[domromer]

I'm looking to buy my first keel boat. Right now I mostly sail my hobie 16 most weekends. I've been thinking of getting something that would allow me to go further afield and maybe do some camping. I've done some research and it seems that cat 22 is popular for this, I've also sailed a daysailer a fair bit and find it attractive due to it's simplicity. The 22 has a cabin and bunks which would be great for camping as well. I'm not sure which way to go. I was hoping some of you guys could offer some imput.

 

[socal c25]

Get yourself a keel boat the C22 is a great starter, I started out in a Venture 21 and less than 2 years I moved up to a MacGregor 25 then onto a Catalina 30. Twenty years later I am in a Coronado 25. The C22 is easy to trailer, rig, and sail it has enough room for a few peeps to join you, or if you have a family you can take the whole group.

 

[CatMan22]

I'm with SoCal, get the 22. Not only is it a great boat to learn on (I'm a little biased having had two), but it is a blast to sail. There is no limit to the amount of information out there on them and parts are readily available for any repair you may have to perform, trust me on this. They are easy to rig if you trailer them, a breeze to launch and single hand and fun to overnight on, plus they keel hum is a sure sign you're doing things right.

 

[chip]

It sounds like you already have a fun daysailer in your Hobie. If you want something substantially different that you can more easily spend weekends on, a Catalina 22 is a great option. There are also several other boats in that size range that would work, depending on your specific needs and what's available around you. I don't think you can go wrong with a C22 in decent shape though...they're a proven boat with a great community and lots of parts and info around. I certainly loved mine.

 

[SHNOOL]

I'd recommend a Capri 22... faster than a Cat 22, just as easy to get parts, sails better, and is really more about room for day sailing, but still has decent room below to bed down for the night.... You won't regret the upgrade.

 

[Sal Paradise]

My C22 can easily make 6 mph measured on my gps in a 8 -10 knot breeze while carrying 6 people. I'm happy with the performance. In my opinion it's a miserable task to rig and set up. But on the whole it's perfect for us.

 

[dixiedawg]

My wife and I have been trailer-sailing a C22 for a year now, and we couldn't be happier. We were avid tent-campers to start with, and we bought the C22 with the intention of using it as a small "boaterhome". We have the new design, which is a little better suited as an RV than the original (we owned one of those too, briefly).

I guess if I had a complaint, it would be that there is no realistic way for two adults to sleep together in comfort. The cabin space is there, but it seems Catalina was more interested in the marketing pitch "sleeps four!" than "sleeps two adults COMFORTABLY". (My owner's manual actually says the boat sleeps FIVE, which I hope I never live to see! I'll be sleeping on the foredeck if it ever happens - rain or shine! :laugher)

I don't find it to be a major pain to set up and take down. My wife is a big help though. It takes us about 40 minutes. Granted, that's an hour and a half taken out of your sailing day, but on an overnight (or multi-night) cruise, it becomes insignificant.

 

[Sal Paradise]

Do you set yours up while on the trailer? I tried doing it in the slip this year. Was about just as hard. Sailing is hard enough without all that.

If i was really dry sailing, I'd get a smaller daysailer that is easier to set up.

 

[domromer]

Thanks for all the feedback. I'm also looking at ww Potter 15s. They seem to be kinda in between the cat and the daysailer.

 

[Minnesail]

Thanks for all the feedback. I'm also looking at ww Potter 15s. They seem to be kinda in between the cat and the daysailer.

I have a Catalina 22 on a little local lake, there are also several West Wight Potter's moored here. They're cute as heck! They're not as stable as a C22 and you couldn't bring as many people, but on the other hand they're cheaper and easier to trailer.

They're light enough you can beach them and brute-force them around on shore. I've seen people beach them and tip them to work on the top of the mast.

 

[dixiedawg]

Do you set yours up while on the trailer? I tried doing it in the slip this year. Was about just as hard. Sailing is hard enough without all that.

If i was really dry sailing, I'd get a smaller daysailer that is easier to set up.

Yes, we generally do it on the trailer. I tie a line to the end of the forestay, which my wife takes the other end of and walks to the front of the truck. I stand in the cockpit and lift the mast over my head, which enables her to easily pull it up the remainder of the way up and hold it there while I fasten the forward lower shrouds.

If I'm on the water, I just stand on the hatch and manhandle the mast upward. It's manageable, but one of the durn shrouds always seems to snag (right at the worst possible point in the lifting motion) on one of the pop top cover snaps, on the corner of the cabin top. Makes the veins pop out on your forehead! Besides, I'm 47 and I dunno how much longer I'll have that kinda heave-ho left in me. Best to not waste it.

 

[Westsailforever]

Can't go wrong with a C22 , some are fixed keel . My first boat was a O'Day 23 , had a schoal draft keel with a swing board that made it trailerable . I'd probably still have that boat but we couldn't stand up in it . Some of the Cats. have a pop top . Forget the Potter ,IMO . Sorry Potter Yachters .

 

[domromer]

Quick update...I bought a peep hen!

Anchored for some swimming - Camping in our new Peep Hen on the Crystal River / Kings Bay, FL Saturday 11/15 - Sunday 11/16 2014 by dsrphotography, on Flickr

More pics if anyone is interested in more Peep Hen fun.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/dsrphotography/sets/72157648703307440/

 

[JimMcGee]

Quick update...I bought a peep hen!

Congratulations!

I'm not familiar with the Peep Hen but it looks like a fun little boat. Cool that you can run her right up on the beach.

 

[socal c25]

Looks like a fun little boat, congrats.

 

[mf70]

Happy cruising!

 

[Barquito]

Domromer -

Thanks for checking in! I like to hear how these things turn out. What do you think of the Peep Hen?

 

[Woodfinatic]

I have sailed a catalina 22 ...great boats but i definetly recommend if the sheet traveler is in the very aft of the boat move it to the companion way or cabin top...bout got hurt by and accadental gybe