Looking at an older Catalina 22

[Ziaduck]

I have found an older Catalina 22 in very good condition. If the last 2 digits in the hull number is the year, then it's a 1974. This boat fits my needs quite nicely (swing keel, trailerable, right size, etc.) I'm struggling a bit with the age of the boat, despite knowing that condition is more important.

Keep in mind that I live in New Mexico, not exactly the sailing mecca of the world. Few sailboats become available in my area, and I've looked at any that pop up. I've even driven up to 200 miles to look at boats, but haven't been impressed enough to buy.

The owner and his partner recently returned from a 3 week trip to the Sea of Cortez with the Catalina. They bough the boat 4 years ago to have a trailerable boat. They each own larger boats. The Catalina was prepped for the trip, so all standing and running rigging was replaced. Everything else was inspected. All wiring was re-done. Though I'm not an expert, everything on this boat looks great. Even the gel coat in in excellent condition for the year. They trailered the boat from Colorado, sailed it for a few weeks, then trailered it back.

It has been set up for singlehanded, which is important to me. It has the pop top and the front vent. Mainsail and Jib are in great shape, and covers are included for both (I plan on storing it rigged, off the water.) It also has a canvas enclosure for the cabin/cockpit which will be nice for the kids when we camp.

It has a Murcury 5hp with forward and reverse that is in great shape. The trailer is decent with good tires and a spare.

Sorry, I don't have pictures, but the boat is really in nice shape for it's age. I had convinced myself to look for a newer boat, but I keep coming back to this one. I've looked at it 3 times already, and haven't found any surprises. The majority of boats I've found so far haven't been sailed in years. Since I am new to sailboats, I don't want to buy a boat that I have to put a lot of money into. I would rather spend a bit of money up front and get on the water.

The asking price is $4200. I know Catalina 22s can be bought for quite a bit less in other areas, but there isn't a huge surplus of boats in this area. I've found newer MacGregors for less, but they simply don't "feel" as good as this boat. The seller may negotiate a little bit, but probably not a lot. What I like about this boat is the fact that it's 100% ready to go.

I don't have to buy a boat this year, but I would really like your input before I let this one slip buy. I'd hate to pass on it and kick myself later. I'm a good judge of people, and the seller seems to be an upstanding guy. He's also quite active in the small sailing club, and well known in the (small) local sailing community.

All advice is appreciated. Thanks!

[sailingdog]

If you like the boat, and think it is in good shape and the survey pans out... you should probably buy it... Macgregors, at least the more recent ones, sail like pigs.

Even if you like the guy, GET A SURVEY. BTW, an older boat that has been well maintained may be a better buy than the same boat of more recent vintage that has not been well maintained.

[Ziaduck]

Thanks, Sailingdog. I honestly don't know that there is anyone who does surveys in this area. I'll need to do some more research to find out.

[djodenda]

I owned a Catalina 22 for a few years a few years ago.

One thing that is important to know is that the improvements made with the MarkII model (1986 and later) are significant, and not practical to change in a "do-it-yourself" manner.... Including...

1) Integrated cooler/companionway step
2) Better forward hatch arrangement
3) Better traveler arrangement
4) Useless slide out galley is now integrated in cabin
5) Integral gas can storage locker.

As a reference, here's the old ad for my old boat:

Catalina 22 for sale, sailboats for sale, used sailboats

I know that this makes your life more complicated...

Sorry about that and good luck!

David

[Ziaduck]

Thanks, that looks like it was a great price on your boat. I agree that the improvements are significant. As mentioned, I don't have to buy this year, but it would be nice. Either way, it's great to get advice from you guys/gals.

[djodenda]

Yep.. It was a good price... The Catalina 22 is a great boat. Look carefully, but try not to miss out on too much sailing!

[baboon]

I do not know much about Catalinas, but Practicle Sailor is doing a series of articles on refurbishing an old 22 right now. They tend to be kind of harsh in their reviews, but it would give you an idea about what to look for, especially if there is no way to survey the boat.

[primerate84]

If you have seen the boat three times already, they are probably not getting too many looks at that price. If you can't find a surveyor in your area, try finding an experienced sailor to go look at the boat with you and if he/she thinks it looks decent, make him a low-ball offer. He just might take it since this is really a buyers' market right now. Let us know how it turns out.

[Ziaduck]

Originally Posted by baboon

I do not know much about Catalinas, but Practicle Sailor is doing a series of articles on refurbishing an old 22 right now. They tend to be kind of harsh in their reviews, but it would give you an idea about what to look for, especially if there is no way to survey the boat.

I think I've come across some of those articles in my research. I'll look for it specifically tonight. Thanks for the tip!

[Iflyka200s]

You've gotton some great advice so far... as usual the folks here are very generous with their time.

I own a Catalina 22 and for a 1974 boat that sounds really high no matter how scarce they might be.

I'd reach out to the people at the C-22 association and if you do an internet search on "Catalina 22" you will find a lot of help, there is a great site by a really nice guy who restored a 1974 C-22.

Good luck, I LOVE mine!