Danny wrote:
I've been sailing Hobie Cats, windsurfers and all sorts of little
sunfishy kind of things for years. I have sailed a few mid 20's
Catalina Sailboats as crew with success. I am planning on buying a
used 25 foot sailboat and need to know recommendations. What I'd like
to have is something with small draft as I'll be sailing a shallow
bay. Swing Keel I guess or maybe a shoal keel gives me the same draft?

All else being equal, a centerboard or keel/centerboard will outperform
a shoal keel in every way by a noticable margin. Of course, the
centerboard hoisting gear is a maintenance item... nothing comes for free.



Good sleeping space and standing space would be nice as I am 6'4".

I don't think you're going to find standing headroom in a 25 footer.
Now, if you can go to a Morgan 30 or Ericson 29, then sure. Meanwhile,
you'll be hunting for a boat with long bunks and good elbow room.
Hunters & Beneteaus are usually among the roomiest for their LOA.


.... I
understand Catalina's are great because they are virtually
un-capasizable

??? Catalinas are no better than average in any respect. In
seaworthiness & stabilty & performance, I'd put them below average.

... but maybe something that would be a bit more fun and
still pretty damn hard to flip. I'm ready to spend up to $5,000 US.

Are you willing to put in a good bit of sweat equity? How about sinking
some further money in for upgrades as time goes along? What is your size
limit? You're going to have to settle for something older... consider a
Chrysler 26 or Balboa 26 (last link below)

Fresh Breezes- Doug King

http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listi...38&slim=quick&

http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listi...92&slim=quick&

http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listi...42&slim=quick&

http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listi...97&slim=quick&

http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listi...46&slim=quick&

http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listi...67&slim=quick&

http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listi...70&slim=quick&

http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listi...35&slim=quick&