Complete Tour of a Catalina 25 Foot Sailboat

This is a tour of my 1978 Catalina 25 foot sailboat. It is a pretty wonderful sailboat that we trailer all over the western United States. The boat was purchased for $6500 and we have put a fair amount of time and money into it making it the sailboat we always wanted.
This video was recorded as we traveled from Catalina Island to Marina Del Ray. Unfortunately, there was no wind so we had to motor this afternoon. Please feel free to post questions if there are more details you are interested in seeing.

[@chrismeno5502]

This was a great video all the way around. The boat is set up beautifuly. Happy captain with beautiful crew. Hope you are still living the dream!

[@sirfrydryk360]

Hell it's all about having fun, live the life dude!

[@The_Briggs]

We love our little craft. So much adventure in such a small space.

[@richardcraig9005]

Just painted my 20 foot Edson ready for bottom paint dreaming of being on the water much appreciate your video

[@Kris-xu6le]

I'm late to the party but I enjoyed the video thanks.

[@The_Briggs]

What do you mean late to the party? It's here for you!

[@virusfan1607]

your good vibe is contagious by the end of the video I was smiling and very happy. Hope you are doing great!!

[@The_Briggs]

We have a lot of fun on our Cat 25. It really is never a dull moment. Thanks for the subscription, I am working on a video series right now about our winter trip to Santa Cruz Island.

[@virusfan1607]

@@The_Briggs Awesome!

[@Leblueskee]

Absolutely looove your set up! If you run a stiff link from the rudder to the outboard it will solve ur steering issue at low speeds and make your life waaaay easier. I did it on a 33ft contest

[@The_Briggs]

Would my motor be able to tilt with the linkage still connected? I will say that I have gotten pretty good at managing the setup as it is. I would love to see a picture of your setup.

[@Leblueskee]

@@The_Briggs I don’t think I have any pictures of it cause I don’t have the boat any more but here’s a link to the type of ends I used and then just make brakets with a bolt vertically so that it slips on and off and instead of a nut to hold the motor side I used a quick release pin so you can still lift the motor 4pcs SI8T/K PHS8A 8mm Right Hand Female Thread Metric Rod end Joint Bearing SI8TK

[@rec-shopradio8080]

Hey thanks. I just got a 25’ cat. Probably a little older than yours. You gave me great ideas

[@The_Briggs]

Awesome! I've done a few things since this video I will add at some point. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@michaellarson8416]

This video gave me lots of great ideas for outfitting my boat, great overview and it looks like fun!

[@The_Briggs]

It's always a work in progress but we have lots of fun with it.

[@melshark13]

We just bought a Catalina 25. So I'm getting as many ideas as possible. Thank you for sharing

[@The_Briggs]

It's a great boat. We love ours! Hope you enjoy our other videos of the boat in use.

[@cindyalexander2922]

Really good job! Love your 25. Way better than a big power yacht.

[@The_Briggs]

Thanks! It's great to go out for a week and only burn 5 gallons of fuel.

[@koreycalmettes6559]

Hey Greg, we just purchased a Catalina 25 here in Oregon. We have watched your videos prior to buying and liked what you did with yours. We are planning on something similar with ours. But I rewatched this video today and saw your hull number. We own number 1035. Saw yours was 1036. Thought that random fact was worth sharing. Currently, we just have it on the Columbia River for now.

[@The_Briggs]

Awe cool, they must be sisters (or brothers). Do you have any details about yours that might relate to mine?

[@electragician]

I was just going through KZbin videos because I’m wanting to pick up a 20 to 25 foot sailboat for coastal waters around Florida. I adore your boat, and your use of it. Rock on :)

[@The_Briggs]

I had a 22 but moved up to the 25 for overnights. You really need a bathroom if you are on it for more than a couple of days. Good luck in your search.

[@Servant_of_Christ]

What a cool boat!

[@The_Briggs]

I'v done a ton since this video, I will doa follow up video soon.

