1973 Cal 25 vs Catalina 250 — Comparison
1973 Cal 25
Catalina 250
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1973 Cal 25 | Catalina 250 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Cal | Catalina |
| Year | 1973–1978 | 1994–2004 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Bill Lapworth | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) |
| LWL | 6.10 m (20.0 ft) | 6.78 m (22.2 ft) |
| Beam | 2.44 m (8.0 ft) | 2.59 m (8.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.22 m (4.0 ft) | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) | 1,588 kg (3,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 726 kg (1,601 lbs) | 612 kg (1,349 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 26.5 m² (285 ft²) | 24.5 m² (264 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 7 HP | 10 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 30 L (7.9 gal) | 30 L (7.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 38 L (10.0 gal) | 42 L (11.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 4 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1973 Cal 25 and Catalina 250 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1973 Cal 25 is a 1970s design by Cal from USA, while the Catalina 250 is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1973 Cal 25 was penned by Bill Lapworth. The Catalina 250 was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the 1973 Cal 25 measures 7.62m (25.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.44m, compared to the Catalina 250 at 7.62m (25.0ft) with a 2.59m beam. The 1973 Cal 25 displaces approximately 14% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1973 Cal 25 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.11 and 26.5 m² of sail area. The Catalina 250, with an SA/D of 18.30 and 24.5 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Catalina 250 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1973 Cal 25 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The Catalina 250 has a comfort ratio of 13.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.89. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1973 Cal 25 and 38.5% for the Catalina 250, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1973 Cal 25 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 38L of water capacity and 30L of fuel. The Catalina 250 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 42L water and 30L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1973 Cal 25 is the better choice for comfortable cruising thanks to its higher comfort ratio, offering a gentler motion at sea that crews will appreciate on longer passages.
For racing: The Catalina 250 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1973 Cal 25 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
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Or view individual specs: 1973 Cal 25 · Catalina 250