I am the lucky owner of a catalina 22. This is my first boat and I am learning as I go. I seem to have gotten the handle on sailing the boat, but I am still unsure of her ability. Over this past summer I have been caught in a couple of storms in which the waves reached 4 to 5 five feet in height with winds gusting to forty. The wind was not the problem in sailing It was the waves. As I would come crashing down into the trough of the wave the hull would hit then a loud klunking from the keel as it hit against the fiberglass housing. The keel is in good shape. After the first storm I dove underneath the boat and checked the keel for any excess slop, and I could find anything signifigant. A local Catalina expert suggested that no matter how good the swing keel is in really rough weather she is going to move some, and cause a klunk. So my question to the public is... If my swing keel is going to move in rough weather, How much movement or klunking can the keel support before breaking and causing serious damage to the boat??? Or am I just a beginner who needs to weather a few more storms to find security in my Catalina 22. Thanks for the Help...
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Steve O.
locking lever
The C-22 has a locking mechanism that should be locked when the keel is down. Theoretically, this would prevent the keel from crashing back through the hull in the event of a rollover. Perhaps keeping a closer eye on the weather would prevent you from getting causght in the storms. Do you have a VHF radio with access to NOAA weather? Do you listen to local weather reports on radio/TV? Do you know how to read the clouds in the SW sky?
The C-22 has a locking mechanism that should be locked when the keel is down. Theoretically, this would prevent the keel from crashing back through the hull in the event of a rollover. Perhaps keeping a closer eye on the weather would prevent you from getting causght in the storms. Do you have a VHF radio with access to NOAA weather? Do you listen to local weather reports on radio/TV? Do you know how to read the clouds in the SW sky?
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Mike
Moving keels
Having all of the boat's ballast in a moveable, detachable keel was one reason I ultimately chose not to buy a Catalina 22. Don't get me wrong, I think it is the best 22 on the market; I don't think you can beat it for looks, quality and value. If I had been able to find one of the fixed keel models, I would have bought it. But I think your local expert is right: no matter how well secured, a big storm is going to move that keel around some. For what it's worth, I have never heard of one of the keels falling off or causing serious damage to a hull. I think the bigger issue for you is that you need to stay out of weather like you described. I would not go out in weather like that in any small craft. Although its nice to know that your boat handled the conditions, I garauntee that no mass-produced 22 foot pleasure sailboat is designed to be used in 40 knot winds and five foot seas. You have a great boat that has proven itself to be so durable, safe and easy to sail that it is the most popular sailboat of all time. Take care of her and she'll take care of you.
Having all of the boat's ballast in a moveable, detachable keel was one reason I ultimately chose not to buy a Catalina 22. Don't get me wrong, I think it is the best 22 on the market; I don't think you can beat it for looks, quality and value. If I had been able to find one of the fixed keel models, I would have bought it. But I think your local expert is right: no matter how well secured, a big storm is going to move that keel around some. For what it's worth, I have never heard of one of the keels falling off or causing serious damage to a hull. I think the bigger issue for you is that you need to stay out of weather like you described. I would not go out in weather like that in any small craft. Although its nice to know that your boat handled the conditions, I garauntee that no mass-produced 22 foot pleasure sailboat is designed to be used in 40 knot winds and five foot seas. You have a great boat that has proven itself to be so durable, safe and easy to sail that it is the most popular sailboat of all time. Take care of her and she'll take care of you.
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Craig Lenfestey
keel spacing kit
I have owned 2 Catalina 22's, one with the swing keel. There is a keel spacing kit (2 fiberglass disks which are epoxied onto each side of the keel) which I purchased for my swing keel. They are easy to apply, and helped eliminate some of the slop in the keel. A couple of years ago, the kit sold for around $19. Catalina Direct marketed the kit.
I have owned 2 Catalina 22's, one with the swing keel. There is a keel spacing kit (2 fiberglass disks which are epoxied onto each side of the keel) which I purchased for my swing keel. They are easy to apply, and helped eliminate some of the slop in the keel. A couple of years ago, the kit sold for around $19. Catalina Direct marketed the kit.
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Marty DeMoulpied
A really great boat....
Don't worry one bit about the 'klunk on your 22 Cat. I've owned 2 of them and sometimes the noise was more than I could bear, trust me the boat can take more than you can. I too have been in seas such as your described, remember it's one thing to have the weather change on you (always be prepared) it's quite another to go out when it's bad already. I sailed Cat's for over 20 years in the gulf of mexico, only reason I'm looking at the Macgreggor is for the ease of trailering as I am now landlocked but still enjoy sailing...Hope this helps, enjoy your boat and be safe.
Don't worry one bit about the 'klunk on your 22 Cat. I've owned 2 of them and sometimes the noise was more than I could bear, trust me the boat can take more than you can. I too have been in seas such as your described, remember it's one thing to have the weather change on you (always be prepared) it's quite another to go out when it's bad already. I sailed Cat's for over 20 years in the gulf of mexico, only reason I'm looking at the Macgreggor is for the ease of trailering as I am now landlocked but still enjoy sailing...Hope this helps, enjoy your boat and be safe.