[@fernandezhernandez9194]

Nice tour, many gadgets!!!!

[@The_Briggs]

It's all about the gadgets.

[@dixee6498]

Thank you for sharing this. I've had a Catalina 27 for over a year now that needs some work and additional customization and this video is giving me ideas now. I think I'm catching that fever again lol! Fair winds bro. Subscribed.

[@The_Briggs]

Glad it was helpful! I need to get an updated video out of some of the newest editions.

[@stevepeterson5943]

Awesome tour/setup! Good energy thats what its all about : ) Looking to upgrade frim my Catalina 22, what kind of keel do you have? And that vent window in the aft berth is so smart. Fair winds matey!

[@jonmintz37]

I did like all the cadgets & lighting.

[@The_Briggs]

Gadgets and lighting get the girls. Really.

[@paulo8001]

Terrific boat for a single or a close couple.

[@The_Briggs]

We do love the boat and find that for trips under a week we can do 4. It's possible but no luxurious.

[@paulo8001]

@@The_Briggs I could imagine that a week would be enough for 4 people! Lol mind you, if it was a week in the Bahamas I think I could happily do that. Still love the boat though.

[@shauningersoll6193]

Man I love it! I just bought a 25 foot Catalina myself and I'm in the process of fixing her up and I have all kinds of questions for you!!

[@andiw1820]

Great video, tons of gadgets!

[@robertocosimini3545]

Great video

[@The_Briggs]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@tiberiu_nicolae]

This guy is ready to party!

[@ryansraven]

Looks like your having fun lol

[@The_Briggs]

Definitely, It was a great week on Catalina.

[@Deweysurbey]

Awesome! Fun boat tour!

[@The_Briggs]

I love this boat. We always have something going on.

[@reallyhappenings5597]

Living the dream!

[@travisrugemer1515]

Great video! 2 suggestions for future videos, turn off the music while you film, it'll make it easier to hear you and you also won't get flagged for copyright if you want to get monetized. Also turn off the motor to film, it'll improve the sound quality greatly.

[@The_Briggs]

I totally took your advice last week and did a video of a week trip on Flathead lake. No motor sound, no music and I bought a fancy furry mic to keep the wind noise down. I will put it together in the next week. Subscribe for details.

[@dongroves9244]

I'd like to learn/see more about the refrigerator. We've been thinking about adding one to our Tanzer 26

[@The_Briggs]

I looked around a bunch and found this one to be the best price with the best fit. It has worked great. It also allows for the handles to be removed in case you have a tight space. It gets cold in like 15 minutes. amzn.to/36ibcif

[@The_Briggs]

Here is the one I bought. amzn.to/3aHZv7J. There are 2 kinds of coolers basically for a boat. One type is dielectric where a fan constantly blows across dielectric plates and cools but only to the level of about 40 degrees below ambient. They are also very slow to cool down the container...like 10 hours. They need to run all the time to maintain this cooling effect. They are relatively cheap and have few moving parts but draw about 3A @ 12v to keep themselves running. The type I eventually installed is one that has a true compressor and refrigeration component that can cool to very low temperatures. Mine can go down to about -6 degrees I believe. They are much more expensive but offer real cooling and do so at a rapid rate. It takes mine about 30 minutes to hit 34 degrees if not loaded with hot beverages. The air is always at 34 so things cool as quickly as the packaging allowed them to. This type of cooler also runs at about 3A or so but one the cooler is cold it turns itself off and only cycles for a few minutes each hour to be more like #a for 10 minutes each hour vs 3A all the time. It has really helped me to conserve power when out for a week.

[@buckwhidden1]

Great tour thanks! Too bad you didn't have more wind to sail back.

[@The_Briggs]

Yeah, for sure, but the wind is less conducive to saying hay, I'll make a long video.

[@theazoic1]

nice tour. would be great to have a video on what your refit actually since I wanna refit a jaguar 25 (same build as your catalina 25). some price tags would be great as well

[@The_Briggs]

Any specific questions? The whole story would be a novel.

