1981 Catalina 25 vs 1971 Ranger 26
Posted by Ready_Strike@reddit | sailing | View on Reddit | 26 comments
Getting ready to finally pull the trigger on my first sailboat. Looking at a 1981 Catalina 25 with a fin keel and trailer and a 1971 Ranger 26 also fin keel and trailer. Going to look in person next week. I like the interior of the Ranger better but I also know Catalina has better customer support and still makes new parts for the old boats. They both look to be in similar, well taken care of shape. The Ranger comes with a decent suite of sails and was used for racing. Both are in the same price range about 5k. Barring condition is one boat way better than the other?
Ready_Strike@reddit (OP)
Catalina is out, trailer doesn’t have brakes, signs of leaking windows, gelcoat around the stanchions looks like broken glass, and most importantly the keel bolts are rusted and bilge is cracked. Keel looks like it was grounded and the rudder doesn’t look to hot either. On to the next…… hopefully the Ranger is in better condition.
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dlp0e@reddit
Bummer, but good on you for being thorough.
I tell you, trailerability is a HUGE factor if you aren’t keeping the boat at the marina. Of all the things you noted, the toughest one may be transporting the boat to where you can get to work.
The first boat I saw was a pretty sturdy girl from the early 60s - there was a lot to love, and a lot to work on, but the one thing I couldn’t overlook was the sketchy trailer she was sitting on. Folks at the marina said that trailer had been there for like 20 years, flat tires, no brakes, and no hope of brakes without replacing the axle… I worked so hard in my head to make it work but I had to walk away.
I ended up expanding my search and getting a lighter, newer (still old) boat with a swing keel. Serviceable trailer, and light enough to haul without a big new truck. There are definitely parts that need attention for recommissioning, and trade offs in sailing characteristics and capabilities, but dang it if that boat isn’t in my driveway right now, just weeks away from sailing again.
dlp0e@reddit
What an exciting place to be! I just did the same about a week ago. My recommendation is to see them both and look for the one that you will actually sail more, and sooner.
The boats themselves both will have owners communities you can tap into, and parts will be available for both for many, many years. What you are looking for is a platform to start your own journey on, and all things being equal, either would serve you fine.
When you do your inspection for each, check for:
Hull and deck integrity - check for cracking or soft fiberglass on any wet surface. Walk around of the deck and pay special attention to places where rigging meets the deck. Any cracking or crunching sounds or “squishy” feeling should be a major red flag. You should EXPECT cracks in the gel coat, so just make sure you feel comfortable distinguishing a surface (cosmetic) hairline crack and a structural crack.
Rigging - it may be hard to do a full inspection if the boat is in a driveway or something, but look for rust or breaks in the rigging. Standing rigging can get expensive fast. It doesn’t need to be perfect but you should feel comfortable getting it on the water without it cutting up your sails, or you. Running rigging should be less of an issue because it’s generally cheaper and easier to replace, but check the blocks/pulleys and make sure they spin freely.
Trailer status - confirm the trailer is in good shape AND that you can safely tow it. Are there brakes? Do the brakes work? Is it registered? Most importantly, is it structurally sound? Look for cracks in the welds and flaky chipping. If the trailer isn’t safe and legal to tow, it could be a major barrier to you actually getting the boat into the water, and trailers can get really expensive.
Where I live, for $5k my expectation would be that you get a boat you could drop in the water TODAY. It may be tired and it might leak a little (from the top), and the sails might be a little blown out, but it should at least be able to get around the harbor and cruise in protected water.
But the most important thing is that would can get into the water and sail, and soon.
Finally, unless you already have it, expect to pay an extra couple grand after purchase. You’ll need/want PFDs you can rely on and comms/emergency gear for when things go sideways. If one or the other already has any of that AND it’s in good shape, that could be a deciding factor.
Good luck and enjoy the day!
Ready_Strike@reddit (OP)
Thanks for the great tips! Very thorough and thought out.
the_mustard_king@reddit
There’s low chance the condition will be the same all around, if they are comparable, it’s probably going to be a situation where one supersedes the other in different ways and vice versa.
Neither boat is particularly complicated with lots of systems, so I’d go with the one you like more and has things that are in better shape that you DON’T feel comfortable fixing or working on as much, for example I’m not super confident in electrical stuff so I’d buy the one with better working electrical systems.
Both are fun! I’ve been on their smaller siblings the 22 and 23 and both are great! The Ranger is faster though generally, at least for the 23
drroop@reddit
Customer service means diddly squat.