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matt christenson
whatever locking lever
Please don't take this the wrong way, but I am always very aware of every condition when I am out on the water. From waves, to clouds,to pressure changes, current, temp., and all others. I have the proper vhf equip and get regular weather reports. Not to mention the Navy keeps a weather bouy in the waters nearby. In both insatnces I was aware of the oncoming weather, but chose to preceed anyway. After all I was racing in both instances. And I am to competitive to drop out and crawl home when I get a little scared. After all I can swim very well. Have you ever got off you high throne and been sailing in a race and storm hit. Probably not. Your probably one of these guys who considers himeslf a sailor but drops his sails, and kicks on the motor at the first sight of rain. I bet you have never reefed a main before. If you ever have you know storm conditions change from one minute to the next. Regardless of how much info you have.
Please don't take this the wrong way, but I am always very aware of every condition when I am out on the water. From waves, to clouds,to pressure changes, current, temp., and all others. I have the proper vhf equip and get regular weather reports. Not to mention the Navy keeps a weather bouy in the waters nearby. In both insatnces I was aware of the oncoming weather, but chose to preceed anyway. After all I was racing in both instances. And I am to competitive to drop out and crawl home when I get a little scared. After all I can swim very well. Have you ever got off you high throne and been sailing in a race and storm hit. Probably not. Your probably one of these guys who considers himeslf a sailor but drops his sails, and kicks on the motor at the first sight of rain. I bet you have never reefed a main before. If you ever have you know storm conditions change from one minute to the next. Regardless of how much info you have.
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Tom S/V GAIA
Oohhh brother----
Temper temper. I think the intended message was 4 to 5 feet and blowing 40 in a 22 ft boat can be a bit much. You where the one that said "first boat" & "learning as I go" as far as your swimming ability, I'm happy for you, but the object of the game is to stay in the boat. Sail safe. tom
Temper temper. I think the intended message was 4 to 5 feet and blowing 40 in a 22 ft boat can be a bit much. You where the one that said "first boat" & "learning as I go" as far as your swimming ability, I'm happy for you, but the object of the game is to stay in the boat. Sail safe. tom
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steven f.
good idea craig
One of the boats in our fleet is a small day sailor with a swing keel. She has the same problem with the klunking. I like the idea of a shim kit though I'll probably have to make my own. I can't see why that won't help solving the original problem.
One of the boats in our fleet is a small day sailor with a swing keel. She has the same problem with the klunking. I like the idea of a shim kit though I'll probably have to make my own. I can't see why that won't help solving the original problem.
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matt christenson
learning as you go
I hope everybody out their is learning as you go. because if you are not learning something new from every sail then you are not truly sailing. No sailior knows it all, and most of all no sailor can know it all. I present myself as a beginning sailor having less than ten years of sailing experience, but I would still consider myself a beginner with 50 years of experience. My question to the public involved the structural integrety of the boat. It did not ask for or desire a opinion on wheather I should have been in that situation or not. It asked for a straight answere on the structural integirty of the keel and the impact of large waves. Because if for some reason a situation presents itself again, I would like to know How much she can really take. This way I have a full comprehension of what is going on and what I need to do to rectify the situation. As for the swimming issue. Buddy I have seen boats skippered by some of the best sailors around turtle in stong gusts and heavy wind. So swimming is definately an issue, and as always the last resort in a survival situation. I would like to ask the public how many of you practice heavy wather scenarios in light winds? Practice reefing? practice man overboard situations? Or if you singlehand like I do practice beeing thrown overboard only to be saved by your tether? then trying to get yourself back in the cockpit. This may sound very anal, but when you get cought in bad situation no matter where you are the last thing you need to be doing is figuring out what to do. Hence the point of this whole ordeal on the internet. My catalina 22 R&R is only a stepping stepping stone to a much larger boat. Only when I can thoroghly sail her in anykind of weather with confidence will I move up to a larger boat. Unlike most who move up when they can afford it. I can definately afford it, but I want to earn it.
I hope everybody out their is learning as you go. because if you are not learning something new from every sail then you are not truly sailing. No sailior knows it all, and most of all no sailor can know it all. I present myself as a beginning sailor having less than ten years of sailing experience, but I would still consider myself a beginner with 50 years of experience. My question to the public involved the structural integrety of the boat. It did not ask for or desire a opinion on wheather I should have been in that situation or not. It asked for a straight answere on the structural integirty of the keel and the impact of large waves. Because if for some reason a situation presents itself again, I would like to know How much she can really take. This way I have a full comprehension of what is going on and what I need to do to rectify the situation. As for the swimming issue. Buddy I have seen boats skippered by some of the best sailors around turtle in stong gusts and heavy wind. So swimming is definately an issue, and as always the last resort in a survival situation. I would like to ask the public how many of you practice heavy wather scenarios in light winds? Practice reefing? practice man overboard situations? Or if you singlehand like I do practice beeing thrown overboard only to be saved by your tether? then trying to get yourself back in the cockpit. This may sound very anal, but when you get cought in bad situation no matter where you are the last thing you need to be doing is figuring out what to do. Hence the point of this whole ordeal on the internet. My catalina 22 R&R is only a stepping stepping stone to a much larger boat. Only when I can thoroghly sail her in anykind of weather with confidence will I move up to a larger boat. Unlike most who move up when they can afford it. I can definately afford it, but I want to earn it.
