Central Texas Sailor

[Welcome] [Lakes] [Marinas] [Public Ramps] [Marine Supply] [Sailboat Dealers]
[Books] [My Catalina] [Guest Log] [Links]

I will compare three Catalina 250s: a 1999 water-ballasted centerboard manufactured in August 1998 (hull #384); a 1999 wing-keel manufactured in December 1998 (hull #402); and a 1996 water-ballasted centerboard manufactured in late 1995 (hull #189). There are interesting differences between the wing-keel and centerboard. And, as you might imagine, the Catalina factory has changed certain features on the same model over time (refer to comparison between the two centerboard models). The items below are explained more fully on additional pages; other photographs are available, as well.

The hardware used to manage the halyards varies between the wing-keel & centerboard
Two different winches are used: the Lewmar 16ST on the wing-keel and the Lewmar 7 on the centerboard.
The wing-keel incorporates a traveller, the centerboard does not.
The shrouds on the wing-keel are mounted on the cabintop. The centerboard's are located on the hull/deck seam.
The older model centerboard has much shorter genoa car tracks.
Catalina has moved away from the composite cleats used on earlier models. They now use either chrome-plated bronze or stainless.
Freeboard on the wing-keel exceeds that on the centerboard.
Misc. items: pedestal guard for steering; canvas package; compass cards and sunlight.

Miscellaneous observations: Although I didn't have access to the interiors of these boats (except mine, of course), I was able to spot a few differences in the various cabins. First, the cabin table in the '99 wing-keel did not appear to be removable. There were no brackets in the cockpit as there are in the centerboard models. I also noticed that this table was wood-grained formica instead of the basic off-white which exists in my boat. The steps leading from the cabin to the cockpit were also different in the '99 wing-keel. They appeared sculpted . . . white borders surrounding the teak. My '99 centerboard's steps are solid teak. Finally, the hardware on the '99 wing-keel's head door were modern and appeared brushed aluminum. Mine are classic chrome-plated bronze.

The galley stovetop in the '96 centerboard uses propane canisters (I know this without having to look). The '99 model boats have an LPG locker & tank located in the starboard cockpit locker. The '96 boat also uses the smaller Whale pump in the galley. This pump is used in the vanity on the '99 boats. And, the step molded into the deck liner on '99 models is not included on the '96 model. This molded step assists people board the boat.

Obviously, Catalina is serious when they say they "all prices and specifications are subject to change at any time including after receipt of the customer's order, until final delivery to the customer." I suppose you will not truly know what you are getting until the boat is delivered.

A Word from Catalina Yachts:

Gerry Douglas with Catalina Yachts was kind enough to offer the following information via email on 3/2/99.

1) The keel model has 4" more freeboard than the water ballast model.

2) The cabin sole is lower because there is no centerboard trunk or water tank.

3) The keel model has approximately 10.5" more headroom than the water ballast.

4) The mast on the current model 250 water ballast and keel model are the same. The tall rig was standard on the first keel models built, then an option, and not offered at this time.

5) The shroud base of the keel model is inboard. The shroud base of the water ballast is outboard. The inboard shroud base allows the use of longer overlapping genoas that would overpower the water ballast model.

6) Performace comparisons are dependent on wind speed. The keel model is lighter than the water ballast (full of water) and potentially has better light air performance. The water ballast has a longer foil and will generate more lift to weather, therefore point higher.

Each model has its own advantages.

[Back]

"In a powerboat, you get there in a hurry . . .
in a sailboat, you are already there."