What do you plan to do with the boat? Racing? The earlier models are supposed to be lighter...faster. The newer generation more comfortable, the mark II are the ultimate 22s. I like to camp on mine. Some (most) weekends it's tied to the dock. I just like being on board. Sleeping is awesome. I'm an up with the chickens kind of guy. The first night on my first 22 was spent at the marina on the trailer. I had a leak at the cockpit drain the night before and pulled it out to seal things up. It was in the 30's that night. No heat. I woke up at 10:00 am. I was all sleepy headed and there were people milling around all over the marina. Here I am on the trailer, just up from the launch with morning hair. I was a little embarrassed that I had slept so late. I don't remember ever sleeping that well. Never got cold. All this was on the trailer. When I got it relaunched that morning the sleep that night was almost as good in the water. Rock a bye baby. I love camping in general, on the boat is that much better. Sailing it was magic...a little puff of wind and this massive ( to me) boat would leap to speed. Pure magic. Not enough words to describe the feeling.
What ever boat you wind up with, seal up the bottom stuff first, every thing else can be done while it floats. I find the projects and planning every bit as enjoyable as the sailing...except for the windows on the new boat.... I also find the mast stepping to be a pain. If mine was not in a wet slip, I'd buy another Jeep. The ability to just drive to the boat with an overnight bag and a cooler makes all the effort worthwhile. Your experience and methods will be different, but hopefully just as enjoyable. As mentioned buy it how you want it. Projects will cost as much as finished turn key boats, but the projects will make the boat yours. Never fear, there is lots of help here, and there is almost nothing that can't be fixed. When the world ends, there will be only cockroaches and they'll be living on sailboats. My first catalina 22 was sold for enough profit to buy an oday 25 and pay for the slip,for a year. I never quite bonded with the oday like I did with the 22. If you are 6 feet tall, look for the new edition, there is room for your feet when sleeping. If you stay in a marina, make sure it is populated with your kind of folks. Mine is not the nicest, but there is always help when you need it and no blue blazer, Thuston Howell the third types. Very laid back and comfortable. Rambling, I know, but I truly think you'll find the whole experience rewarding.
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