22 ft catalina sport sailboat

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• Sailboat Reviews

Catalina 22

For those to whom price is all-important,--the catalina 22 is appealing but it's lacking in performance..

In its 10th anniversary issue in 1980, Sail magazine named the Catalina 22 the boat that had represented the breakthrough in trailer/cruisers in those 10 years. There is no denying the popularity of the Catalina 22: more than 10,000 of the model we review here have been built, and that doesn’t include the Sport models now being sold. For many buyers, the Catalina 22 is their first “big” boat and an introduction to the Catalina line. Many remain with Catalina and buy up within that line.

Catalina is the largest sailboat in the US in dollar volume, and the firm is one of the lasting success stories in the industry. It foregoes national advertising in favor of local dealer-sponsored ads, and has remained a privately owned company while the trend has been toward conglomerate-owned boatbuilding.

Like all manufacturing boatbuilders today Catalina builds boats to a price, making the most of volume buying of materials and hardware, long-lived models, a high degree of standardization, and all the cost savings of high volume production. The Catalina 22 was the first boat built by Catalina.

The Catalina 22 that we are reviewing here was in production from 1969 until 1995, when the Catalina 22 MkII was introduced. During this more than quarter-century of production, several incremental changes were made, with several significant upgrades in 1986, when a wing keel version was introduced.

The boat has been replaced by the Catalina 22 Sport. Introduced in 2004, the Catalina 22 Sport is still in production and it closely adheres to the original boat’s dimensions, and weight.  Although the post-’95 boats have resolved many of the problems we find here in the original, they did so at the expense of a feature that racers admired—a lighter weight hull. So, although it might not have all the improvements of later models, the one we look at here will hold a certain appeal to sailors in areas that are home to active C22’s fleets, as well as to sailors looking to start sailing for under $5K, and aren’t afraid to put a little sweat equity into the boat.

Just as it was when the boat was first introduced, the Catalina 22 is a common landing spot for those who are just beginning to dream of an escape. It is to Catalina’s credit that the 22 continues to sell and continues to be many sailors’ first boat. And perhaps one of the biggest selling points of all, is the broad and consistent support in the form of other owners. There really isn’t anything that can’t be fixed on these boats, and dialed in, they can be fun to sail. One need only drop in on the website for Chip Ford to get an idea of what’s possible with this boat.

Construction

It’s hard to argue with the construction of a boat after 10,000 have been built, but we do. In these early boats the hull-to-deck joint— a plywood reinforced hull flange is joined to the deck with a rigid polyester “slurry” and self-tapping fasteners. This not our idea of ideal construction. The same type of joint is used on larger boats, although we are less concerned because obviously the structure is for a much smaller boat. Larger boats like the Catalina 30 also used this method, and the C30 has enough loyal followers to earn it a spot among our recommended 30-footers from the 1970s.

Catalina 22 has remained essentially unchanged from the day it was introduced in 1969. Only the pivot for the swing keel version was changed about boat #250 and then, according to a Catalina statement, it was done for production purposes. Later a pop-top option was added and now 90% of the boats sold have this feature.

Catalina takes credit for pioneering the one-piece hull liner that has become standard in most high volume small boats. However, it should be noted that the liner is basically a cosmetic component, not a structural member, and the hull must get its strength from the hull laminate and bulkhead reinforcement.

The swing keel, also chosen by 90% of the buyers, is cast iron and, when retracted, remains substantially exposed (accounting for more than half of the 2′ draft of the shoal draft model). It is a rough 550 lb. iron casting of indifferent hydrodynamic efficiency, but you can order templates for fairing quite easily.

The swing keel is hoisted with a simple reel winch located under a vestigial bridgedeck with its handle passing through a plywood facing. We’d guess that Catalina owners soon become conditioned to its presence, though it can trip those stepping up or down through the companionway.

The drop keel of the Catalina evoked a number of observations from owners in the PS boat owners’ questionnaire. Several note that the keel hangar mounting bolts loosen or seize.  Another reports he had to replace his wire pennant twice. Replacing the pennant requires hoisting the boat high enough to have access to the top of the keel.

As with all Catalina-built boats, decor is a major selling point. The line, including the 22, is attractively appointed. They create a highly favorable impression which has to encourage sales, especially for first time boat buyers.

In fact, the Catalina 22 outside and inside is one of the most visually appealing small boats we have seen. It has enough trim and finish to look pretty. Similarly, her hull and rig, although dated, are well proportioned. It is about her performance and livability that we have the most serious qualms.

Performance

By any objective standard the Catalina 22 is hardly a sprightly performing small boat. There have been too many compromises to performance: trailerability, shoal draft, cockpit space, low cost, and interior accommodations, as well as giving her a placid disposition for novice sailors. The boat needs a genoa jib, a smoother, and more efficient swing or fin keel shape and some hardware of even the most modest go-fast variety. Even then the prognosis is that she will remain a rather tubby boat in an age when much of the fun of boats is in their responsiveness, if not speed.

With almost all the Catalinas having been built with the swing keel, the appeal has been her shallow draft for trailering. Yet even with 2′ of draft with the keel hoisted, the boat has too much draft for beaching. Given the tradeoff in performance, the difficulty of maintenance, and loss of stability, one hopes that indeed buyers of the swing keel 22 have made good use of it for trailering.

