Catalina Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Catalina 22 by Vaughn Buck

Year built	1988
Location of boat	Chesapeake Bay
The boat is sailed on	Bays, sounds, or protected salt water
How the boat is used	Day sailing
Normal wind strength	10-15 knots
Average size of crew	solo
Liveaboard?	No
Owner bought the boat in	1996
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	Definitely! It's a great boat for daysailing and overnighting. Fun to sail and is fast.
Gear that's been added	Roller furling. Since I single hand it makes it easier to sail in heavy weather. Also a depth finder since the Chesapeake Bay has a lot of shallow areas.
Structural or complex improvements	None. The boat is perfect.
The boat's best features	Huge cockpit. Easy to sail. Fast and good in all wind conditions.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	Nothing. It's a simple boat.
Sailing characterisitcs	Sails well with minimal weather helm. Is a little tender to begin due to the wing keel but is great after about 10% of heel. Even in 20+ knot winds, it always feel safe. Could use a little more weight in the bow.
Motoring characterisitcs	In light winds and flat seas, 4 hp will push at hull speed with no problem. Never needs more than 5 hp especially when the OB has a big propeller.
Liveability	Liveability is minimal. No standing room in the cabin. Overnighter at best and then you're camping.
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)	N/A
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any	N/A
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