buy a Catalina 22?

Mar 25, 2015
146
catalina 22 Fort Walton
If I post some pics of some of my concerns will ya'll be able to talk me through some stuff?
 
Nov 19, 2008
2,129
Catalina C-22 MK-II Parrish, FL
If I post some pics of some of my concerns will ya'll be able to talk me through some stuff?
"Hopefully"

I see your from Ft Walton? Like in Florida? You know there is a very active C-22 fleet right there, and you have some valuable resources with them.

We'll be there in May for the C-22 North Gulf Coast Cruise.

Don
 
Mar 25, 2015
146
catalina 22 Fort Walton
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This is the boat.

Small chunk out of the bow.
Any big issue there?

See the seats?
Opening the lids this is what I see.
Duct tape is covering moldy foam.

I know enough about boats and sailing only to know that I am stupid about boats and sailing.

Price is 2500$ all other fiberglass and sails and stuff is structurally sound...maybe not pretty but sound. I would really appreciate your thoughts...anyone?
 
Sep 8, 2014
2,551
Catalina 22 Swing Keel San Diego
I can't see the chunk missing from the bow... that is indicator of a collision, depending on how bad, and could be a bigger deal than you think.
What you have is a pre 1986 'New design', which the same as my boat (1982).
The mold is a big deal an a major indication of neglect. DO NOT pay $2500 for that boat! I wouldn't offer more than $1500 and that would have to come with a trailer in good working order and an outboard motor in good working condition. The boat alone with no trailer, in that condition... $700 at best.
 
Mar 25, 2015
146
catalina 22 Fort Walton
Thanks for the input. Crap this is frustrating.

I kinda figured 25 was a tad over. But seriously... 700$ is actual value? I don't think seller would be interested at all.

No trailer.
Will have 6hp outboard.
Boat was left in the slip for 2 years, took on a lot of water and was given to a guy who put in a fair amount of work on it.

So yes, boat was definitely neglected but is that moldy foam a no kidding deal breaking problem?
 
Mar 25, 2015
146
catalina 22 Fort Walton
Cloud - I guess i am asking if that foam is supposed to be exposed? is there an underlying structural issue? I can clean pretty darn well... plus cloud! I desperately want to sail. .. teach my kids to sail! Ugh. This sucks.
 
Sep 8, 2014
2,551
Catalina 22 Swing Keel San Diego
I can't tell what particular area the exposed foam is, but generally there isn't much exposed foam in that area. Really, there is no 'foam' in my boat, there is just a few small areas where the cockpit liner and hull are joined and there is some exposed adhesive which does look like foam. I also can't tell if that is fiberglass that has delaminated that you are holding back with your fingers... that would be a structural issue.
Regardless, without a trailer there is no way that boat is worth $2500. Cleaning up all that mold is a pain. Mine had some, but not nearly as much as I see in those pics. It does not matter how much work the guy put into it, not worth a lick over $750, IMO.
 
Dec 23, 2008
771
Catalina 22 Central Penna.
Foam

I think the foam was an option from mfg and back then glass boats of this size were somewhat new so a fellow with money would want all of the safety available. Everyone should know that the safest boat can sink in the right conditions. The foam can be removed on this model of boat, some of the other mfg boats in this category the foam was mandatory.

A small boat without a trailer is just another boat for sale at the marina like all the big ones. The extra money for the trailer makes the boat much more valuable because your not at the marina’s mercy when it comes to repairs or moving the boat to another location.

I agree that this boat maybe overpriced without a trailer, the clean up and repairs can be done much much easier at home than when you have to go to the marina to perform it.
 
Jul 23, 2013
487
1981 Catalina 22 #10330 Bayview, ID
What's the story on all the duct tape? It looks like they tried to make lid seals with it, which isn't alarming, but tape on the inside of the lazarettes at the hull joint suggests they were trying to stop leaks, which would be a deal breaker to me.

Leaks = mold
Mold = spores
Spores = almost impossible to eradicate permanently. They're an ongoing battle that's hard to win, particularly in humid climates.
 
Mar 25, 2015
146
catalina 22 Fort Walton
This. This educated discussion is exactly what I need but can't accomplish on my own...thank you all so much.

It is duct tape not fiberglass. It seems to be a crummy attempt to deflect water away from foam? You guys are awesome btw. Now want a cat22 just to be part of the community.
 
Nov 19, 2008
2,129
Catalina C-22 MK-II Parrish, FL
Spartacus,

You live in a wonderful location. One of the most active C-22 fleets, (Fleet-77), is located right there in Ft Walton Beach at the Ft Walton Yacht Club. Get in touch with them. They might be able to give you some first hand information on decent C-22's, and might even know where a suitable boat might be located in the area.

Check the National Catalina-22 web site for contact information on Fleet-77, or send me a private message and I can pass some contact information on to you.

You don't need to spend $2,500. on someones hazmat project.