[@waltervega8730]

Great video, thanks for sharing. How tall is the headroom with the pop-up? Thank you

[@The_Briggs]

I would think around 6' 6'" or more. It's pretty tall.

[@waltervega8730]

@@The_Briggs thank you for the reply! Safe sailing!

[@drybalsky]

Your boat is absolutely awesome. Now the biggest question is what do you mix in your smoothie

[@The_Briggs]

There is a slight possibility that rum was in our smoothie. Just a slight chance.

[@justsmy5677]

Great video! Is there ever an issue with the pop top leaking when in the “ down” position in rough seas? Thanks

[@The_Briggs]

I have not had that problem at all, you would need a pretty solid green wave to hit the boat to get water through that crack. If it is properly sealed and latched it would most likely not be possible.

[@yavapaiduke4676]

A question had for sure, thx Just Smy & Greg for responding!

[@dougblack7835]

Great tour, many thanks. With respect, I hope the loud, bassy music is played off shore, as in WAY off shore, far from other boats. Don't forget, there's always headphones. But as said: Great tour, very educational!

[@The_Briggs]

I totally understand the sound issues. This is not a boat that will make a marina loud, the interior space sounds rich but not overbearing once off the couch.

[@dougblack7835]

@@The_Briggs Good man!

[@mboyer68]

I'm thinking of buying the same boat and curious how you like yours? Based on this video it appears you live your 25! Is the pop top a standard feature? Thank you! ⛵

[@The_Briggs]

We really like our boat, it is great that we can tow it wherever we wish. The pop top was an option on the older boats, probably around early 70s to early 80s. It's fairly common and I think nearly a necessity.

[@yavapaiduke4676]

Captain Greg this is one great Vid! Considering a First Sail purchase (owned stinks prior) wonder whether your experience would suggest a 25 vs a 28 ??

[@The_Briggs]

Are you going to have to trailer it to use it? 25 if so as mast stepping and overall weight of a 27 would make that job difficult. If you are just going to have it parked in a marine, go with a 27.

[@bullhippo9023]

Wow! I have a 25 ft boat too, I am excited just to have interior lights that work and a ice chest. Would you like to trade ?

[@The_Briggs]

It's not that hard to do. Just start with good parts and build in lots of room for expansion. You can do it!

[@lgnrome]

Do you keep your boat on a slip or do you put it on a trailer? I was just wondering because Im thinking about getting a 25 sailboat myself. Ps keep the music on it makes it look fun

[@The_Briggs]

Trailer only. Way too many places the world to visit that I can drive to from Idaho, but not sail to.

[@lgnrome]

@@The_Briggs Thank you very much for the reply it helps. I dig your sailboat.

[@itsmePassportBro]

Sweet Ride

[@The_Briggs]

Thanks! We love it!

[@reallyhappenings5597]

That's the "volcano" letting water into the cabin... basically an open through-hull for the swing keel cable. You always want quality hose and hose clamps there... any significant leaking there and you've got a problem below the waterline. Do you tow this to the MDR ramp each sail? MDR has a great ramp and lot for LA trailer-sailors.

[@The_Briggs]

I understand the concept of the volcano and why it happens but Can't understand why it wasn't designed better to prevent the boat from getting wet inside. I did use the public ramp in MDR, we trailer from Boise, Idaho for the trip and it worked out real nice.

[@christoplerlee1]

What do you pull the boat with? I have a half ton and thinking of buying a boat like yours. Also, hello from Twin Falls haha!

[@The_Briggs]

Chris Lee I tow it with a 1 ton diesel. A 3/4 ton would be the minimum unless you are doing a very short trip. I have about 1000 lbs of tongue weight on my truck with the boat.

[@captguitarj]

Greg Briggs have you checked the hose fire cracks and wear?

[@The_Briggs]

@@captguitarj NOt sure what that is. I do look at the volcano, kinda rusty hose clamps. Maybe time for a replacement.

