Catalina Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Catalina 22 by Brad Draper

Year built	1976
Location of boat	Great Salt Lake
The boat is sailed on	Lakes
How the boat is used	Day sailing
Normal wind strength	less than 10 knots
Average size of crew	2-4
Liveaboard?	No
Owner bought the boat in	2000
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	Yes, but with a Fixed keel, instead of the swing keel. Highly recommended as a learner sailboat.
Gear that's been added	VHF radio, AM/FM Cassette and Speaker, Compass, Boom Vang, bilge-pump.
Structural or complex improvements	Repaired Gelcote nicks and cracks in hull and painted. Will be installing new upgraded spacers in the keel house, and bottom painting.
The boat's best features	Deck layout, all lines and halyards lead aft, so great for single handed sailing. Other than my concerns about the swing keel, one sturdy boat.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	So far no significant problems, but worry about the swing keel in rough waters(3'+ swells). Not the best pointer, probably due to the minor movement of the keel. Other than that, shes a trooper!
Sailing characterisitcs	Good at all points of sail, except pointing while sailing close hauled. During one experience while racing in 20+ kt winds, she held together very well, even at a heel of 30-35 degrees; although I don't think I would get to comfortable doing that all the time. I have heard stories about the swing keel swinging back beyond 30 degrees, which could be a very serious situation.
Motoring characterisitcs	Currently using a Johnson 6hp longshaft outboard; max speed 6kt. Motors fine, the keel cable starts to vibrate at about 3kts, which makes a buzzing sound, but this happens under sail too.
Liveability	Mostly use for day sailing, and some weekenders. A weekend is just above right for staying on the boat. Any longer that the quarters get cramped.
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)	Haven't dealt with them.
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any	None
Other comments	Fun boat!

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