Advice re: 1974 Catalina 22?

[Divensail88]

I'll be looking at a 1974 Catalina 22 swing keel for sale for $4500 incl trailer and 6 hp motor. The seller is willing to take it out and sail it with me. I'm an experienced power boat operator (23 footer) in 2-3 ft seas. Other than that, I have zero experience with sail boats. Anyone care to mention things I need to be looking for/asking about with regard to the boat before buying it? He says he keeps the keel down all the time, even at the dock, so I'm a bit concerned that maybe it doesn't pivot properly anymore? Any advice would be much appreciated.

[Bash]

Originally Posted by Divensail88

He says he keeps the keel down all the time, even at the dock, so I'm a bit concerned that maybe it doesn't pivot properly anymore?

That's easy to check.

If it won't come up, the trailer is useless.

[Phil Turner]

Cast iron keel. Bronze keel pin and hangers. Sure to need maintenance. Check deck for soft spots. Plywood core. Check deck at base of mast for compression indicating delam. Check compression post in cabin at the base where it rest on fiberglass. Any compression here and your cutting out interior liner for repairs. Standing rigging? Those wires that hold the mast up.Needs to be real nice boat for those $. Nearly 40 years old. I'm on 3rd Cat 22. Current one 43 years old. The boat not me. Phil Turner