The deck of the Catalina 22 is a decidedly unhandy working platform. The sidedecks are narrow and obstructed by jib sheets and blocks. The three shrouds per side effectively block access to the foredeck, and complicate headsail trim and passage of the jib across in tacking. In fact, so difficult is it to go forward on the 22 we recommend getting rid of the lifelines. They are already too low to offer anything but token protection and they anchor near the base of the bow pulpit where they give no protection. Instead, handrails should be installed on the cabin top.

Ironically for a boat as popular as the Catalina, the boat incorporates the most incredible amount of wasted space we have ever seen in a sailboat large or small. In a size where stowage is at such a premium, there is a cavernous unusable space. The entire area under the cockpit and most of the area under the port cockpit seat (except where the gas tank sits) is all but inaccessible. The loss of this space limits stowage to scuttles under the berth bases.

The convertible dinette which seats only two with elbow room is a vestige of the 22’s design era and the vee berths forward form that combination of bathroom and bedroom that is common on a daysailer of these dimensions. The alternatives, here, have their shortcomings.

The easy solution is to relocate the head to the cockpit when you finally decided to retire for the night.  Otherwise, the settee on the starboard side, and even that berth is shared with the optional galley facility that in use takes up about half the berth area. The Catalina 22s now have a pop-top as standard; most of the cabin top lifts 10″ on four pipe supports. Most owners we have heard from seem to like the system, particularly those in warmer areas. Headroom at anchor is pleasant but we’d rather see room for stowage, sleeping, etc. as well.

One safety point in these older models that is worth raising is the stowage setup for the portable gas tank for a transom-mounted outboard auxiliary. The tank sits on a molded shelf (part of the hull liner) in a seat locker at the after end of the cockpit. This puts a portable gasoline tank inside the cabin.The locker is vented but it is not isolated. This arrangement can allow fuel can to make its way unimpeded to the inaccessible low point right under the cockpit. This design flaw has been corrected in later versions and if you have a boat with this arrangement, we recommend securing all portable tanks above deck until it is fixed.

One of the Catalina’s better features is her cockpit. It is long (7′) and comfortable, a place where the crew can sit with support for their backs, a place to brace their feet, and with room to avoid the tiller. It is unobstructed by the mainsheet that trims to a rod traveler on the stern.

Conclusions

Many boat buyers shop for a boat of this type with price foremost in mind. They probably will get no farther than their local Catalina dealer, where they can get a boat that is the same size and similarly equipped as boats costing far more. It’s apt to be a boat identical to many of those sailing on the same waters. Better still, they are more than likely to have sailing friends who not only have (or had) a Catalina but belong to one of the most widespread and active owners’ class associations in the sport. The whole package has a powerful appeal, especially to a newcomer seeking moral support.

For performance, accommodations and even construction they might do better at a higher price, but with Catalina’s proven staying power through decades of change, they understandably turn to the 22.

At a weight of about 2,500 lbs. loaded for the road plus a trailer, the Catalina 22 can be hauled by most cars. If anything but a jaunt to the boat ramp is envisioned, however, it’s big enough to recommend SUV with a trailer package.

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11 comments.

Still a useful review! FWIW, I was shopping for a Catalina 22 Sport at the Annapolis Boat Show last fall and Catalina was saying that they were close to $50,000 with common options and the wait time for a new one was 6 months. I realize that this is a small boat in the range of what is on the market at that boat show, but my goodness, were those sales people blasé about selling a boat to me. Ended up with a 5 yo boat for about half that much money. Unfortunately, she is still on the hard until spring in the Chesapeake!

Nice review of the Catalina 22. Out first boat was a Capri 22, which I was told was the “hot” version of the Catalina 22. It has a deep draft keel (6-7’?) and out-pointed every other boat on the lake. We slept aboard once….no fun!

This is a totally misleading article, focused entirely on exaggerated flaws. This article should really be written by someone who has actually owned a C22, and spent more than a cursory time sailing one. IMO, they’re great boats, and a ton of fun can be had with one – but only if the self-gratifying snobbism is left at the dock. The boat is squarely in the sweet spot of carrying costs and sailing fun.

These are great boats for beginners and sailors that want an uncomplicated boat to day sail and overnight on. I have taught ASA beginner classes on the C22. Also one of the popularities of this boat that was not touched on in this article is it’s one design racing class. Large fleets continue to turn out for weekend and national regattas.

No mention is made of stepping the mast. At 77 years of age and somewhat physically fit can I handle it?

Thanks, Bill Tucker

If the C22 is without a roller furler on the jib – stepping the mast is pretty light work. Check YouTube for videos on mast stepping a C22 – there are many good tricks and techniques to be learned. It can be stepped very easily by 2 people, or even just 1 person with a small bit of experience. On boats with a roller furler, stepping the mast is still not hard, but the roller furler acts like a 100 lb wet noodle, so it adds a bit of planning. I have a roller furler – but still, with the proper tricks, it can be done alone. Don’t be discouraged by this article – and I should add, almost all of the criticisms made only apply to the very early models, and the C22 additionally underwent a substantial redesign in 1986. Personally, between the 2, I favor the post 1986 boats, known as the “New design.”

