I am finally going to step up and buy a boat, my first. It will be a trailer sailor in California (southern primarily). After consideration of several makes/models, I've decided on a C22. Of all the boats I've considered, it doesn't seem to be the most tralierable, however its style, looks, history, availability, and loyal following have made it very attractive. To the point...swing or wing? I'm familair with the performance differences, I'm more concerned with maintenance and launching problems. I am leaning toward the wing (concerned about used boat with swing). Let me have it! Will I regret it? Will launching be a total pain? I'm loosing sleep over this. Thanks.
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Associations
Don't loose any more sleep. Go to the people who have all done it before: www.catalina22.org Stu
Don't loose any more sleep. Go to the people who have all done it before: www.catalina22.org Stu
Keel Choice
The swing keel will give better upwind performance, but requires more maintenance. If you buy a swing keel, be sure to check the condition keel bolts, piviot pin, and cable. David
The swing keel will give better upwind performance, but requires more maintenance. If you buy a swing keel, be sure to check the condition keel bolts, piviot pin, and cable. David
Wing Keel Experience
I have sailed a Catalina 22 wing keel for the past five years on Tomales Bay - north of San Francisco. It is true that the swing has an upwind advantage, although less so when the wing has a 10 to 15 degree angle of heel - and, it seems that the wing often outperforms the swing downwind. The wing is much more stable at anchor, there is the absence of the clanking swing keel, and the cabin is more open. I have also really enjoyed learning how sail the wing and finding its "groove" when the wing bites into the water and lifts the boat to windward. I'm moving up to a boat more suitable for ocean cruising - let me know if you are interested in buying my 1988 wing - its in pristine condition.
I have sailed a Catalina 22 wing keel for the past five years on Tomales Bay - north of San Francisco. It is true that the swing has an upwind advantage, although less so when the wing has a 10 to 15 degree angle of heel - and, it seems that the wing often outperforms the swing downwind. The wing is much more stable at anchor, there is the absence of the clanking swing keel, and the cabin is more open. I have also really enjoyed learning how sail the wing and finding its "groove" when the wing bites into the water and lifts the boat to windward. I'm moving up to a boat more suitable for ocean cruising - let me know if you are interested in buying my 1988 wing - its in pristine condition.
Launching
I just reread your post and see that you are mostly concerned with the trailoring factor. The actual trailoring is not a problem, and the wing fits into a slot on the trailor which, I think, adds to its stability on the trailor. The wing only draws about 6 inches more than a swing, and you'll need over 2 foot 6 inches under the keel to get it off the trailor - and you'll need about 6 inches of water at the bow. I use a Jeep or a pickup truck to haul, and do not use the tongue entendor to launch - however, the bumper gets wet without the extendor, I just feel I have better control with the trailor hooked directly to the towing vehicle. Overall, its pretty easy to set up, knock down, and launch.
I just reread your post and see that you are mostly concerned with the trailoring factor. The actual trailoring is not a problem, and the wing fits into a slot on the trailor which, I think, adds to its stability on the trailor. The wing only draws about 6 inches more than a swing, and you'll need over 2 foot 6 inches under the keel to get it off the trailor - and you'll need about 6 inches of water at the bow. I use a Jeep or a pickup truck to haul, and do not use the tongue entendor to launch - however, the bumper gets wet without the extendor, I just feel I have better control with the trailor hooked directly to the towing vehicle. Overall, its pretty easy to set up, knock down, and launch.
Thanks for the input, I am interested in your boat
Thanks for the advice. I am interested in your 1988 C22, especially if it's in pristine condition. More info, pics, $$, etc. Let me know.
Thanks for the advice. I am interested in your 1988 C22, especially if it's in pristine condition. More info, pics, $$, etc. Let me know.
C 22
Rob, I looked at several boats of the C 22 size, and chose the Catalina, because there are so many of them out there, there is a strong class association that supports both racing and cruising, and parts are available at a reasonable price. I love my boat, swing keel. She sails great and will handle strong winds. I like the full mast head rigging. Sailing in West Texas means high winds and shallow lakes. I can launch my boat if the water is deep enough to almost cover the fenders on my trailer. There are several different models of the C 22. Mine is an 1985; the last year of the original design. Some where in the 70's Catalina changed the mast; the round first model was faster. Later model wing keeled boats are really nice if you like to cruise. The redesign of the cabin makes the boat more roomy for cruising, but the boats are a little slower and do not point as well. David
Rob, I looked at several boats of the C 22 size, and chose the Catalina, because there are so many of them out there, there is a strong class association that supports both racing and cruising, and parts are available at a reasonable price. I love my boat, swing keel. She sails great and will handle strong winds. I like the full mast head rigging. Sailing in West Texas means high winds and shallow lakes. I can launch my boat if the water is deep enough to almost cover the fenders on my trailer. There are several different models of the C 22. Mine is an 1985; the last year of the original design. Some where in the 70's Catalina changed the mast; the round first model was faster. Later model wing keeled boats are really nice if you like to cruise. The redesign of the cabin makes the boat more roomy for cruising, but the boats are a little slower and do not point as well. David
Wing Keel
I'd be happy to send you another photo - I'm going out this weekend and can take a newer shot that will show her under sail. I will need your email address. I am "bill@drprange.com", send my a note and I will respond with more specifics, including cost.. I am in Northern California, where are you?
I'd be happy to send you another photo - I'm going out this weekend and can take a newer shot that will show her under sail. I will need your email address. I am "bill@drprange.com", send my a note and I will respond with more specifics, including cost.. I am in Northern California, where are you?
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