Catalina Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Catalina 22 by Rob Stapleton

Year built	1976
Location of boat	Driveway
The boat is sailed on	Lakes
How the boat is used	Weekends and longer
Normal wind strength	10-15 knots
Average size of crew	2-4
Liveaboard?	No
Owner bought the boat in	2002
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	Definitely, although the trailer is junk. My wife and kids love it.
Gear that's been added
Structural or complex improvements	No, but I do plan to repair the hull imperfections and paint her a crimson color with 2-part polyurethane paint. I've ordered a new tiller and and a "tiller tamer" device to temporarily secure the tiller so I go forward for short periods. I also have ordered a bimini top from Catalina Direct (I imagine this will prove to be invaluable). The bottom needs quite a bit of work and I plan to paint it a bronze color. I did add a magna grill which is really handy. I have also ordered a vhf radio to make it easy to lock-through on the Tennessee River.
The boat's best features	It's basically a 25 footer but lighter and easier to trailer, though a little more cramped.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	The windows leak.
Sailing characterisitcs
Motoring characterisitcs	I don't think I'll be pulling many skiers.
Liveability	My wife and I like to sleep out in the cockpit on nice nights. My two girls love the V-berth. My wife I find it way too claustrophobic, even with the forward hatch opened. The pop-top is wonderful.
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any
Other comments	It's a great boat. Many a grand adventure can be had for a very modest investment.

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