IMO, it’s the best bang for the buck in sailing. It’s no small pleasure to know that as you enjoy the same wind, water and sun as the larger boats, you’re spending thousands less a season than literally everyone else. I could afford a larger boat, but for me – the smaller the boat, the bigger the experience one gets out of it. I’m in it for the love of being on the water. If you’re interested – check out the C22. https://forums.sailboatowners.com/forums/catalina-22.59/

i have a 2005 Sport I’ve owned since new. I’m old and gray, but yes, it’s doable to raise and lower the mast (I have hank on sails). I had a fella build me an folding A-frame that helps. I use the vang and jib halyard, attached at the top of the A-frame, to “lever” the mast up and down under control. I can also use the A-frame with my trailer winch and the halyard.

I love my Sport. Racing is getting behind me, so I’ve “comforted” it up a bit. I have a bimini (installed backwards so it folds forward out of the way for docking and getting underway). I added a “downhaul” retriever line up by the headstay. I attach the line to my genoa/jib so when it’s time to douse, I just “haul the sail down”. That holds it to deck, with the sheets pulled back safely, so that I don’t have to go forward. Winches were moved to the cabin top (helps with halyards, led aft), with ratchet turning blocks at the old winch locations. I can usually hand trim using the ratchet action. Only heavier winds require the winches. Backstay is partial spectra line for adjustment, and the traveler has controls in the cockpit.

I can single hand it all day.

I think the review was pretty harsh. These boats hold up well and sail to their rating. And the OD Class is awesome.

With a chain and a pulley using the main halyard, yes.

Fun to read this review. My parents got one in the mid-’70s and I “inherited” her. My wife and I spent our honeymoon cruise on her, later we packed our 3 kids and a dog in there for a 5-day cruise, and then I fixed her up again for a 25th anniversary honeymoon-reprise cruise. Not a fast boat, but to learn to sail and cruise? Perfect. And growing up cruising in such tight accommodations made the trimaran I have now gravitated towards (a reaction to sailing slowly?) quite tolerable. A perfect starter-boat. Mast-raising is easy if done carefully and slowly with appropriate gin-pole and some “baby-stay” guy wires: the trick is to get the baby-stays to rotate around the same point as the mast-base so they are tight all the way up. Or to have some help keeping the mast straight during raising.

The review does focus on many negatives, but missed the wicked weather-helm under some conditions. It took me years to realize I could simply move the center-of-effort aft by raising the swing-keel some, which helped immensely, despite seeming counter-intuitive (raise the keel to help upwind performance in high-wind conditions? Huh?). Don’t be scared off, but do inspect, for eg, the plywood cores for saturation and rot on older boats, and for signs of separation of the deck from the hull at the bow: I installed a turnbuckle from foredeck to the bow-ring to take the forestay tension when I fixed ours up. Cheers all.

That’s a great tip about the swing keel – makes perfect sense. A minor adjustment can make a difference in that regard.

Way back in about 1978 or so I made a new friend, Tony, that had purchased a Catalina 22 and was docked a few slips away from my dock, at the time, on lake Ontario at Wilson Boatyard in Wilson, NY, I was living on my new Challenger Ketch. Early one nite I noticed Tony on his Catalina 22. Tony was about 60 years old and knew almost nothing about sailing. We talked and he asked me to teach him how to sail his new 22″. We practiced sailing almost every nite with the evening offshore wind. He eventually got up enough confidence and courage to sail across Lake Ontario to Toronto Harbor on the North shore of the Lake where he and his 3 lady guest stayed on the boat and in a motel for a few days. Tony loved his Cataliona 22′.

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Catalina 22 Review

The Catalina 22 is the most commercially successful sailboat of all time and is one of the 5 inaugural members of the American Sailboat Hall of Fame.  Frank Butler of Catalina Yachts  designed the Catalina 22, which was Catalina’s first production boat.  Since 1969, Catalina Yachts has built and sold over 16,000 Catalina 22s.  Catalina continues to manufacture this boat to meet continued sprightly demand.  Continued market demand and production of a family cruiser and racer of this size contrasts with the next two models up in Catalina’s line, the Catalina 25  and the Catalina 27, which are no longer produced.

The Catalina 22 is an excellent day sailer, racer, and weekender.  She has classic Catalina lines and port light configuration that many sailors find timeless.  Although Catalina has updated the Catalina 22 throughout its production run, early boats remain modern-looking and attractive by today’s standards.  Many sailors will prefer the lines of the earlier boats over the lines of the most recent.  With its light displacement and available swing keel, the Catalina 22 can truly be considered a trailer-sailer by any modern standard.

Unlike many builders of sailboats available on the used boat market today, Catalina remains in business, and continues to manufacture and source parts for the Catalina 22.  Catalina 22 owners benefit from  Catalina Direct , which makes buying many  Catalina 22 specific parts  very convenient.  As an aside, it’s worth noting that Catalina Direct is a dealer for Catalina Yachts and is not run by Catalina, the manufacturer.  With the vast majority of Catalina 22s still afloat, the boat has a huge user base and a very active owners’ association with racing, the Catalina 22 National Association .  Many owners of the Catalina 22 report that the plethora of information available from other owners, that the manufacturer was still in business, that a version of the boat continues to be manufactured, and that spare parts were readily available, were key points influencing their decision to purchase a Catalina 22.

