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.

That is kind of what I was thinking but just wanted some other
opinions.

... 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.

I know a common problem with the Cal is a soft deck and I have a whole
list of things to be aware of on both of these boats. I am trying to do
my homework and not jump into anything too quickly.

.... 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?

I am not dead set on either of the boats I mentioned at this point. I
am open to suggestions on other candidates. I have done quite a bit of
research and they both seemed to meet my criteria well.

Do you want a trailer with the boat, for winter storage if
nothing else?

I had not really considered trailering. I was thinking not.

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.

I was not aware that I shhould be looking at boats that much above what
I want to spend. My impression was that I should be looking at 10%
above what I want to spend. I have looked at the prices for a slip and
they seem to vary greatly in this area from dirt cheap to astronomical.
I amthinking I will not go to either extreme and concentrate on a
convienient location. I have not looked too much at insurance but I
have heard that it is generally pretty cheap (relative to other
locations) for sailing in the Bay mostly due to the soft bottom
conditions.