gooch wrote:
I am looking at buying a boat in the next year or so and would like
some input.

OK, this is the right place.

I am considering a Cal 25 or Catalina of about the same size. We would
be using the boat for sailing in the Chesapeake Bay for day trips and
some weekends. Any thoughts on the advantages or disadvantages of one
of these over the other.

None really. The difference between these two is going to be mostly a
matter of personal taste and which you can find in better condition,
with better equipment, for a price you like. The Cal is a bit more
old-fashioned FWIW.

... I am planning on buying a boat that needs
minimal work, not a project boat.

Good call, but to accomplish this you'll need to do a bit of homework.
You'd be astonished at how few boats... especially in this size range...
are sold in "ready to sail" condition. It sounds like you're already
getting familiar with the boat's rigging. You'll need to have a pretty
thorough checklist for hull, deck, rig, fittings, plumbing, electrical,
and be prepared to spend an hour or so on the "possibles" before weeding
them out. You have one good bit of luck, you're in a great area.


.... We
are trying to spend something in the $10,000 or less range and both of
these seem to fit in that catagory for a decent boat that can be sailed
immediately.


Should be, yes.

Are you going outboard or inboard? Are you locked into a Cal-25 or
Catalina 25? Do you want a trailer with the boat, for winter storage if
nothing else? Given the market, if you're prepared to spend $10K then
you should be looking at boats asking up to $15K or $16K. It seems
reasonable to me to scale this back a bit and look to spend $7500 on
buying the boat and dropping another $1500 ~ $2500 right away on
commissioning. Don't forget the slip & insurance expenses up front.

Fresh Breezes- Doug King