[@lsloss2280]

Hi I love your video! I was wondering what tiller pilot that is and which you would reccommend.? I also have a 1979 25 catalina with outboard motor

[@The_Briggs]

I use the pelagic autopilot. It's a really solid autopilot. Besides having a remote it is also waterproof (the other brands are not). I dropped it into 15 feet of water for 1/3 hour and it still works fine. pelagicautopilot.com/

[@mostlyguesses8385]

Like the vid on the Cat 25, especially the rear big sleeping area and also the table, and seeing you enjoying the Pacific. I'm from MN then TX maybe Oregon later, but usually I in my Macgregor 25 stick to rivers the big water scares me and not having a harbor within 10 miles if the motor dies seems terrifying (on the river every bend is a harbor). One day I might get my courage up to hop along the Pacific coast seems combining Ocean+Cliffs must be the utopian landscape and only the West Coast has that (man Texas here is Flaaaaaaat). Can one hang out past the breakers or does this inevitably lead to disaster so is taboo maybe...

[@The_Briggs]

I really like the big read bunk. It's huge and great place to sleep. I think your boat has a water ballast but if you upgrade to a real keel you will feel much more safe. It's quite a bit more stable. And yes, the west coast does have some amazing sailing. Lots of great lakes too if you check out my most recent videos.

[@jptravels]

Subscribed. Liked. ❣🤘👌

[@The_Briggs]

Awesome thank you!

[@thebear6529]

Amazing

[@mr0boe0jangles]

Great video! Got an ‘83 Cat 25 a few weeks ago and have already implemented some of your suggestions. Do you have any specs on that solar rack if I’m trying to get one built? Happy sailing

[@The_Briggs]

I will be working on that video in the off season. Subscribe and I will get it out later.

[@madebyhim1197]

do you find youself needing a VHF radio? did not see one during you tour. in the market and not sure if i need a high end one that can easily walk off when anchored and ashore.

[@The_Briggs]

I have a portable one for now that I turn on when needed. It clips on in my cockpit when needed. I would like to get one installed on my mast for my next ocean voyage. At least to be able to pick up weather and the such.

[@SBChannel688]

Awesome video and a big part in my recent purchase of an 83 C25! It comes to me with no batteries, what kinds of batteries do you use and was it hard to refit everything with LED? Do you remove the batteries to charge them?

[@The_Briggs]

I use 2 6volt golf cart batteries. They mount in the garage/dumpster area. The LEDs are hard-wired. It is LED strip lighting from china. The trick is to use 3m adhesive tape to stick them under the sides of the cabin. I forget the exact name, let me check.... This stuff: amzn.to/3acIPFf

[@The_Briggs]

Use a razor to slice it to the width you need while it is still on the roll.

[@SBChannel688]

@@The_Briggs Thanks! And again, such a great video.

[@hughjamieson9114]

Thanks for your awesome videos Greg. I’m also a Catalina 25 sailor and I picked up a lot of ideas from this walk through. Your best feature on your boat is the anchor roller IMO. Is that the standard Catalina Direct solution or did you have to modify for the Rocna 10? Thanks again for the vids. Hugh

[@The_Briggs]

It was a standard Catalina Direct roller, I really like it. I did have to drill one hole in the anchor so the pin would engage it and hold it in place.

[@hughjamieson9114]

@@The_Briggs And no problem fitting the angle of the spade on the Rocna I assume. I have a Rocna 15, so hoping the same would be true.....did you have to change out the length of your forestay or does it end up being the same as the original fitting? Thanks for your help on this, I've been wanting to make the roller upgrade for a while

[@The_Briggs]

@@hughjamieson9114 I did not need to adjust the stay size. The back stay tension just needs to be adjusted to make this all fit correct.

[@hughjamieson9114]

@@The_Briggs Thanks so much for your reply's Greg. It's really appreciated. Let me know if you're ever sailing on the East Coast and we'll show you and the fam a good time!

