Just wanted to say Hi and great forum

[Liv4Inspiration]

Just learning to sail! I started with a Catalina 22 about 3 years ago and now am in the process of restoring a Catalina 27 I bought a few months ago. She is just about ready to splash, getting a little nervous lol. Hoping to meet some people here, in the local area and soon around the world.

[CaptainAR]

Hello and welcome aboard. It's funny you mentioned a Catalina 22 because I'm shopping for my first boat as I saw this message pop up on my ipad and I'm looking at Catalina 22s. Lol So this worked out great. If you don't mind me asking, how did you like your 22? I'm looking at ALL the year models but would really rather have a MKII if I could find one I can afford. I saw a decent looking 27 earlier as well. I've been looking on Sailboatlistings.com as well as Sailing texas and on Craigslist a little. Not sure where else to check and to be honest the whole thing seems a little overwhelming since I don't really know what to look for when buying one. I'm probably the perfect sucker that a salesman is waiting for to walk through his door. Would love to hear about yours and your new one as well. Thanks and again, welcome aboard.

Steve


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[Liv4Inspiration]

I loved my 22 it was perfect first boat. First of all its trailer sail boat so don't have to pay for a slip. The swing keel here in Florida was perfect since you can run into shallow water in a heartbeat. The boat itself was great, the only thing was I did not have the head room when in the cabin unless the top was up. As far as looking for one I would check out the rigging cables and sails. Those are expensive if you need to replace them. Look for large cracks or soft spots. Oops forgot about the outboard. That's also expensive so make sure it runs and in decent shape. I paid about 3k for my boat here in the Pensacola area. It came with decent sails (one patch) and a 2 stroke 8hp engine. Most of my money went to getting the bottom job painted. I did it myself for under 200. The other money was spent on cosmetics, new lights, pinstrip, varnishing and teak oil. Ohh and beer. But after 3 years I got my money back and enough experience to know I want to continue to learn to sail. Overall I made every mistake one an make on that Catalina from forgetting to remove the pigtail on a sail during 15knt winds to beaching her several times. She never let me down and I always got home. The best part anyone who sails knows about a catalina 22. There is so many out there that parts are easy and cheap to come by. If anything breaks or you don't know how to fix it. Look online and you will have 10 guys that have a video or forum with the help you need. Let me know if you have any questions?

[Don C L]

Welcome here!

[Liv4Inspiration]

Thanks

[CaptainAR]

Thanks for all the info. I'll keep it all in mind when I finally go look at one. Just out of curiosity, what year was yours?


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[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Liv4Inspiation.

[Liv4Inspiration]

Originally Posted by CaptainAR

Thanks for all the info. I'll keep it all in mind when I finally go look at one. Just out of curiosity, what year was yours?


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1985 I think had the sliding sink and stove