We''re looking for our first weekend lake sailer and have narrowed it down to an ''84 MacGregor 22 or an ''84 Catalina 22, both well-maintained. The MacGregor is much lighter--1800 lbs. vs. 2490 lbs, so easier to trailer and launch (draws only 6" with swingkeel up) but has built-in flotation--which does take away from interior space. We like the interior of the Catalina but it has no flotation and we''re wondering how it would sail in the light winds we get around here during summer (due to heavier weight), though Catalinas do seem to be very popular in this area. The Catalina would cost about $2,000 more but does have roller furling, a newer outboard, depth sounder, propane stove, sink, upgraded trailer, bimini, etc. and seems to have a higher base value--though it''s hard to find many MacGregors around of that era, most people don''t even realize there are steel-ballasted ones out there. The MacGregor has a lighted compass and knot meter (which the Catalina doesn''t have)and shade awning that can only be used while anchored. It has no stove and the slideout sink arrangement seems awkward and (though included) has been removed by the current owner since it seems to get in the way. Both boats have porta-potties and swim ladders. The MacGregor has a genoa, 110 jib and storm sail (which take up alot of room inside), while the Catalina only has the 110 jib on the roller-furling.
We would like decent performance but have a preschooler and are also concerned about safety and both my wife and I not having to both pay constant attention to the helm and sails. We''d mostly keep it docked at a local lake but would like to trailer it once or twice a year to Lake Erie, Kentucky Lake or somewhere else for a family trip. The Catalina is already docked at the lake we''d be using, and its owner will be continuing as a member of that sailing club, while the MacGregor is about 140 miles away on a trailer and was mostly sailed in Lake Erie till 2 yrs ago.
Any advice or recommendations are welcome. Thanks!
We would like decent performance but have a preschooler and are also concerned about safety and both my wife and I not having to both pay constant attention to the helm and sails. We''d mostly keep it docked at a local lake but would like to trailer it once or twice a year to Lake Erie, Kentucky Lake or somewhere else for a family trip. The Catalina is already docked at the lake we''d be using, and its owner will be continuing as a member of that sailing club, while the MacGregor is about 140 miles away on a trailer and was mostly sailed in Lake Erie till 2 yrs ago.
Any advice or recommendations are welcome. Thanks!