a good year for Cat 22's???

[Michael]

Anyone have any suggestions regarding "vintage" Cat 22's? By that I mean, is there an era of these boats you'd avoid buying? I'm looking at some 1970s Cat 22s along with mid-80s boats and am wondering if I should focus on a particular year of boats in my price range. Said another way, are most 30 year-old Cats going to need a lot more maintenance and repair than your average 15 year old Cat? Just stands to reason, but I thought I'd check it out. . .Thanks

 

[Dick of Sylvan]

TLC vs. AGE

In general older probably means more fix-up is needed, but the care given a boat is also quite important. Many older Cat 22's have been well maintained and upgraded to be even better than they were when new. Others are neglected and a mess. Some folks like the 70's vintage for racing, if they are willing to do a lot of upgrading and handwork. Recommend you select a sound boat whatever the age, as some repairs are quite expensive and time-consuming.

 

[Jack Rhines]

A Good year Cat 22

Unlike Detroit Catalina only made one realbig change in there Catalina 22 ,that was the MarkII model in 1995! That information I found in JerryCardwell book "Sailing Big on a small boat" very good info on the Cat. 22. Many small changes, im sure!Over 16,000 boats total run! I think real factor will be how much money you wan't to spend up front! Or how much you want to spend on fix up. I have never been so optimistic to thing used stuff is as new! I can talk about my own 1979 Fin keel Cat 22, I tried to do my home work so I could Evaluate boat on my own, boats in this low price range I do not belive need a survey!Unless you really unsure on condition! But you do need to know what to look for! This forum is a good place to start. I have learned a great deal here in just a short time, by reading info by other owners. One thing look at every boat you have time to see. Point out good and bad points to owner and don't be afraid to walk away, There are a lot of boats to look at. By doing this you willjump at the right boat when you see it. I went to see my boat and new right away it was for me, If I had not been active looking or not done my home work I would have no idea what I was even looking at! And I may have passed it up. I will be steping up to bigger boat soon,I will try to stick with a Catalina boat.Why change when you know product you have is a good one. But A lot will depend on price Etc. Good luck and thank you to all who contribute to this forum. Jack

 

[Frank Gloss]

Look at gas tank locker

Hi there,I bought a 1984 Catalina 22 in good shape. I wished I researched them a little more though. Sometime in the mid 80's they changed the port lazarette to make the gas tank compartment isolated from the interior of the boat. Mine does not have that and I wished it did. If the gas tank vent gives off fumes you smell it in the boat. I am now trying to come up with a design to retro fit a gas tank compartment with a vent outside.Another thing to look at is the older boats like mine have the electrical panel near the floor, the newer models have it on the starbord bulkhead. Obviously a better place in case of partial flooding.This is a great boat. I have the swing keel and like it because of ease of getting off the bottom if grounded. I take the boat into shoal waters and it is an advantage. This is one of the more controversial things about the boat.Catalina 22 folks are great and are always willing to helpFrank GlossWind Magic #10446fgloss@knology.net