Catalina Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Catalina 22 by Jim Johnstone

Year built	1981
Location of boat	Austin, Tx
The boat is sailed on	Lakes
How the boat is used	Racing
Normal wind strength	10-15 knots
Average size of crew	2-4
Liveaboard?	No
Owner bought the boat in	1999
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	Yes, this is a great boat - easy to sail, does not take a huge crew to race, Can stay on it over night with reasonable comfort. Parts are available quickly so it is not down for long periods when something breaks and it is covered by one design rules. We have a strong fleet here in Austin with some great racing talent so it is challenging to race her.
Gear that's been added	I removed the galley and the lifelines for racing. Added a backstay adjuster, 4 to one outhaul, AM/FN radio, Solar Charger, Compass, Reinforced lower stays. New Main and jib. in board jib tracks, New lightweight winches. New style eyebolts for the shrouds. Moved traveler adjustment points, double ended main sheet. Spinaker pole, mast Eye on car and track. Trailer.
Structural or complex improvements
The boat's best features	There were a lot of them made so it is easy to find one at an affordable price. Parts are readily available and the class association has a great technical manual.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	I have spent the most time upgrading the electrical system. The wiring corrodes with age, the plastic lenses on the lamps get brittle. They are 20 years old, so I don't think this is unreasonable
Sailing characterisitcs	Very good from 3 or 4 MPH of air on up. Not very good in very light air. Best with 12- 20 MPH.Sails better in heavy air with full sail.
Motoring characterisitcs	I just motor out of the dock then go to sail if I can. I have an 8 hp evenrude that can take it to hull speed at full throttle.
Liveability	Adequate compared to a cruiser. Excellent compared to a J 24.
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any	I bought from the previous owner. She used boat for cruising and kept it clean. I looked at the bottom and walked around the deck to make sure it was OK. The price was fair and we made a deal quickly.
Other comments	Highly recommend this boat as a family sailboat and for anyone moving up from dinghy sailing.

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