older C250 (1995)? [If you look at the photo of my starboard cockpit locker (holding the Seaward propane locker) you will see that the interior of the cockpit locker has been molded to fit the propane locker.  Don't assume the Seaward unit will fit without some modification on your part.  You might call Catalina and ask about your chances for success if you leave the cockpit locker unchanged.] 07 Mar 1999     12:53:19 Comments Nice to see a site focused on my stomping ground. I'm in the process of looking for a 22-25 ft boat preferably w/ trailer for cruising Travis with the family. What's the best method of finding what I'm looking for? So far I've seen Catalina 22 and 25 and Hunter 22 and 23.5. What are other popular cruising sailboats I can find locally around $10K. Doug drguzy18@m1.irs.gov [Doug:  I'd check out the Austin American Statesman classifieds (there is a link on my Sailboat Dealers page).  You might also call Yacht Harbor . . . they have a small brokerage business.  Finally, I'd check with Claude at the sailboat shop.  He has a number of used boats, some on consignment.] 03 Mar 1999     16:25:04 Comments thanks for the mast raising info, I have a Aquaruis23, which has the same mast used on the catalina 25 in 1973 , hopefully Ill have the boat in the water this summer, Ken in Keller TX fandango@blueplanet.net 24 Feb 1999     22:40:49 Comments Hi, nice site. The pictures are very good and the site is very informative. My wife and I have been looking a long time for the biggest trailerable boat we can find. I have a few questions: 1. How is the quality? 2. Did you get the water ballast, if so, how well does it sail? Would you take it coastal ocean sailing or maybe even Bahamas? 3. How long does it take to set up and can you do it by yourself? 4. If you don't mind me asking, what is the approximate price? you can email me at reneewa@wa.freei.net thanks in advance and good sailing! [Responded via email] 24 Feb 1999     13:27:37 Comments Like your website. I'm glad you have pictures of the new wk250. I'm just starting to change the halyard set up on my wb250 and it has given me a better understanding of what I need to do. One question I have, Is the longer genoa track because of a larger head sail(135?) or just better sail trim on the 110 that I have? Are you going to the Nationals in Holland, MI? I hope to see you their. We are planning to sail across from the Racine,WI area. This will be a great venture on our part. Jack Schafer,2nd Wind #106. [Jack:  The genoa track on my '99 C250 centerboard is identical to the track on the '99 C250 wing-keel.  I suspect this has less to do with the larger head sail and more to do with better sail control.  I have the 110% jib on my boat.  And, yes, I'm hoping to attend the Nationals on Lake Michigan.  See you there!] 24 Feb 1999     12:01:34 Comments Mark, Great site. I'm going to sign the papers on my 95 250 W/B Hull (#220) right after lunch and pick it up Sunday. The information you have put up has been a lot of help making up my mind. It also helps that I work in the same department as Bob Bumala. I guess we can start our own 250 fleet here at school. Doug Andrijasevich hf.dxa@forsythe.stanford.edu [Doug:  Congratulations on your purchase!  Sounds like you and Bob will be sailing together soon.] 23 Feb 1999     16:46:14 Comments I would like more info on renting a sailboat on Travis. I don't own one yet, but renting one would be nice for a day to keep desire flowing. Any help would be nice Dscully670@aol.com    [The only outfit I know that rents/charters boats is the Texas Sailing Academy.  They have a web page at www.texassailing.com.] 19 Feb 1999     22:34:38 Comments Dear Mark, Thanks for the excellent photos of the 250. They are the best on the net! I am seriously considering a C250 purchase in order to get the family out sailing years sooner than I could afford to otherwise. We have 3 young boys (5,8, 8) that already seem to enjoy sailing. I have a couple of questions which would be very helpful. 1) Do you have any experience with kids on your boat? I'm wondering if weekend cruises might be too tight for 5 of us. 2) I travel to Austin often to visit customers (AMD, Motorola, Sematech, etc.). Are there any C250s available for a one day charter? This would be ideal for me given the fact that I'm in need of some experience before the sailing season starts up here in the Chicago area. In fact, I'll be there on 2/26, 27. Appreciate any advice you can offer and thanks again. Rick Foster Email: leerae@cwixmail.com [Rick:  I don't think the five of you will be too tight unless you bring along too much "stuff".  I have a five year old son and we've had a few of his friends along for the weekend . . . no problems with space.   We did have to stay on them to keep their "stuff" picked up.  Then again, we have to do this same thing when the boys visit our house for the day.  As your boys get older (and larger), they may be less comfortable with the available berths.   As long as they enjoy camping, they'll enjoy sleeping on the boat.  The cockpit space is more than sufficient, especially if you get the stern seats.  The boat is easy to board from the water with the swingdown ladder and open transom. I don't know of any Catalina 250s available for charter on Lake Travis.  But, I'd be more than happy to take you out next weekend.  We have an All Catalina Fleet 69 cruise scheduled for 4:30pm on the 27th.  You are welcome to sail with me in the morning (if you need to catch a flight back to Chicago in the afternoon).  Or, stay for the evening and talk to other Catalina owners.     I'll contact you directly.] 28 Jan 1999   19:35:44 Comments Great Web page, Mark. I am currently in the process of buying a used '95 C250 W/B. Almost identical to yours. Survey tomorrow. I got a lot of good ideas from your sight. I live in Nacogdoches, Tx. Hope to see you on a lake or Galveston Bay in the future. Keep up the good work and photography. (I now have a pic of your boat as background on my laptop, until I can get one of our Boat). Thanks Ron Moses [Ron:  Good luck with your boat.  I hope the survey goes well.  And, if you ever plan a trip to Austin, please email me ahead of time.   Maybe we can sail together out on Lake Travis.  BTW, you didn't provide your email address, so I can't contact you directly.] 26 Jan 1999   05:33:54 Comments Mark, I just bought a C250 WK #408. It is suppose to arrive next week. This is a great site. Did you order your Honda from Esquire? How does the shipping etc work if you did? Steve Raffel raffel@post.harvard.edu [Responded via email] 20 Jan 1999   12:07:29 Comments Hi Mark, I live in Dallas and own a Hunter 28.5 and a Seaward Fox that I trailer. My question is "are their any groups that trailer together in Central or Northern TX?". I'm always off Fri - Sat - Sun and if a holiday falls on Fri I get Monday off. I plan on a trip to Corpus in April maybe I can spend a day sailing on Lake Travis. I look forward to your reply. Scott Votaw boat names Elixir, and Lil'Elixir s_votaw@hotmail.com [Scott:  I don't know of any groups that trailer together on a regular basis. Maybe someone who reads this can help. I'd be interested as well. I do know of a few groups that gather on Lake Travis for cruises. I've been introduced to the All Catalina Fleet 69 here in Austin and they have regular monthly cruises. Last year, many of the Catalina 22 owners towed their boats to Corpus Christi while the owners of larger Catalina's chartered a Morgan 46. As I have a Catalina 250, I'm planning to join soon. I also provide a link to the Lake Travis Cruising Assn. site. Although I don't know anyone there, you might contact them through their site and see what they have to say.] 20 Jan 1999   09:58:13 Comments I think you should have more about ski boats [But, then, I'd have to change the name of the site to the Central Texas Boater.] 31 Dec 1998   14:18:13 Comments Thanks for this great resource. Keep up the good work. John Evans Austin, TX

© 1998-2003 by Mark T. Melchior  --   All Rights Reserved  -  Revised:  20 Dec 2007 16:28:41 -0500 "In a powerboat, you get there in a hurry . . . in a sailboat, you are already there."