EVOLUTION OF THE CATALINA 22

Catalina produced the original Catalina 22, called the Mark I, until 1995.  In 1973, a fin keel was offered in addition to the swing keel.  In 1976, a stronger heavier mast was introduced.  In 1986, Catalina introduced the “New Design”, which saw revisions to the rigging but not to the sail dimensions, aluminum trimmed port lights replaced with smoked plexiglass, interior layout changes, addition of a separate fuel locker and battery compartment, moving the forward hatch aft of the foredeck to the cabin house, and addition of an anchor locker.  In 1988, a wing keel option was offered in addition to the swing and fin keels.  In 1995, Catalina introduced the Catalina 22 Mark II, which included revisions to the hull above the waterline, cabin house and port lights, interior layout, pop-top, and offered additional interior options.  In 2004, Catalina introduced the Catalina 22 Sport.   For the Catalina 22 Sport, Catalina redesigned nearly the entire boat except for the hull, keel, rudder, and sail plan, which were left the same so that these boats could compete in one-design racing.

Catalina introduced an additional 22 footer, the Catalina Capri 22, in 1984. This boat has a different underbody from all of the above Catalina 22 boats and is not eligible for Catalina 22 one-design racing.  Catalina continues to manufacture this boat, today called the Catalina 22 Capri .

CONSTRUCTION

The build quality of the Catalina 22 is good for its intended purpose as a daysailer and weekender for inland and protected waters.  The hull is solid hand-laid fiberglass.  Some Mark I models had plywood stringers, which can rot.  The deck is fiberglass sandwich with a plywood core.  The hull-to-deck joint is Catalina’s preferred shoebox design, but only fastened with screws and chemical adhesive which are sufficient for the boat’s intended cruising grounds.  Interior fit and finish is excellent for this size and class of production boat.  The interior is a molded fiberglass liner.  Interior woodwork is an attractive and durable marine ply with teak veneer with some solid teak pieces for structural loading.

All standing rigging is stainless steel.  Catalina 22s built before 1977 had a lighter, weaker mast, and lighter gauge standing rigging.  These early boats were not designed to carry a headsail greater than a 110%.  A few of these earlier boats suffered mast failures when carrying a larger genoa. In 1978, Catalina fixed this issue on all new Catalina 22s by installing a stronger, heavier mast and heavier gauge rigging that could support the greater loads associated with larger headsails.

Minor blistering was an issue on some earlier Catalina 22s, which was a common issue for boats manufactured during that period.  Hull blistering issues are hit and miss, with some Catalina 22 owners reporting never having any.  Due to the long production run and improvement of fiberglass technology during this time, blistering issues were reduced in each successive year, and were nearly non-existent by the mid-1980s.

As with all early Catalina boats that had aluminum trimmed port lights, leaking is a common problem.  Catalina Direct offers a Catalina 22 specific  kit to reseal these port lights.

On Mark I boats, the electrical panel was installed on the side of the aft dinette seat where it can be damaged by kicking when moving about the cabin and by water intrusion between the hatch boards.  Some owners install kick plates over the electrical panel to protect the switches.  Due to the relatively simple electrical systems on the boat, moving the electrical panel to a better location is only a small project.  For the New Design, Catalina moved the panel to the shelf in the port side of the hull.  Catalina moved the panel again for the Mark II model, placing it beneath the companionway steps, which returned it to the same location issues as the Mark I boats have.

Early Catalina 22s came from the factory with through-hull plumbing fittings secured only by single hose clamps, instead of two.  This is of course easy to fix if not done already.  Early boats also had gate valves installed for through-hulls, which was common at that time.  Gate valves should be replaced with proper seacocks.

The Catalina 22 is a masthead sloop with a sail-area-to-displacement ratio of around 18 (depending on keel), which puts her traditionally in a medium-cruiser class.  The mast is deck stepped with a compression post below decks to support the mast.  The mast is supported by one set of spreaders and one set of upper shrouds, and two sets of lower shrouds.

Some Catalina 22s came equipped from the factory with boom vangs, while others did not.   Catalina 22 specific boom vang kits are available from Catalina Direct.  All boats came with an adjustable mainsheet traveler.  The jib car tracks are very short, but this is not likely an issue for the vast majority of sailors who will rarely adjust the location of their jib cars anyway.  A small winch and clutch is installed on each cockpit coaming to manage jib sheets. No halyard winches were installed from the factory, but clutches were typically installed at the aft end of the cabin house so as to be accessible from the cockpit.

Catalina has deliberately never changed the dimensions of the rig during the entire production run so that any Catalina 22 regardless of year can compete in Catalina 22 one-design racing.

KEEL AND RUDDER

The vast majority of Catalina 22s were delivered with a swing keel.  Over the production run, Catalina introduced two additional keel options, a fixed fin and a fixed wing.  The fin keel has a draft of 3′ 6″ and provides 765 lbs. of ballast.  The wing keel has a draft of 2′ 6″ and provides 708 lbs. of ballast.

