Looking at Catalinas

[Paul E]

My wife and I are looking at getting into daysailing and overnight sailing trips. We live in southern California and initially want to do lake sailing and trips along the coast and out to Catalina Island.Neither of us is wild about the Hobie type sailboats and want to start with something with a cabin. We have looked at the Catalina 18's, but think the 22 would be a better choice for us (we have 2 kids).What would the pros and cons of starting with a 22' boat be? We are TOTALLY new to sailing (we still need to learn the terminology) but want to do it safely, correctly, and intelligently.Any advice on a first boat choice would be appreciated. Is the Catalina 22 a good first boat or is it too much?You can respond here or you can email at skimblzbvs@yahoo.comThanks, Paul E

 

[Brian19369]

Me too!

I have two wee ones, have had Hobie and small sail boats, and think A C22 would be good.I am currently doing a restoration of Our's for the very purpose you speak of.Our's is a 76' Swing keel. Good for trailering. Many have opinions concerning their performance and maintainance but you will have to read up and make your decision. I am very comfortable with a swing.I should have Our's in the water by late April or May.Most likey launch out of Alamitos Bay most of the time.Good luck, and I think you will like, and learn plenty, from this forum.

 

[Dan]

a;nother vote for the C25

great starter boat for small family. we had one for years and loved it. we had 5 kids at the time. 3 boys and 2 girls, we would always pull up close to shore and let the boys camp out onshore and the girls would stay with us on the boat. many great memories, nothing like it for bringing a family together!

 

[Ben]

Will you be trailering?

I agree that both the 22 and the 25 are good recommendations. Both are relatively simple boats that a beginner could pick up quickly. I have a Capri 22 that is my first boat, very similar to the 22, and while I was intimidated at first, she's proven to be simple and forgiving of mistakes.Your choice between the 2 boats, and whether to get a full, swing, or fin keel, will be decided in part by whether you plan to trailer or dock at a slip or mooring. And by what vehicle you have available to pull it. The 22 weighs approximately 1 ton, and I'm guessing that the 25 is more like 1 1/2 tons. (someone correct me if I'm wrong, that's just a guess). Do you have a truck capable of pulling that weight? My choice was a full keel, because I don't own a vehicle capable of pulling 1 ton (a Saturn just won't cut it), so the benefits of a swing keel would be wasted on me. At the same time, I would still have the maintenance issues that come with it.I think you'll enjoy whatever you pick; both of these boats are great starters.