Catalina 22
Hi,I own a Catalina 22... Looks like we will be sailing in the same waters of Barnegat Bay. I enjoy sailing my Catalina 22 and I must say that it is a great boat for Barnegat Bay. If it is a swing keel model, which most are and I will assume yours is) it allows you to get into places that deeper fixed keel boats would have problems. That same keel can also be problem if not monitered and maintained accordingly. Some things I would look for...1. If it is out of the water, have a close look at the keel pivot pin (forward end of your swing keel)... BE SURE this pin AND/OR the Pivot Hole in the keel is not worn. You may have to remove the keel hangers (what keeps the forward end of the keel suspended in place(there are two bolts on each side)), but it is worth it to check and if the pin is worn it is very easy to replace. If the hole in the keel is worn, the action to take really depends on how severe the hole is. Catalina direct (www.catalinadirect.com) sells replacement pivot pins and bushings that you can put into a worn keel hole to take up some space and to reduce friction on the lead of your keel. If you search on this forum you will see tons of info on this. 2. Also while you are down there, take a look at the keel cable and end fitting. Either one of these things can cause major damage to your bottom should it let all 600lbs of the keel swing uncontrolled into the down position.3. I would check your deck for any soft spots, especially near any of the chainplates. There is not much on a Catalina 22 backing up the chainplates... in fact, chainplate fittings on the deck are backed inside the cabin with small washers and a nut that tightens the terminal... that is it... I recomend putting larger diamater washers to spead out hte pressure of the rig under sail over a larger area and to moniter the tension of the nuts to make sure they are not loosening on you. 4. Take a good look at the rig and standing rigging... How old are the shrouds (Original, ever replaced?) Definatly check for rust or signs of aging on the shroud cable and terminal ends... Since these keep your rig up, it is essential they are in god shape...As I am sure you know, there are a ton of things to look for when buying a boat. I could ramble longer about upgrades and maintence I have done on my boat, but I think that the basics to look out or are all listed here. Good Luck, and if I could help out further or if you would ever like to meet up out on the bay to sail with another Catalina 22, feel free to e-mail me at MBosi@hotmail.comYou can also check out this site for the owners manuals and scans of the original brochures.http://www.catalina22.org/manuals/index.htmMike