CATALINA 250 (WATER BALLLAST)
Specifications
Hull
| LOA | 25 ft |
| LWL | 21.25 ft |
| Beam | 8.5 ft |
| Draft | 5.75 ft/ 1.67 ft min |
| Displacement | 3,600 lb |
| Ballast | 1,199.9 lb |
| Hull speed1.34·√LWL | 6.2 kn |
Rig & Sails
| Iforetriangle height | 29 ft |
| Jforetriangle base | 9 ft |
| Pmainsail luff | 24.33 ft |
| Emainsail foot | 10.83 ft |
| FLforestay | 9 ft |
| Mainsail | 272.8 sq ft |
| Jib (100%) | 130.5 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 221.9 sq ft |
Engine
| Yanmar | 1GM109 hpSee all 53 parts → |
About the CATALINA 250 (WATER BALLLAST)
Variant of CATALINA 250 with a centerboard and water ballast. Tank incorporated into double bottom and designed as static ballast. (Always filled while sailing; Emptied for trailering) Displacement dry: 2,400 lbs / 1,089 kg
The Catalina 250 (Water Ballast) is a compact coastal cruiser designed by an unknown designer and built by Catalina Yachts (USA) in 1995. With a production run of unknown hull count, this model features a variable keel and a displacement of 3600.0 lb, distinguishing it from lead-ballasted counterparts through its water ballast system.
- Best for:
- This boat suits coastal cruisers and weekend sailors seeking a trailerable package with easy maintenance access, particularly those willing to manage water ballast systems and potential structural repairs.
- Bluewater capability:
- With a low displacement of 3600.0 lb and a capsize ratio of 2.22, this boat is not recommended for offshore bluewater cruising due to its light weight and water ballast system, which lacks the stability and safety margin of fixed lead keels.
- Comparables:
- Comparable boats include the Catalina 22 and 25 (lead ballast), as well as the O'Day 23 and Pearson 23, which share similar 25-foot footprints and masthead sloop rigs but differ in ballast configuration and interior layout.
Performance
Images
Estimated Value
Limited DataEstimated Cost of Ownership
Based on 25ft LOA. Actual costs vary by condition, usage, and local rates.
Articles & Reviews
Known Issues & Pre-Purchase Inspection
21 reported issues across 9 systems for the CATALINA 250 (WATER BALLLAST), compiled from owner reports in sailing forums and owner-association material.
Unlock the full inspection report
Thinking of buying a CATALINA 250 (WATER BALLLAST)? 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 21 specific issues — severity, symptoms & fixes
- ✓ Model-specific pre-purchase inspection checklist
- ✓ Downloadable PDF to take to your surveyor — yours to keep
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Engine Parts & Maintenance
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Used sails that fit the CATALINA 250 (WATER BALLLAST)
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