HELP??? Newbie looking at a Catalina 22 (1984)

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Pat Ehlers

Looking for some advice -- I have the opportunity to buy a 1984 Catalina 22. Have never sailed before except for windsurfing (quite a lot) and this will be my first boat. The boat does not have a trailer. However, the owner will turn over his wet slip until Nov. at the local lake and then after that I'll have to pay for the slip. The boat is a little dirty but appears to be structurally sound. There is a 4 hp Suzuki engine, three sails, main, jib, and genoa. There is a porta potti, a swim ladder, newish cushions, AM/FM stereo cassette and a pop-up top. It will need a bottom paint job next season which could cost (I am told, about $500.00). The asking price for this boat is $4,500. However, I was thinking of offering $4,200. I'm not sure if this price range is appropriate, high, or low for this model year and given the fact that there is no trailer. The seller tells me he will get the boat completely set up in the slip prior to the sale. I would really like some advice on this purchase. Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks, Pat pehlers@mmcable.com
 
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jkleid@excite.com

newbie

1. if you do the bottom paint it will not be $500.00- just 2 quarts (one if you thin the paint @$35-45/qt. 2. 1987-1988 was the upgrade year for this model , look and read the differences that your boat would be lacking (structurtally etc). 3. The price seems about right for my area 4. sails are expensive- so if the ones you have are in good condition- go for it!
 
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Rosemary

Go for it

About 20 years ago my husband and I bought a used Catalina 22, and we had absolutely no sailing experience. We taught ourselves to sail and had a blast with that boat in the mid-Chesapeake Bay. It was a wonderful boat at a great price. We even sold it at a profit when we moved up. We now sail a Catalina 320. Good luck!
 
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LaDonna Bubak - Planet Catalina

Sounds reasonable

Keep in mind that trailers run about $1000 and you have to have a vehicle to tow it. Do you know any relatively experienced sailors? If so, have them check it out. Better yet, go to your local library and check out a book on self-surveying. Best yet, have a surveyor come out & give the go ahead for a couple hundred bucks. Of course, I don't know if I would hire a surveyor in this situation, but in a perfect world...:) Make sure the engine runs, sails are in good shape and all the rigging (running and standing) are there. Otherwise, the price sound good and I would definitely offer the lower price first. If he says no way, come back the next day to accept his price (if you decide to). Chances are he left some wiggle room in the price anyway. Have fun!! LaDonna
 
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Gerry Nichols

'84 Owner

Hi, We have an '84. They are very sound and strong. The only weak point is the structure under the mast. If the mast is set up and the deck is bowing under the pressure, avoid the boat like the plague. The plywood under the mast step has rotted and needs replacement. You can do this, but it sure puts a damper on the fun of ownership. My boat has not had this problem, but others have. Expect to see some hull osmosis in an '84. The fiberglas and gelcoat were susceptable. Osmosis is little bumps in the bottom where the hull is under water. This condition can be repaired easily. Otherwise, we have had a perfectly good experience since purchase in Nov. 1984.
 
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