How to choose among the 22, Capri 22 and 22mkII

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Marina

Help! I am NEW to sailing, having taken two summer courses only. Last summer I bought a Capri 16.5 (used), put it in really late and had an awful time. Air was too big for it, very wet; couldn't seem to get the centerboard to stay down etc. I just accepted an offer on it that basically pays me for what I paid (phew!). But I don't want to make a similar mistake. Have two kids (10 & 13) and a mooring that is REALLY tidal. I'd like a wing keel. My question is: should I look for a used capri 22 or a regular 22 or bite the bullet and go new (GULP!)? Can't imagine that we would ever want to sleep on a boat, certainly never more than one night. Thanks in advance for any advice! Marina
 
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steve c

i would go for the c22

catalina 22 its stable,fast and comfortable we have a capri 22 hear in the marina and i think it is to sparse down below as for the 22mk2 i dont like the cabin layout at all if i were to buy another c22 i would buy 85to 92 when they had the built in galleys sink on one side and stove on the other not the slidout galley of pre 85s
 
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David

go for the capri 22

If you want more perfomance, go with a Capri 22. If you are not staying on it more than one night, forget about the galley. It will never get used. A small bar-b-que attached to the stern rail will suffice. Plus the Capri 22's cockpit is much bigger.
 
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Bayard Gross

How deep the mooring at low tide?

You mention you have a "really tidal" mooring. By this I think you mean an "outwater mooring" using a permanent anchor, like a mushroom anchor. If so, just how much depth do you have at low tide? a swing keel C-22 without its rudder draws only about two feet, three with the rudder. I do not know what a Capri 22 draws but I think it is about four feet. And then, what kind of a dinghy do you have? If its not big enough for all four of you (two of whom are rapidly growing) will there be enough depth at low tide to come back in and pick up your crew?
 
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Marina

At low tide, my old 16.5 was on the mud

Thanks for all the advice! Regarding where I will moor the boat, my current mooring will have to be moved out closer to the channel, but it is true, I have to wait for close to high tide to row the dinghy out. If we get really into this, I can always move to the marina close by (yes they still seem to have a bit of room) and use their launch service. But I'm not ready to make that kind of investment yet. I am interested in a wing keel precisely because I understand it draws about 2'8". I was told that this is true for both the c22 and the Capri 22. Thanks for asking. I love this website! Marina
 
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tomD

try second hand

At this stage in your sailing career you could go alot of different directions and so could your children, who may/maynot like this action. I suggest you get something second hand in good shape, either or, and get your skills and attitude towards sailing shook out before you go for a longer term boat. The Capri and the C-22 would both serve well for this, the C-22 has the added advantage of testing out mini-cruising because it does have a few more belowdecks amenities. As far as your moorage, consider somewhere else and get a swing keel, they sail pretty well and can stand thin water in case of a novice style error. There are alot of great 2nd hand starter boats out there, I owned several and chartered lots before settling in on the one that fit my lifestyle, a swing keel Mark 2.
 
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John

If you choose C-22, go with wing keel

I have a 1976 C-22 with a swing keel. While I like the idea of a retractable keel, in practice the swing keel system (winch, cable, connections) is a pain and if I were going to get another C-22, I'd look for a fixed keel.
 
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tom b

most people cringe when i say that ....

i bought my boat from one of those "donate your car or boat" places.. but thats what i was looking for.. needs some work.. but for the most part pretty sound boat c-22 swing keel..anyways. good hunting...
 
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Aldo

We Love to Sleep on our Boat

Marina: I was surprised to read that you thought that you and your children wouldn't like to sleep on your boat. I have 2 sons, ages 15 and 17. We really enjoy sleeping on our boat. It's a 1980 Catalina 22 that we have had since it was new, and really enjoy it now more than ever. We sometimes sail it with a fleet from Annapolis, Maryland. They usually have a cruise each summer. You can look at some photos by clicking on the link that I have attached. (Be sure to look at the cruise photos from 2001 and 2002). Our boat is a swing keel, and has served us well. (The "swing keel" - "fixed keel" issue is a big discussion itself, and I have written about that before, so research the archives if you want to get opinions on that). I really don't know what is going to happen with my boys and the boat in the future. They thoroughly enjoy it now, but what happens if they get summer jobs? They have already asked if they can take it out without my wife and me on board, and I said NO, mostly due to the boy-girl thing, rather than them being able to handle the boat. They have even talked about getting their own C-22. I really don't know what the future holds either. Aldo
 
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