pro and cons of 16.5 over 22ft catalina

[bffatcat]

Im older than you I have no intention of quitting. the best advice I can give you is get a keel boat
you wont have to worry about capsizing or human ballast The only drawback is you will need a mooring or slip

 

[Solarfry]

There is a Capri 16.5 Keel model with a 3' deep keel. Self righting and self bailing. Only weights in at 750# wet.
I had an electric motor till I realized that that required 2 55# batteries. I got tired of charging all the time and got a Tohatsu 6HP. Only have to worry about 60# instead of 160# for electric. Run gas motor till it runs out of gas and put it away for winter without fuel. Change the oil for long term storage.

The thing with centerboard boats is that there is not enough ballast for a sudden gust of wind. You get blasted and you go over. The foamed mast is not enough flotation to keep the boat from going upside down. Once upside down (tutled) it is a bear to get it right side up. In almost all instances it takes a couple of powerboats to assist in getting it upright. The seal on the hatches all leak so after 30 minutes waiting rescue you have acquired many gallons of water in the bilge making it even harder to right. Not-withstanding the column of water in the mast and boom.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

If you want to discuss both boats as a former Catalina dealer who use to take both boats to the Annapolis Boat shows, I will be glad to give you some impute sir. Send me a private email. I also sold the Hunter, Precision and many others over the years and I know my small boats
Crazy Dave Condon