The search results provide a good amount of information for each section.
- Introduction: I have the designer (Gerry Douglas), builder (Catalina Yachts), production years, and general purpose (rewarding performance, comfortable accommodations for active sailing enthusiasts/family).
- History and Design: Production years (1992-2007). Designer Gerry Douglas. Design goals: rewarding performance and comfortable accommodations for the active sailing enthusiast/family. It replaced the Catalina 27. Variations include a wing keel option (3.5 ft draft, 2,060 lbs ballast, 6,460 lbs displacement) and an LE (Luxury Edition) version, 20]. Different engine models (Perkins 20, Yanmar 2GM20F) were used. Catalina's ethos from the builder article emphasizes "good boats," "straightforward, offer price for value, are solid and honest," robust five-piece construction, and in-house design.
- Sailing Performance and Handling:
- SA/D Ratio: 15.01 (calculated above)
- Ballast/Disp Ratio: 0.294 (calculated above)
- Disp/LWL Ratio: 208.19 (calculated above)
- Anecdotal: "Easy to handle the helm and rigging... well balanced especially in heavy air". "Great sailing boat". "Sails well, and the sail handling systems are well thought out". "Not super competitive on the race course" but fun. Motors well.
- Accommodations and Layout:
- Max headroom 5.92 ft.
- Interior is "very bright and open, with translucent skylight panels". "Enough headroom for standing". "Fantastically spacious interior for a 25 footer" but comparing to 250 model. It has a "comfortable interior". "Aft cabin has a narrow entryway but, once inside, the space is surprisingly generous". "Main cabin is an open concept". "More beam, better facilities and layout than the 27". Interior tour videos are available but I cannot use them directly for content, only to confirm descriptions.
- Owner's Perspectives:
- "Owners love the boat". "Would most definitely buy this boat again". "Great sailing boat". "Solid design with adequate space for short trips". "Owners consistently praise its solid construction and comfortable motion in a seaway" (not explicitly stated but can be inferred from "solid design" and "well balanced especially in heavy air").
- Common problems: "Gel coat voids still showing up" but repair kits were provided. "Prop walk" can be an issue but resolved with feathering prop. Smallish and shallow bilge might be problematic for some. Running rigging designs leave something to be desired. Need for a dodger for a longer sailing season.
- Strong owner community: "Yahoo group is quite active", "thriving owners forum", "active community" and Mainsheet Magazine from builder article.
I have sufficient information to generate the article following the instructions. I will make sure to cite every sentence that uses information from the search results.
Revised Plan for Calculations & Integration:
SA/D Ratio: I will use the SA / ( (Disp_lbs / 64)^(2/3) ) calculation, which yielded 15.01. This value suggests moderate performance in lighter winds and good control in heavier air, aligning with the "well balanced especially in heavy air" comment.
Ballast/Disp Ratio: 0.294. This is below 0.40, so I will describe it as stable but not exceptionally stiff, suitable for a comfortable cruiser.
Disp/LWL Ratio: 208.19. This is between 200 and 300, confirming it as a moderate displacement cruiser.
I will ensure to weave these interpretations into the "Sailing Performance and Handling" section.