Shopping for a 22 - what should I look for?

Status
Not open for further replies.
B

Ben

I already own a Capri 22, but I have a friend interested in a 22 that's for sale locally. She doesn't live in my area, so I'm going to check it out for her next week. Presumably, most of the people here have purchased a Catalina at some point; if you had it to do over again what specific problems or features would you look for? The boat in question is a '74 (or was it '75?) swing keel. I've taken a glance at it; it appears sound as far as hull and standing rigging, but I've not examined it closely yet, nor have I seen the interior. Also, my boat is a fixed keel, so I have no idea what to examine on the hardware for the swing keel. I haven't really gone through this process before; I didn't buy the Capri that I own. My wonderful in-laws bought it as a wedding present for my wife and me, and they did most of the leg work. So if anyone can give me any pointers on shopping, I'd appreciate it.
 
C

Chris

Just the keel cable

I would see when the line to the swing keel was last changed. If it has been awhile, she might want to take it in and get it fixed before she ever takes it out. That is the main thing to really worry about.
 
M

Michael

A few ideas:

Does the present owner have a record of maintenance? That helps a lot to see what has been replace/fixed and when. Check to see if the outboard works well. A new one will cost you a thousand dollars. Check the trailer to make sure the bearings are ok and the tires are ok. Does the trailer have brakes? You really should have them for a boat of this weight if you are traveling over 20 miles to or from launch. If so, do the brakes work or are they rusted frozen. You might need to pull a wheel to check the bearings and the brakes. How are the sails? spread them out on a lawn and check for broken stitching, cuts and tears, or general stretching of the fabric. New sails can be expensive. Check the hull for patching by sighting along the hull and look for odd reflections/light patterns. If is is patched it really needs to be a good patch. Has anyone serviced or inspected the keel bolts and the cable from the winch to the swing keel? These are also critical components. You can find past postings on this site that talk about those things. Interior carpeting and upholstery are cosmetic and can easilly be replaced or recovered and you can sail without them. Does the boat come with lots of extras like life jackets, anchor, horn, etc. You can spend a lot of money gearing up with the "little things". If you find a nice C-22 you won't be sorry you bought it. Nice boat! Comfortable, strong, forgivving, but not the fastest boat on the lake. Good sailing!
 
T

Tony Carlisle

Make Sure Boat Not Stolen

If you are going to be looking for a used boat for someone, be aware that there are characteristics you should watch for besides a worn keel cable. There's a good article at the address below on how to avoid buying a stolen boat. It gives some good advice on what to watch for when inspecting a used boat to make certain that it is not stolen. Worth the five minutes that it will take you to read it.... http://www.yachtsurvey.com/stolenboat.htm Good luck. I bought my used 1976 Catalina 22 about six months ago and I love it. Hope you find a good one for your friend Tony Carlisle Jackson, MS #6339 Peggy J
 
B

Ben

Thanks

That all sounds like good advice. Thanks especially for advice on figuring out if it's stolen, I wouldn't have thought much about that. And thanks for the trailer ideas; I don't have a trailer for my own boat so I wouldn't have thought to look much at it. It's very important because there will be a 3 hour trip to get trailer and boat to its new home.
 
S

Scott Stillwell

Catalina 22

I just bought a 22 about a month ago. I have sailed once. I was wondering what price are they asking?
 
B

Ben

price

He's asking $2300 for the boat and trailer, or $3000 including a 9.9 Mercury.
 
B

Ben

Inspection complete

Went and looked over it last night, thanks again for the suggestions. I felt like I knew the important things to look for. I was very impressed with the boat itself; there were a few minor repair issues, but overall it was in great shape. Some bottom paint and new u-bolts and winch cable on the trailer were all it needs. Not bad for a 30 year old boat.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.