25 Catalina

A boating classic by any standard, the Chris Craft 25 Catalina Express is surely one of the most popular and durable small family cruisers ever produced. She was built on a solid fiberglass hull, and her nearly 10-foot beam gives the 25 a good deal of interior volume for such a small boat. The cabin accommodations include V-berths forward, a compact galley, standup head with sink, convertible dinette, and ample storage lockers and bins—an efficient layout for a boat of this size and a big reason for the Catalina’s success over the years. Outside, the cockpit is large enough for light-tackle fishing or a few deck chairs, and removable hatches in the cockpit sole provide good engine access. Visibility from the helm is excellent, and the side decks are wide enough to get safely forward. Additional features include a roomy cockpit, good engine access, and standing headroom in the cabin. Nearly all Chris 25 Catalinas were fitted with a single 225/230-hp gas engine. Note that models previous to 1980 carried only 50 gallons of fuel. A rugged little boat even in a chop, the cruising speed is 17–18 knots and the top speed is 25 knots.