Your Opinion on My Purchase

[JACK1979]

Hello All!
I am new to this forum and new to sailing. I have owned various power boats and this year decided that I wanted to learn to sail to take better advantage of beautiful Lake Michigan here in Chicago. I completed a basic keelboat class and I have been hooked ever since. I wanted to introduce myself and also get opinions on a purchase I just made. I think it was a good deal but I am looking forward to hearing your opinions and also to get any information you might have on this particular boat. The boat is a 1981 Cal 2-25. It has an inboard diesel, a tiller autopilot, vhf radio, head with holding tank and pump out, roller furling jib, and a bunch of other accessories the owner left me. I have attached some photos. So what do you guys think? I paid 4K for her. I did not have a survey done. I know that is a big no no but at that price the expense of a survey seemed like overkill. The previous owner gave me boxes, literally, of receipts, manuals, service records.

Here is a link to the photos:

http://s195.photobucket.com/albums/z89/manny91979/cal%202-25/

[anglooff]

It hard to be definitive from a distance and the areas where there are no photos are the areas where generally one could have cause for concern. Notwithstanding that you have experience of boating so obviously your subconscious knowledge/feelings/expectations about the basics were facilitated.

Therefore assuming that,what we can see is a 30 year boat looking in excellent condition for its age, with a bibliography of dated invoices of replacements parts and services to augment your decission at a very very reasonable price.

So let me add to your pleasure, by positively endorsing you selection and further add my hopes and best wishes that she provides you with all pleasures I am sure you are anticipating also welcome to the forum

Regards

Alan

[Sailmonkey]

From the pictures, it looks like you did extremly well..........good luck and enjoy!!

[JACK1979]

Thank you both for the kind words. I am sure as I get to spend more time with the boat I will have plenty of questions and after browsing the various threads here, I know I am in the right place. It seems like the Cal 2-25 is not nearly as popular as the Cal 25, at least judging by the amount of information I could gather off the web. I was really hoping someone familiar with the 2-25 would chime in with some of it's known shortcomings and/or problem areas to look out for.

[sailorboy1]

If you are happy with the boat, we are happy for you! Welcome to the sailing world.

[Bash]

any movement from power to sail is a good movement. congrats on the new boat.

[JACK1979]

Originally Posted by Bash

any movement from power to sail is a good movement. congrats on the new boat.

Thanks guys! Yes, I am really enjoying the move from power boating. I don't regret the power boating, it was alot of fun, but I definitely would have missed out on alot more fun if I never would have given sailing a chance.

[JACK1979]

......and you never really realize just how noisey a boat motor is until you sail without one. Now everytime the motor is turned on to get in and out of the harbor I find it SO ANNOYING!

[LuvToSail]

I love the cockpit and room below on these boats. Cal boats are well built too. Not the fastest boat in light air but everything is a trade off when it comes to sailboats!!

The single cylinder Yanmar sips fuel and runs well.

[boatman61]

I think you did great mate.... Nice one... Enjoy youself...

[rebel heart]

Looks like you did good for yourself!

[SkiprJohn]

Congratulations! Well done.
regards,

[rgscpat]

Welcome to the light side! (grin), and here's wishing you much joy. I hope you'll also be able to get together with a congenial group of sailors and share your time on the water with other. And, there are plenty of books and videos for getting better at the specifically sailing stuff.

[Jake Tanley]

Jack,

Congrats on the boat. If you haven't already, you'll want to sign up with the Cal Yahoo Group. Very active group with a lot of good information.

[denverd0n]

What I think is that you should never ask for other people's opinions after the fact. You like the boat. You are happy with your purchase. That is all that matters. At this point, what anyone else thinks doesn't make any difference at all.