[@The_Briggs]

@@hughjamieson9114 Thanks for the offer. Where on the east coast are you?

[@tstoneami]

What size motor are you running?

[@mikegilbert3515]

Hi - just found your Catalina videos (awesome!). Can you tell me where you found (how you installed) the stainless steel cockpit/hatch attachments? I would love to make the same upgrade to my cat25. Cheers!

[@The_Briggs]

Hi, I am not sure what you mean by stainless cockpit attachments. Can you describe that for me a bit more then I will be happy to help.

[@mikegilbert3515]

@@The_Briggs I knew I was probably not being clear. I'm talking about the steel trim around your hatchboards, and the steel handle for the cockpit hatch. It looks a lot more secure than the original teak trim.

[@The_Briggs]

@@mikegilbert3515 I'm sorry to say that they came with the boat and I don't know when they were added. You might try the Catalina 25 facebook group to see if anyone knows where to source them. Sorry for the lack of information.

[@ashleyf5751]

Do you have a shower on board? If so could you give us a name/review of the one you use? Thanks so much :)

[@The_Briggs]

So sorry, there is no room for a shower other than a mini propane one but you shower on deck. Do you want that info?

[@knoxvilledrummerslaidoc4508]

That’s almost exactly the same boat I bought for $2000 in Gulfport Florida - unfortunately I sold it when the 2017 hurricane came thru - but I want to buy another boat - the Catalina 25 is too small for me - I want to be able to stand up inside it more

[@The_Briggs]

The 25 is great for trailering, much lager and moving the boat can be problematic. The pop top does help with headroom but if you want to be able to walk a round the whole time it might not be a good fit.

[@martinpugh9700]

Where did you get the solar arch? Would also love to hear more details on the electrical!

[@The_Briggs]

It was a custom build. I will do a video of the build here in a few weeks. Subscribe and you will see it when released.

[@sallybarnes8111]

Wow. I’ve got a Jaguar 25 with a Volvo engine but notice you’ve got an outboard. So what do you use the engine compartment for and did your ever have an engine?

[@richardfiorentino3951]

I have a 25ft Catalina and it came with an outboard engine - I believe all 25’s have outboards - 27ft have inboards diesels I believe

[@The_Briggs]

Never had an inboard on it. The Cat 25 did not have that option except for a few models. Starboard is a sleeping area, port had a big room you access off the top deck which is my electrical room.

[@aaronvancamp6552]

I like it, how much fuel and water do you carry, I have a 25 ft Us yacht. Very similar interior.

[@The_Briggs]

I carry 3 gallons on small lakes and 6 on large lakes. Also 3 in the dinghy.

[@itsmePassportBro]

Hi is was your outboard 9.9hpmotor 15inch or 20inch long shaft.

[@The_Briggs]

I can't quite remember. It is a long shaft, about 5 inches longer than my dinghy motor. I would probably get as long as you can so it stays in water when heeling/motor sailing.

[@Israel-yd8jl]

What motor output motor or Badle

[@trentraffaelli2046]

Would love to know how you secure your Pop Top to keep it from falling down under way.

[@The_Briggs]

There is a fitting you buy that rides in the channel on the back of the mast. It has a hook on it. You hook the front of the pop-top on it and when you secure the rear poles of the pop-top it is impossible for it to fall off. Does that make sense?

[@patrickpeterson3136]

Do 25’s have inboard engines or out board. ??

[@The_Briggs]

I think 90% have outboards. I have seen one inboard I think in my days.

[@patrickpeterson3136]

@@The_Briggs thx brother. Focusing on Catalina 27 😂👍

[@gdolloway]

Did you build the solar arch or did it come on the boat?

[@The_Briggs]

Funny you should ask: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qorOZnmci8ateLs

[@thebestskibum8346]

What traveler are you using?

[@The_Briggs]

It came with the boat so I am not sure where it was purchased. I can try to get some photos of it next time I am out at the boat.