The Catalina 22 swing keel warrants its own discussion.  On earlier boats, the swing keel was cast iron and in later boats, cast lead. Beginning with the Mark II model, all swing keels were encapsulated in fiberglass.  The swing keel weighs 452 lbs. and serves as all of the ballast for the boat. The heavy weight of this swing keel prevents many of the annoying banging noises associated with unballasted swing keels. The keel can be raised by way of a simple and reliable manual winch system located below the companionway steps. Little effort is required to operate the winch.

The swing keel pivots from a down position to an aft-and-up position on a 1” diameter cast bronze rod hung between stout cast bronze hangers mounted to the underside of the hull. When down, the keel provides a 5′ draft, which is very deep for a boat of this size.  When the keel is fully raised to its horizontal position, the Catalina 22 has a draft of only 2′, which is of course handy for gunkholing or if the water gets shallow when exploring. In the event of a grounding, the keel gently swings back and away rather than getting damaged or causing damage to the hull as can happen with fixed keels and vertically lifting (not swing) keels.  When the swing keel on the Catalina 22 is fully lowered, the keel orientation is high aspect and has a symmetrical foil shape, similar to modern race boats, so that the boat points to weather extremely well and tacks on a dime. When completely raised, only a small part of the keel is enveloped in the hull, with the rest protruding. Therefore when the keel is fully raised, the keel orientation is very low aspect, making for nearly a full keel configuration, enabling the boat to track well with little helm attention, even when sailing downwind.

Catalina recommends that Catalina 22 swing keel hardware be inspected every two years if in a salt water environment, and allows for longer if in fresh water. However, some owners in fresh water environments report never inspecting their swing keels after thirty years of use and have no problems.  Catalina also recommended a retrofit be performed on earlier Catalina 22s to reduce the side-to-side movement of the keel along the pivot pin, which could cause the keel to wear through the pin.  If not already done, owners should perform or have this retrofit performed.  A retrofit kit is available from Catalina Direct.

Despite the early swing keels being cast iron, Catalina did not typically install a sacrificial anode on Catalina 22s at the factory.  Catalina 22s should have a sacrificial anode installed, especially if in salt water, although owners of fresh water boats without sacrificial anodes have reported little corrosion.   Sacrificial anode kits , including the drill bit necessary to go through the cast iron, are available from Catalina Direct.  Catalina 22s produced from 1995 onward had the cast iron keel encapsulated in fiberglass, which further reduced potential corrosion issues.

The Catalina 22 has a transom hung rudder commanded by a tiller.  Mark I boats came with a kick-up rudder that may avoid damage if grounded, and can also be secured up when in shallow waters using the factory-installed rudder rigging.  New Design and later, boats were delivered with a solid rudder instead of the kick-up model.  The solid rudder can provide better sailing performance but can be damaged when the keel is raised in shallow waters because the rudder extends beyond the depth of the raised keel.

SAILING CHARACTERISTICS

The Catalina 22 has a very flat canoe body and beam carried well aft resulting in excellent initial stability, and low wetted-surface area contributing to speed.  The boat has a relatively deep forefoot, which prevents the flat body aft from pounding.  Catalina 22s are stiff, and if knocked down, right themselves quickly.  The swing keel is the least ballasted of the boats and is the most tender.  The fin keel is the most ballasted and most stable version.

All three keel configurations sail well on any point of sail.  Catalina 22 owners consistently refer to the boat as “forgiving”.  The swing keel performs the best to windward due to its deep and high-aspect orientation when lowered.  Due to its extremely low-aspect when raised, the swing keel can also perform the best running with the wind.  The fin keel performs better on all points of sail than the wing keel.

The Catalina 22 easily achieves hull speed in light-medium airs.  Many Catalina 22 owners report preferring to reef when winds reach above 10 knots, while others report never reefing even with much higher wind speeds.  The boat has a tendency to round up into the wind when over canvassed, which can count as a safety feature.

Unlike smaller day sailers, the cockpit of the Catalina 22 provides a very secure and dry ride.  The cockpit is large (larger than its bigger sister, the Catalina 25 ) with a moderately deep sole and wide benches.  Leaning against the bulkhead at the forward end of the benches provides an excellent lounging position facing aft.  The coamings are moderately high, which add to a sense of security when seated.  The benches are long enough for sleeping when overnighting or weekending.

On Mark I boats, the cockpit sole slopes forward so that scuppers are necessarily located at the forward end of the cockpit.  On any boat with cockpit scuppers located in the sole, keeping the scuppers free from debris, especially when the boat is not being used, is a common maintenance concern.  Clogged scuppers can lead to cockpit flooding in heavy precipitation, and eventually flooding below decks.  The scuppers drain through plumbing connected to a y-fitting and then a through-hull fitting beneath the companionway steps.  Catalina Direct offers a kit to install additional scuppers in the transom of the boat to aid the factory installed scuppers.  With the New Design, Catalina began installing scuppers that drain through the transom.