Don
 
Mar 2, 2015
20
Catalina 22 Cape Cod & Casco Bay
I wouldn't touch that boat for any price.
There are too many C22s out there that are sound.
There's no need to take on a wreck like that (unless it is given to you and you want spend a lot of time rehabbing it)
DGC
 
Sep 23, 2014
59
Catalina 22 The Harba! NJ
When I bought Fortuitous, I did a ton of research on 22s and I was fortunate enough that the previous owner had a very extensive blog (Sailingfortuitous.com, check them out!) that showed all his issues and the repairs he had made to the boat during the time he had owned it. With this knowledge I felt confident going into the deal, but I hired a Marine Surveyor anyway. It cost me around $500, but it was money well spent. Although he pointed out a lot of issues I had already found, he showed me a few issues that I did not identify. I think more over it was a "Peace of Mind Expense". Sure the Surveyor didnt catch everything, no one ever will. But to have a neutral professional look over the boat is invaluable. Well actually, its about $500.00 haha. As some of the previous poster stated, you can contact a local C22 fleet for advice, but in my area, they are a little hard to find. Also you have to take into consideration that owner of your potential boat is part of the sailing club you are contacting for advice. Opinions of boat seaworthy-ness could be "skewed"

Eitherway, that boat looks terrible. Unless you really want a project and have a workshop/enclosed garage that it'll fit into, Id avoid that 22.
 
May 19, 2014
77
Catalina 22 wing Westbrook CT
In my opinion, assuming you have the funds, buy the best boat you can find and get out there sailing. I was lucky and got a 92wing last summer and was out sailing in 3 days from taking delivery. Just little projects going forward .
 
Aug 11, 2011
759
catalina 22 Islamorada
k you asked for opinions so heres mine.

The hull stuff is easy and cheep if you want to spend the time. Unless it's some hugh issue or a spongy deck the hull can be repaired buy anyone that wants to send a little time.

The hinges are just that hinges not an issue kind of wonder why they didn't just walk down to west marine and get a couple new ones but ya never know about people.

The trailer? well for me personally that's a deal breaker but for you I don't know that's a personal thing. Some get rid of them because the don't have the storage for the trailer and all but again that's for you to decide.

What you didn't mention or I missed it is what comes with it and what condition.

I can tell you that I spent 2300 on my boat when I got it.
Since then I've spent probably around 7 to 8k on upgrades and fixes mostly upgrades. If I blew a hole in the side of my boat basically junking it out it would still have 8k in parts that could go straight to another boat.

What are the sails like?
Autopilot?
Lines condition?
Boomvang and all other pullies conditions, quality, Brand?
Roller furling?
Cushins? in cockpit, down below?
Bumpers? number quality size brand?
Life jackets number quality type brand?

Duno I could go on for an hour but all that other stuff makes a HUGH difference in what your gonna have in the boat when your done.

I'd say personally the biggest things to look at on the boat it'self if that's the only thing your really worried about that are brought up here constantly that people have issues with.

1. Keel condition how rusted is it
2. Water down below. The boat "should" be 100% dry under all compartments if not then it's an issue that could drive you nuts over time.
3. Absolutely no spongy spots in the deck if you find even one run for your life.
4. all the parts are there the big ones is the rudder there and good condition? is the mast straight?

Remember if there is stuff missing that you want there is some stuff you simply cant buy its an old boat a lot of the little stuff you can get after market but a bent mast for example well your screwed.

Also those seats with the hinge is it a broke hinge or broke fiberglass if that's the case then your gonna have to learn how to work with fiberglass if you don't already.

Anyway the entire process is all about your comfort level do you want a jump in it and go boat? Do you want a garage project? Do you want something in the middle maybe that's in good condition that you can sail and just sort of piddle with doing upgrades from time to time?

They made a crap load of these boats somewhere around 15000 so your options are out there so don't feel you have to "settle" on something you don't want. At the same time if its all solid that's the model year you like and it has the big stuff and you want to work on something then super personaly I wonder sometimes myself if I like working on the boat or sailing it more it's a toss up.
 
Mar 20, 2015
3,219
C&C 30 Mk1 Winnipeg
Spartucus99:

You can't go wrong with that Allen-deckard adn everyone eles has said.

While I've never owned A C22 before, I can tell you from owning previous sailboats that 99.9% of the time it's cheaper in the long run to buy a boat in good condition, than to buy a fixer upper and buy parts for it.

I found a 87 Catalina in great condition for $4000 USD, (sale should be complete this week). It comes with a good trailer and a good motor.

The boat you show, if it needs a reliable motor and trailer would cost more than you would pay for one you could just buy and use. And that doesn't even cover all the problems, hidden or otherwise with the boat.

Anyone who does long term repairs with duct tape makes me wonder what other half baked repairs they have done.

I've got DIY skills that are better than the majority of people, and even then, I wouldn't bother with most project boats.
My time is valuable and I'd rather spend more money now and enjoy the boat right away, than spend my valuable spare time, putting more money into a project boat than I would have simply paid for one in better condition.

My neighbour paid $19,000 last summer for a mint condition car that some guy invested $40,000 to restore. Boats are no different.
You wanna work on a boat or sail it ?

I did a quick search and a few more boats came up on ebay.
One is a very nice looking race prepped C22, with very nice tandem axle trailer in texas asking $4700. I can guarantee that the bost you posted above, will cost A LOT more than $2200 to bring up to that standard.

It's spring, when more boats start going up for sale.
As everyone else has said, you live in the perfect place. Ask your local fleet for advice. Someone may even be selling their boat

Good luck with the search.
As to the community of C22 owners. If this forum is any indication, it's a big benefit to buying a catalina 22.
 
Mar 25, 2015
146
catalina 22 Fort Walton
Hey- tons of thanks to all who shared their experience and thoughts. Much thanks. Will let you guys know what happens.
 
Mar 25, 2015
146
catalina 22 Fort Walton
I bought a cat 22. This one came with a trailer, no foam, no mold, no soft spots.

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Thanks again for the help.