[@thebestskibum8346]

@@The_Briggs yeah that would be awesome. We live in SLC and have a Cat 25 that we keep on a slip all summer it's good fun. Here's our channel: kzbin.info/door/Prz6q-eSPTQAPmCD-rcregvideos

[@danschmidt5684]

Really important question: Can you provide the name ("...medical bottles") of or link to your spirits bottles? I've been looking for the right size bottles to fit there.

[@The_Briggs]

Here is the 1 liter bottle. They come in many sizes. The largest that fit are the 1 liter: amzn.to/30SP2TH

[@The_Briggs]

Here is the next size down: www.ebay.com/itm/4-Nalgene-Narrow-Mouth-Lexan-500mL-Square-Bottles-w-Caps-2015-0500/223859129347?epid=1513001887&hash=item341f0b3c03:g:55cAAOSwjhJeIg5i

[@The_Briggs]

In case these links expire in the distant future search for: Lexan Square clear XXXml. The XXX means size you want like 1000, 750, 500, 250

[@danschmidt5684]

@@The_Briggs Thanks for the quick reply.

[@jlmckee90]

Is the that catalina 25 with the water ballast?

[@The_Briggs]

No, this one has a swing keel. If you look at the end of my series on the Channel Islands, you will see the boat on the trailer with some closeups.

[@seanstrickland4970]

how long would it take you to motor to catalina? thanks

[@The_Briggs]

About 6-7 hours from Marina Del Mar. That's a pretty good marina to launch from with a large public space.

[@boatinboys8240]

Where did you get the son top? I want one for my c25

[@The_Briggs]

Do you mean the pop-top? Some of the models came from the factory like that. I am not sure if you can add it as an option later.

[@boatinboys8240]

@@The_Briggs no the solar rack. I'm looking for some shade and that looked really cool and like it could be outfitted to provide even more shade if needed

[@boatinboys8240]

@@The_Briggs I wrote son but meant sun 😆

[@The_Briggs]

@@boatinboys8240 kzbin.info/www/bejne/qorOZnmci8ateLs

[@boatinboys8240]

@@The_Briggs well isn't that helpful. You've left me no choice. I will subscribe. Thanks for the help

[@gheckolock81]

Low budget Robin Williams in a pop top Catalina!

[@The_Briggs]

Very low budget.

[@gheckolock81]

@@The_Briggs Your such a good sport!

[@The_Briggs]

@@gheckolock81 If you can't laugh right back at life then it's going to be a hard few years for you.

[@gheckolock81]

@@The_Briggs yeah, I'm trying to learn that lesson. Keep on sailing!

[@adolfoarrieta5178]

Crear Boat, i Wanna get one of these Catalina s.

[@allenhorning5506]

xwing keel boat?

[@The_Briggs]

Actually a swing keel.

[@chroniciguana402]

I've seen public housing with more charm than you've given this Cat 25. A little cluttered, but hey ... it's your boat. Enjoy.

[@The_Briggs]

If you promise not to tease me about my boat's lack of "charm" then I will promise not to tease you about your boat's lack of gadgets.

[@electragician]

@@The_Briggs That boat is absolutely awesome!

[@patriotofgod9827]

So a tour of a floating bar.

[@The_Briggs]

Yeah, guilty.

[@TOOMENETOYS]

Admit it , you decked your car out from Jc Whitney back in the day !

[@The_Briggs]

Yes, something similar.

[@larrygrimmett5829]

You forgot the review of your crew.

[@The_Briggs]

Sorry Larry, all business on this one.

[@Anon-te6uq]

No shower?

[@The_Briggs]

No shower at all, best to sail when it is warm out and swim in the ocean with a bar of soap.

[@harbourdogNL]

I was extremely disappointed with this video. There was absolutely zero detailed look at or discussion of the bikinis being worn by the crew members. Please do not repeat this oversight in future videos.

[@The_Briggs]

HA! It probably should have been documented more. It made the trip much more enjoyable! They are also all really cool!