Beneath the port cockpit bench is a relatively large lazarette, accessible from a hatch at the aft end of the port bench.  The lazarette is not big enough for sail storage but works well for storing lines, bumpers, and other equipment.  On Mark I models, this lazarette also functions as a fuel locker, which is functional because the locker is not open to the interior of the boat or the bilge.  The lazarette is vented to the outside by cowlings on the side deck.  The sole of the lazarette slopes downward to forward so that fuel fumes can accumulate in the lazarette.  Some Mark I owners report that fuel fumes can seep through the bulkhead at the forward end of the lazerette into the cabin.  For the New Design, Catalina improved this design so that the fuel tank was separated from the lazarette and vented to the cockpit.  Some Catalina 22s came equipped with a manual bilge pump mounted in the port lazarette, with the pump handle accessible from the cockpit.

A boarding ladder hung from the transom on the starboard side was optional.  While boarding ladders are an easy fit to most any boat, a Catalina 22 specific boarding ladder is available from Catalina Direct.

Moving forward from the cockpit, the side decks are necessarily narrow.  For a boat of this size, the side decks are excellent.  Many boats of this size eliminate side decks all together, especially newer designs, requiring sailors to cross over the cabin house to access the foredeck, which is disastrous in appearance.  Butler maintained the boat’s good lines and proportions by keeping side decks, even if narrow.  Some owners remove their lifelines, which generally looks attractive, and in this case makes moving along the side decks easier.  Considering the limited effectiveness of the lifelines due to their low height, their removal may add to safety aboard on any Catalina 22 unless small children will be aboard.  Due to the size of the boat, there is always some rigging to hold within arms’ reach.

The foredeck is a good size for managing a foresail and includes a sufficiently secure bow pulpit.  On Mark I boats, there is a large hatch in the center of the foredeck, which opens to the v-berth below.  On New Design boats, this hatch was moved aft to the forward end of the cabin house, which improves the foredeck for sail handling.  On Mark II boats, this hatch was changed from solid fiberglass to smoked plexiglass.  Due to the rising sheer line of the forward end of the deck, the plywood core in the foredeck is prone to rot if the watertightness of the foredeck fittings is not maintained.  Many owners have addressed rotted cores with various techniques that involve removing the rotted core from below decks.  Addressing this issue from below leaves no adverse blemishes on the foredeck.

Mark I Catalina 22s have no anchor locker.  Many Mark I boats are fitted with an anchor holder mounted on the bow pulpit.  For any Catalina 22 not already outfitted with one, anchor holders are available from Catalina Direct.  Catalina introduced an anchor locker with the New Design.

The Catalina 22 has Catalina’s traditional wide companionway with three hatch boards.  With the hatch boards removed, the interior of the boat is greatly opened.  This companionway is an excellent place to stand while under sail from which all operations of the boat can be observed and guests in the cockpit tended with food and beverages.

Headroom is limited at 4′ 4″, which owners report is great for their children.  In 1973, Catalina began offering the pop-top as an option, which swings up on 4 stainless steel struts and increases headroom to 5′ 7″.  Catalina modified the pop-top for the Mark II model, replacing the struts with a hinge at the forward edge, making it easier to raise.

Below decks, there is a wide but short v-berth forward with a removable central insert at the aft end.  On Mark I, New Design, and Mark II boats, beneath the central insert is a large storage area open to the salon.  Many owners keep port-a-potties in this space and some install marine heads.  Some Catalina 22s were delivered from the factory with marine heads installed in this space.  Also beneath the v-berth are two smaller storage areas.  The aft end of the v-berth can be enclosed with the factory-installed curtains, which offers some privacy if used as a head area.

On the New Design models, there is an icebox to port a centerline sink between the aft end of the v-berth and the forward dinette seat back.  To starboard there is a two burner stove and a drawer beneath.  Some owners remove this stove, leaving a deep shelf for storage.

Aft to starboard is a settee long enough for sleeping.  On the Mark I models, aft to port is the dinette, which can seat two adults and two children.  Outboard of the starboard settee, and the dinette to port, are shelves built into the hull.  There is storage beneath the starboard settee, the dinette seats if on the Mark I model, and the port settee if on the Mark II model.  On the Mark II model, the port settee continues aft beneath the cockpit, making the port settee long enough for sleeping.  Aft of the starboard settee is the “Captain’s Quarter Berth”, which is uncomfortable as a berth due to low headroom.  Most owners use this space for storing whisker poles, boat hooks, camp stoves, oars, and similar long and flat gear, or mounting radios and other equipment.  The aft most end of this quarter berth is accessible from a hatch in the cockpit.

For Mark I and Mark II boats (but not the New Design boats), Catalina offered a galley that would slide out from under the quarter berth for use.  On Mark I models, the slide-out galley included a sink, two burner stove, icebox, and storage drawer.  On Mark II models, the galley was smaller, and only included a sink and single burner stove.  The icebox was moved to and became an integral part of the companionway steps.

For the Mark II models, Catalina made the interior more spacious by widening the hull above the water line and widening the interior by 10″.

VENTILATION

The Catalina 22 has no opening port lights, but none are necessary.  Ventilation on the Catalina 22 is excellent.  The large forward hatch funnels air into the cabin when under sail.  At the dock, owners report that a box fan can be placed in this hatch to effectively force air throughout the cabin.  The pop-top opens the entire salon dramatically. The large companionway contributes to this openness as well.

