CATALINA 250
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 25 ft |
| LWL | 21.25 ft |
| Beam | 8.5 ft |
| Draft | 5 ft |
| Displacement | 4,200 lb |
| Ballast | 1,050 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.2 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 29 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 9 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 24.5 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 11 ft |
| FLforestay | 9 ft |
| Mainsail | 276 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 130.5 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 221.9 sq ft |
About the CATALINA 250
Wing Keel draft: 3.42'/1.04m
The Catalina 250 is a compact masthead sloop designed for coastal cruising, built by Catalina Yachts in the USA with production starting in 1995. While the specific designer and total hull count are not definitively recorded in the available data, the vessel is characterized by a 25.0 ft LOA and a displacement of 4200.0 lb.
- Best for:
- This boat is best suited for coastal cruisers and weekend warriors who prioritize ease of handling and trailerability over long-range offshore capability. Its compact size and moderate displacement make it an accessible entry point for single-handers or couples seeking a manageable first sailboat.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a capsize ratio of 2.11 and a displacement of 4200.0 lb, the Catalina 250 is not designed for serious bluewater passages but is capable of protected coastal and bay cruising. Its fin keel and moderate comfort ratio of 16.77 suggest a responsive ride in moderate conditions rather than heavy-weather stability.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats from this era include the Catalina 22 and 27, which share similar coastal cruising roles and trailerable dimensions. The O'Day 23 and Hunter 24 are also relevant comparisons for owners seeking similar beam and draft characteristics in the 24-26 ft range.
Performance
Estimated Value
High ConfidenceAsking price by model year
67 listings · boat years 1975–2010 · median $14,000
Each dot is one listing · hover for details · dashed red line marks the median · obvious data-entry outliers (top & bottom 2.5%) excluded.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 25ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Featured YouTube Videos
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
7 reported issues across 5 systems for the CATALINA 250, compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a CATALINA 250? This is an in-depth report on the faults this model is known for — so you know exactly what to check when you walk the boat. For the price of a coffee.
- ✓ All 7 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
One-time $2.99 · secure checkout by Stripe · instant access · 30 days online, PDF yours to keep
Similar Sailboats
Which engine powers your CATALINA 250?
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Brands sometimes mentioned for this model: Yanmar — is it one of these?
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Used sails that fit the CATALINA 250
Checking eBay for sails sized to this boat's rig…