The way they feel in a seaway
I went from an O'Day 22 (comparably sized to the C22)to a C27, and looked seriously at and sailed several times a C25.I agree with all the comments about size and volume, but after sailing the bigger boat for a year it is the way she handles wind and waves that is the biggest difference to me. The smaller boat gets knocked around alot. You can handle waves and chop in a C22, but you'll have to carry enough sail to maintain enough power to carry boat speed, and that takes some talent and experience, and a willingness to endure a bit of discomfort.The bigger boat carries more momentum, helping you hold your own through a wave. My C27 slices right through stuff that would stall out my old 22. Your post says SF Bay area, and if you mean the bay itself, that means 20+ mph and associated sea conditions most of the time. Experienced sailers probably take a well-maintained C22 out there for excitment ... I sure would given the chance! But for a new sailer, the extra feet give some stability that I think you'd welcome.In any case, I second the comments about trying to sail both in the conditions you'll see most often before you buy.Tom MonroeCarlyle Lake