Dipwad, not suitable for safe sailing? A Merit 25 has been safely sailed to
Hawaii singlehanded. I wouldn't try that on the Catalina.

I said safe and relaxed for a family. A j24 wouldn't be a great idea either.
You don't know what you're talking about. You don't understand that not
everyone wants a racing boat, so you hand out the same dumb advice again and
again.
The Catalina 250 is a fine little cruising boat, FAR more comfortable for a
family.

RB