Catalina 22 vs O'Day 19

[Rosasco]

I am very new to sailing but would like to get a small boat soon.
I'm considering two boats: 1979 Catalina 22 or an 1986 O'Day 19.

I'd appreciate opinions about which of these might be easier to start with (both have small outboards), especially is I might sail alone at times? Mostly I would be sailing on the bay side of a barrier island along the New Jersey shore.

Many thanks in advance for your advice
Ed

 

[Clark]

The O'day will be a bit easier to set up and take down when trailering while giving up the cockpit and cabin room that the 22 has. Do you plan to always trailer? Otherwise, the two boats are quite similar for a newbie. I'd get the one that best fits my budget, size and condition requirements.

 

[TimCup]

Both good boats-

the Catalina22 is one of the most popular small boats ever, so finding parts, or assisitance with any repairs will be easy. Plus, you'll have a deeper pool of info when you want to add equipment.

Part of the fun of sailing is sharing. You'll have more room on the Cat. That would be my choice. Now, if it was the Oday22 vs Cat22, that's a different story!

cup

 

[Ian4781]

If you are looking at an O'Day Mariner which is 19'2" and a Phil Rhodes design then I would go with that without a moments thought....any other model I would not want to advise on.I had a MARINER and loved it,with the exception of the lack of head room in the cabin that comes in that size of boat.

 

[Pink Flamingo]

Last year I sailed a C22,this year an O'Day Mariner,both 1975 vintage.The season just started but I wish I would have sailed the Mariner last year too.Granted it is smaller then the C22,creature comforts are nearly non existant but if you are a trailer sailor it is much easier to travel with, set up and launch than the C22.It takes off with just a hint of wind and sails much closer to the wind than the C22,with the 100% jib.
If something where to happen it won't sink unlike the C22.Another important item: smaller boat equals smaller maintenance budget.

 

[Bad Obsession]

Do you ever have the desire to stay on the boat overnight? What do you plan to use it for. That may answer the question that you are talking about. Make a list on what you want to do with the boat and what plans you have for it and see which boat fits closest to your list.

 

[gboase]

Hello Ed,
I'm biased. I have an O'Day 25. The only thing I love more is my wife and that's because she loves the boat too Go with the O'Day unless you want a bigger boat. There's really not a lot of difference between the two other than size. Both are great boats for beginners.

 

[Bad Obsession]

I will give you the addage to buy the biggest boat that you can afford and afford to maintain. If you don't you will end up graduating from the smaller boat and moving up faster.....trust me on this one. I had my Hunter 22 for 2 years and then went to the Catalina 30.

If you are looking in the size range, also look at the Hunter 22. Very nice boat, nice layout, comfortable, forgiving, and tough (sailed mine across the Chesapeake Bay and I have been out in some rough stuff). Hunter 22 has a better layout than the Catalina 22.

 

[Ken Honeycutt]

Don't know anything about the Cat, but I sailed a Mariner for 13 years before moving up. Great little boat. Good to learn on if you're a newbie. Several times I had her out in conditions that kept larger boats in the harbor (not by choice). Takes about an hour to rig and set up. Matter of fact I still have the old girl. Hate to part with her.