Parts you'll need are going to be generic. Like a block is made by harken, the fuel pump by Yanmar or OMC, lines by new england ropes. Sails are either custom tailored to measurements by a sailmaker, or bought used. Something like a stanchion, is probably best sourced used. I have never interacted with a sailboat manufacturer.
Condition and the feels are what are important. You have to love the thing. If you like the interior of the Ranger, and it has been raced, that's the one to go with.
Racing is hard on it, yeah, but it is also an indication that everything was made to work, and the thing was actually sailed. Vs. a cruiser, might never have put up the spin, doesn't have that stuff.
Decent sails, is like buying a used car with new struts, tires, brakes, and ball joints. Yeah, it is a wear item, and yeah, you can get along with the old (more so with the sails vs. car's suspension, sails aren't a safety thing) That the last guy dumped the few thou into it means you don't have to, and the best money to spend is the previous owner's.
I'd go with the Ranger, for being 20 points less in PHRF. That means 20 seconds per mile faster on average. Which, is not a lot, but kind of indicates a bit better to sail.
In my marina, cheap docks are 25' and less. 26 would be next tier up in the docakage, so that might be a factor. That extra foot might just be on paper, but it could be $$$/year more, and might be worthy of consideration, and might make the Catalina a better deal, but that's dependent on where you're gong to put it.
Ready_Strike@reddit (OP)
Alot of great info / perspective thank you
Strict-Air2434@reddit
In regards to 'Catalina's customer support', they are no more. Out of business but user groups abound. The Ranger would be my preferred boat. They're pretty successful on the race course and I prefer their lines.
Ready_Strike@reddit (OP)
Gotcha, thanks I wasn’t aware Catalina was out of business. Yeah honestly think they are both very pretty
Raneynickelfire@reddit
You can buy any part from any catalina new. Just can't get a new hull.
oogenbaken@reddit
Catalinadirect.com is still up and is an incredible source for parts, guides and support.
I have a 1987 Catalina 25 swing keel and it’s great. I don’t race but still have loads of fun on the water.
Raneynickelfire@reddit
I have an '87 22. Same.
Electrical_Slip_1343@reddit
Here to second catalinadirect.com
Lopsided_Ad_5152@reddit
If you think you might beer can race then I'd go with the Ranger. If you're day sailing or cruising, I'd go with the Catalina. I've owned a few Catalina 25s. They do what they do well. I've never met a Ranger owner who didn't say their boat didn't leak. Practical Sailor had s nice review of both these boats. Having a trailer saves you yard fees during the winter. Good luck!!
Ready_Strike@reddit (OP)
Thanks! Oh boy taking on water isn’t a good sign. The one I’m looking at is on a mooring so should be easier to check for leaks
Raneynickelfire@reddit
They mean leak from above, like waves and rain and whatnot. Not leaking thru the bottom.
Ready_Strike@reddit (OP)
Oh gotcha
Lopsided_Ad_5152@reddit
A lot of Rangers were raced hard and the standing rigging flexing the deck fatigues things and they leak at the chain plates and port lights.
Ready_Strike@reddit (OP)
Any tell tale things to look for or known locations that get water damaged when they do leak? I’ll be looking for rust and water damage everywhere in the boat but don’t know if there’s a spot it likes to collect. Standing and running rigging were replaced in 2017 according to current owner.
Lopsided_Ad_5152@reddit
It's been a long time since I read the Practical Sailor review. It's been even longer since I've stepped foot on a Ranger. Google that review. It's agreat write up and they will cover all your concerns and questions. Let us know what you decide!!
Aggravating_Role2510@reddit
I would do a survey on both. Check the keel bolts and bulkhead under the mast on the ranger. You want to make sure it is solid. The keelboat bolts are underneath a board in the cabin check for rust and degradation. I sail in a ranger 26 a lot and they’re great boats. Just do your due diligence. There’s also very active Facebook group. You may want to go check out.
Ready_Strike@reddit (OP)
Ok great good to know! Thanks
Raneynickelfire@reddit
Catalina is better in every regard AS LONG AS it doesn't have the keel smile.
jh937hfiu3hrhv9@reddit
They are completely different boats but I really like my ranger 33.
vballbeachbum1@reddit
I grew up racing a ranger 26 in the 70's. Was a fun boat. Check the deck for soft spots. Are you going to trailer a boat with a fin keel?
Ready_Strike@reddit (OP)
Awesome! Yeah soft decks definitely on my checklist. Just end of beginning of season to my house 45 min drive.