AUXILIARY POWER

The Catalina 22 is powered by an outboard motor hung on the port side of the transom on an adjustable mount.  Long shaft motors are preferred.  A 5 h.p. motor is more than adequate for pushing the boat even in rough conditions.  Many owners report having Catalina 22s equipped with less powerful motors without issue.

With a maximum displacement of 2490 lbs. or less depending on keel model, the Catalina 22 is easily pulled without a powerful truck as a tow vehicle.  The light weight also enables the Catalina 22 to use a single axle trailer, although the trailer wheels should be of the 5-lug type.  The swing keel and relatively flat bottom also mean that many powerboat trailers can be easily modified to support the Catalina 22.

USED CATALINA 22 MARKET

Catalina 22s can be found on the used boat market typically ranging anywhere in price from $2,000 to $22,000, mostly depending upon age and condition, installed equipment and upgrades, and whether or not a trailer is included in the sale. However, derelict project boats occasionally pop-up for much less. Due to the ubiquity of the Catalina 22, it is always easy to find one for sale on Craigslist, Sailboat Listings, Sailing Texas, and other venues, and there are a plethora on Yacht World. If shopping for a Catalina 22, make sure all swing keel maintenance has been performed or be prepared to do it. Check early boats with aluminum trimmed windows for leaks, which was common but easily repairable. Check for foredeck core rot, stringer rot, and hull blistering, which were hit and miss problems on earlier boats. Otherwise, there is nothing special to consider with these boats that you would not for any other boat.

Special thanks to Jeremy Smith for his contributions to this article.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Catalina 22 Mark II Brochure

Catalina 22 Sport Brochure

Catalina 22 National Association

Catalina 22-Specific Parts Available from Catalina Direct

Catalina 22s Available for Sale on Craigslist, Nationwide

FAMILY CRUISING (SAILING AWAY) ON A CATALINA 22

CATALINA 22 RACING

LAUNCHING A CATALINA 22

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6 thoughts on “ catalina 22 review ”.

Had no idea that a Catalina was that affordable! Definitely going to get a yacht someday soon!

Excellent review. The only suggestion that I can make is that a matrix that compares the various features and problems of each model and age boat would be extremely helpful. I will use this review as my guide for the purchase of a Catalina 22. Congratulations on a very professional job.

Jim Vaughan Grass Valley, Ca

• Pingback: Used Catalina 22 | Pualwalker

Great informative article! Thanks for sharing your wealth of knowledge!

Great review that I will keep going back to for more research on things I had to skip over. I’m a senior age guy and have spent my life boating and commercial fishing but never sailing. I’m definitely going to buy a Catalina 22. This boat was recommended to me by my sailing instructor Gary of Outercape Sailing in Wellfleet Massachusetts. I live in Provincetown Massachusetts with a great harbor and Cape cod Bay. I’m so thankful for all this information. Thanks Peter Cook

Thanks for all the help. I am looking to purchase one right now but on all sites they are minimal at best. Can’t blame the people for not wanting to get rid of one unless trading up. Thanks again.

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2023 Catalina 22 Sport

In response to Catalina 22 owners’ requests for a production boat that more accurately reflects the original dimensions and weight of this popular one design boat, Catalina Yachts built the Catalina 22 Sport. Catalina Yachts aims to encourage more family racing with the thousands of first generation 22s by offering an alternative to finding an older boat, and restoring it just to be competitive in the dozens of established Catalina 22 fleets. Like the first Catalina 22, the 22Sport is easy to trailer, and a great boat to step up from dinghy sailing to a pocket cruiser/race, offering the quality and value Catalina owners have come to expect since 1970.

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• Sailboat Guide

Catalina 22

Catalina 22 is a 21 ′ 5 ″ / 6.6 m monohull sailboat designed by Frank V. Butler and built by Cooper Enterprises Inc. and Catalina Yachts starting in 1969.

• 2 / 3 Mesa, AZ, US 1977 Catalina 22 $4,000 USD View
• 3 / 3 Mesa, AZ, US 1977 Catalina 22 $4,000 USD View

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

The CATALINA 22 is one of the most popular sailboats ever in anything close to this size,. 15,000 boats sold (2009) It has been built in different plants around the world..(Known in Australia as the BOOMAROO 22.) (A fixed keel version introduced in the early 1970’s)

A ‘New Design’ was introduced in 1986 (featuring an opt. winged keel), and MARK II in 1995.

The CATALINA 22 SPORT was released in 2003. (Originally called the CAPRI 22 swing keel.) From a new “fairer” mold though the hull design is the same as the original CATALINA 22. Thanks to former Catalina dealer Joe Rose and a number of others for providing additional information.

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• 22 Ft Catalina Sailboat

22 Ft Catalina Sailboat Boats for sale

22 FT CATALINA SAILBOAT, WHITE AND BLUE

Jamestown, New York

Make Catalina

Category Cruiser Motorcycles

Length 22 feet

Posted Over 1 Month

We brought it this summer, but have not had the time to put it in the water and use it. If you are interested and want more info or pictures sent us a message. Local pickup, if within a 2 hour radius of Jamestown, NY 14701 we are willing to deliver it for $150. We can work it out once you buy it. We are motivated to sell so send any offers.

