New 1974 catalina 22

[Paul Sattler]

I just purchased a 1974 22 and wondered if anyone had any words of wisdom for me. I had smaller sailboats,like a jet14 years ago. This boat is in fair condition and needs a good scrubbing and some bondo for slight gouges in the gel coat. Thanks for any input

 

[Dick of Sylvan]

Read and Fix

Best to start with a thorough checkup of the rigging, keel assembly, rudder, sails etc. Good references are available thru Catalina 22 National Sailing Association (can join thru Karen Miller, 920 Flaming Tree Way, Monument, CO 80132, or kmillerc22@aol.com). They have a good technical manual. Also look at www.spiritone.com/~mack/c22/ for more information. There is also good advice and a source of parts in a handbook by "Catalina Direct", ph. 800-959-72745. Regarding hull scars, I'd recommend using a good marine epoxy filler like Interlux's "Interprotect Watertite". Hope you like your 74 as much as I like my 75 Cat 22.

 

[Bob Finley]

Amen to Dick's advice.

Have someone experienced and knowledgable in Catalina's to look it over for you. I purchased my 75 model this summer and luckily had a boat yard look things over before I took it to the lake. Probably saved me losing or at least jamming up the keel because one bolt was lost out and another one was sheared off.I have really enjoyed going through everything on the boat and either fixing or replacing things that had been neglected. It has taught me a lot and given me a great deal of confidence in the boat. These forums are fantastic sources of info and suggestions.

 

[Larry W.]

Cat22

Paul; Listen to Dick! I had a '76 for a number of years and can tell you that the keel and all it's related gear is very important! Inspect the rig thoroughly, carry some basic spare parts and have fun!

 

[Doug McLaughlin]

Me Too

Paul:Sounds like me... My wife and I just commited to a 22' 74 Catalina as well. I have not seen her yet, but am confident she is in good shape and may only need some cosmetics. I'd be interested to hear the feedback you already received...

 

[Dick of Sylvan]

Swing Keel

Doug, assuming your's is a swing keel, you ought to know that they do have wear problems sometimes. I inspected the keel asssembly of my "new" 1975 in 2000. The keel pivot pin was worn about half way thru and the hole thru the cast keel was oversize on both ends. Installed the new casting a pin sold by Catalina Direct. It still has a little wobble so probably needs a bushing in the keel itself. Another worn part that needed replacing was the cable turning ball (it is brass and worn thru about 1/2 inch so that it couldn't turn) which is mounted below the hose beneath the winch. Wear probably depends upon how much use, how much trailering, how much mooring, etc. and how long since the parts were installed.