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Catalina 250
Designer: Frank Butler  ·  First built: 1994
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About the Catalina 250

Introduced as part of Catalina Yachts' popular small-boat lineup, this 25-footer represents the builder's commitment to accessible recreational sailing. Despite limited available specifications, the Catalina 250 fits squarely within the company's tradition of producing well-built, affordable sailboats designed for weekend warriors and sailing enthusiasts seeking reliable performance without breaking the bank. This model appeals primarily to coastal cruisers and day sailors who value manageable size over ultimate speed or luxury accommodations. Catalina's reputation for solid fiberglass construction and practical design likely carries through to the 250, making it suitable for sailors transitioning from smaller dinghies or those seeking a comfortable boat for protected waters and near-shore adventures. The 250's modest dimensions suggest straightforward handling characteristics that would appeal to couples or small families. While not intended for extended offshore passages, boats in this size range from Catalina typically offer basic creature comforts and sensible layouts that maximize usable space. The brand's focus on value engineering means owners can expect reasonable build quality and parts availability, though perhaps not the refinement found in premium marques. For sailors prioritizing affordability and ease of maintenance, the Catalina 250 represents practical sailing within reach.

Market Price Estimate Beta
$7,500 – $13,850
typical asking price · boat only
Median $13,675  ·  6 listings used
Boat only
$7,500 – $13,850 6
With trailer
$6,000 – $6,000 2
Rate a listing price
$
About this estimate
  • Prices are based on recent asking prices from public listings — not actual sale prices, which are typically lower.
  • Condition is not factored in. A well-maintained boat with new sails and engine can be worth significantly more than a project boat of the same model.
  • Location affects price. Boats in landlocked states or areas with fewer buyers often sell for less than those on the coast.
  • Year of manufacture is not filtered. Older examples of this model will generally be priced lower than newer ones.
  • Included equipment varies widely. A boat with a full suite of electronics, dodger, and new standing rigging may command a large premium.
  • Outliers are automatically excluded using statistical filtering to improve accuracy, but some bad data may remain.
Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 25.00 ft / 7.62 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 22.00 ft / 6.71 m
Beam 8.50 ft / 2.59 m
Max Draft 3.92 ft / 1.19 m
Displacement 4,200 lb / 1,905 kg
Ballast 1,550 lb / 703 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 260 ft² / 24.15 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Frank Butler
First Built 1994
Last Built 2005
Number Built 1500
Owner Reviews

No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.

Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
 216
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
 15.96
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
 36.9
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
 176.09
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
 16.28
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
 2.11
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 6.29 kn
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 4.01 pounds/inch
Resources & Community
⚓ Class Association C25/250 & Capri 25 International Association
Find a Catalina 250 For Sale
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