First introduced in the late 1970s, this popular swing keel sloop became one of Catalina Yachts' most successful small boat designs, with thousands built over its production run. Frank Butler's design philosophy emphasized simplicity, affordability, and versatility, making sailing accessible to newcomers while providing enough performance to keep experienced sailors engaged. The defining feature of this model is its innovative swing keel system, which allows the boat to draft just 18 inches with the keel raised. This shallow draft capability opens up countless cruising grounds typically off-limits to deeper-draft vessels, from skinny coastal waters to inland lakes and rivers. The swing keel retracts into a molded fiberglass trunk, eliminating the complexity and maintenance issues associated with traditional centerboard systems. Built for coastal cruising and weekend adventures, the Catalina 25 strikes an excellent balance between comfort and performance. The spacious cockpit accommodates a full crew, while the cabin provides sleeping for four adults. Her forgiving sailing characteristics make her particularly well-suited for sailing instruction and family outings. The boat's reputation for solid construction, reasonable pricing, and strong resale values has made it a longtime favorite in the used boat market, representing an ideal entry point into sailing for many enthusiasts.
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What is the Catalina 25's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Catalina 25 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 16.11. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Catalina 25's comfort ratio?
The Catalina 25 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 15.15. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Catalina 25 safe for offshore sailing?
The Catalina 25 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.21. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Catalina 25?
The theoretical hull speed of the Catalina 25 is 6.21 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Catalina 25 weigh?
The Catalina 25 has a displacement of 4,000 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 25.00 ft.
How much does a used Catalina 25 cost?
Based on 30 recent market listings, used Catalina 25 sailboats typically sell for between $1,500 and $12,000, with a median asking price of $4,725. Price varies significantly based on year, condition, location, and included equipment.
Who designed the Catalina 25?
The Catalina 25 was designed by Frank Butler, first built in 1988.