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Jim A
swing keel does not belong
in 4 to 5 foot waves! That heavy keel is going to break your keel trunk. Get a fixed keel boat!
in 4 to 5 foot waves! That heavy keel is going to break your keel trunk. Get a fixed keel boat!
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Jay Kent
Jim, Jim, JIm.........
As an owner of a C-22 (swing)and a H-27 (fixed), I can't let your comments just "go by". Having sailed my C-22 in heavy winds and waves, like the ones he describes here, I can tell you how trustworthy she is!!! Sometimes, due to circumstances - like sailing on Lake Erie where weather is very unpredictable and rapidly changing (to say nothing of it being a shallow lake), a sailor just has to make the best of it. Like someone else said, if you can't trust your craft.....well, Jim, maybe trading boats is YOUR answer.
As an owner of a C-22 (swing)and a H-27 (fixed), I can't let your comments just "go by". Having sailed my C-22 in heavy winds and waves, like the ones he describes here, I can tell you how trustworthy she is!!! Sometimes, due to circumstances - like sailing on Lake Erie where weather is very unpredictable and rapidly changing (to say nothing of it being a shallow lake), a sailor just has to make the best of it. Like someone else said, if you can't trust your craft.....well, Jim, maybe trading boats is YOUR answer.
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LIONEL
II HAVE A BIG BOAT WITH A CENTERBOARD
My 41 irwin with centerboard and I have been through 12 foot waves and 55 to 65 k winds with no problem . if the keel is bouncing and you feel it could hurt your boat then I bring it in high or half high position and reduce sail to balance the boat Other solution I use is sailing the boat headwind with a good tiping . The lateral pressure on the keel keeps it from moving ! Garanteed
My 41 irwin with centerboard and I have been through 12 foot waves and 55 to 65 k winds with no problem . if the keel is bouncing and you feel it could hurt your boat then I bring it in high or half high position and reduce sail to balance the boat Other solution I use is sailing the boat headwind with a good tiping . The lateral pressure on the keel keeps it from moving ! Garanteed
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steven f.
enough....
As we all know, if you sail enough you will eventually find yourself in weather you would rather not be in, that is the nature of this sport. Swing keel or full keel makes no difference to Neptune, he is an equal opportunity challanger. We've all listned to NOAA and been burned so we read all we can on these web sites and try to educate ourselves before we go out. When the day does come that we get stuck out there in our swing keel boat we just deal with it. You rarly hear of day sailors getting sunk during the squalls every summer, the sailors just deal with it and learn from each day on the water, both the good ones and the bad ones. No more arguing about what boat should and should not be on the water and lets all go sailing.....
As we all know, if you sail enough you will eventually find yourself in weather you would rather not be in, that is the nature of this sport. Swing keel or full keel makes no difference to Neptune, he is an equal opportunity challanger. We've all listned to NOAA and been burned so we read all we can on these web sites and try to educate ourselves before we go out. When the day does come that we get stuck out there in our swing keel boat we just deal with it. You rarly hear of day sailors getting sunk during the squalls every summer, the sailors just deal with it and learn from each day on the water, both the good ones and the bad ones. No more arguing about what boat should and should not be on the water and lets all go sailing.....
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Jim A
Jay Jay Jay
I have a Hunter 28 and a San Juan 21. The San Juan 21 has a 450 lb retractable keel. I have had it out in 6 foot sea. The keel should be bolted down to keep it from swing back and damaging the boat. The stress has cracked the fiberglass and now the boat leaks alittle. Ths SJ-21 is now a river and lake boat!
I have a Hunter 28 and a San Juan 21. The San Juan 21 has a 450 lb retractable keel. I have had it out in 6 foot sea. The keel should be bolted down to keep it from swing back and damaging the boat. The stress has cracked the fiberglass and now the boat leaks alittle. Ths SJ-21 is now a river and lake boat!
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Jim Parks
Cracked Hull
I can only add that I owned an early C-22 that had a cracked hull at the centerboard trunk. The crack leaked. It was there when I bought the boat. My guess is that the crack was caused by keel movement. I would be cautious about sailing with a clunking keel.
I can only add that I owned an early C-22 that had a cracked hull at the centerboard trunk. The crack leaked. It was there when I bought the boat. My guess is that the crack was caused by keel movement. I would be cautious about sailing with a clunking keel.
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