1975 Catalina 22 Pop Top Sailboat and Trailer - Project

Martinsville, Indiana

Category Daysailer Sailboats

Length 22.0

1975 Catalina 22 Pop Top Project Sailboat and Trailer The Catalina 22 is a popular sailboat produced by Catalina Yachts. Its hull measures 21 foot 6 inches (6.55 m), which is rounded up to 22 feet (6.7 m) for use in the model's name. First produced in 1968, it is one of the longest continuously produced sailboats in the world...Over 15000! Parts, videos and know-how are abound on the net 2005 last time previous owner had boat in water. I have never had boat in the water or was able to work on her. 2005 was the last time I was inside the cabin before preparing this listing for ebay. She has been closed up for ten years and is dirty in and out. I sprayed Windex in a few areas inside and dirt just wiped off with no scrubbing. Water, at one time, intruded around the forward hatch. Has complete set of interior cushions in gold plaid pattern. Most are in surprising good condition. NO SMELLS. One has a 1.5x1.5 inch hole in fabric that isn't seen when in place. 1 or 2 have an area of cracking vinyl. In all the noted exceptions, I don't think they would be seen or stop you from sailing PREVIOUS OWNER'S DESCRIPTION: '75 Catalina 22 pop top w/trailer • fair condition - Project boat • Swing Keel • Pop top • Sail Inventory: 2 mains, Jib (Marked San Juan works w/Cat 22s) and 150 Furling I think all are usable • Scupper upgrade in transom • Ablative paint on hull and keel • Never in salt water • Needs good cleaning • I know of no problems with the swing keel • No known leaks around keel pin • Comes with 2 Rudders. Usable but not perfect • Port side blemish in the gel coat • One pop top support needs to be re-bedded • Front hatch needs the frame reinstalled and sealed • Soft spot forward of hatch • Crack in cabin threshold but does not affect anything much • Cracks and crazing in the deck gelcoat that need filling • One stanchion base needs to be re-bedded • Small dent/crack in mast near stays, like pinched on one side at the spreaders. When raising the mast, one of the stays was caught and pulled the spreader forward. See photo. A pontoon boat repair guy told me that a braze could patch for about $25 • Needs halyards but I would get all new running rigging • Replace Hatch Boards or just cut a Plywood Hatch • Standing rigging, I am no judge but it worked when last used and it has been out of the elements since. • The forestay also has a quick-release lever purchased from Catalina Direct, along with quick-release pins for quicker and easier mast- raising and lowering. Those parts are, of course, stainless steel. • Will also include a sliding galley out of a 1984 Cat 22. It slides under the cockpit starboard seating when not in use. It has a faucet, sink, water fresh water holding tank, a drawer and a place for a small portable propane stove. I was going to sell it separately on ebay. They normally go from 150-200. TRAILER • Trailer in good shape, but could use some paint• Has 10 ft extension• Has surge brake system used for two trips since it was installed• Has Buddy Bearings• New load range 'C' tires were put on in Spring of 2010. 63 Miles total mileage as boat was towed from one of our rental homes to our house in Martinsville. No cracks or aging seen.• Extra duty bunks BTW: Good used trailers for sailboats are hard to come by. Have clear titles for boat and trailer. I have described everything I know about her to the best of my ability but I am no sailor. Somethings may be better and others may be worse. She is a project boat and sold as is. This is for local Pickup in Martinsville, Indiana (Just south of Indianapolis) An immediate non-refundable PayPal deposit of $200 is required upon purchase. Balance due in CASH when picked up. No checks or money orders of any kind. Pickup within 7 business days of end of listing. This is not an auction. Will be happy to answer questions Thanks for looking and your interest

1975 Catalina 22 Pop Top Project Sailboat and Trailer

1975 Catalina 22 Pop Top Project Sailboat and Trailer The Catalina 22 is a popular sailboat produced by Catalina Yachts. Its hull measures 21 foot 6 inches (6.55 m), which is rounded up to 22 feet (6.7 m) for use in the model's name. First produced in 1968, it is one of the longest continuously produced sailboats in the world...Over 15000! Parts, videos and know-how are abound on the net 2006 last time previous owner had boat in water. I have never had boat in the water or was able to work on her. Selling because soon after buying her, a heart problem took the wind out of my sails. Thought I would sooner or later, but unfortunately I will never be able to sail her. The following is description of previous owner: '75 Catalina 22 pop top w/trailer • fair condition - Project boat • Does not include motor (One available for a separate purchase) • Swing Keel • Pop top • Has sails, usable • Scupper upgrade in transom • Ablative paint on hull and keel • Complete set of interior cushions in gold plaid pattern are in decent condition • Never in salt water • Needs good cleaning • I know of no problems with the swing keel • No known leaks around keel pin • Rudder is good, but not perfect • Port side blemish in the gel coat • One pop top support needs to be re-bedded • Front hatch needs the frame reinstalled and sealed • Small crack in cabin threshold but does not affect anything much • Some cracks and crazing in the deck gelcoat that need filling • One stanchion base needs to be re-bedded • Small dent/crack in mast near stays, like pinched on one side at the spreaders. When raising the mast, one of the stays was caught and pulled the spreader forward. It pushed into the mast, and the mast has a small crack in it of approx. one inch. A aluminum boat repair guy told me that a weld could patch for $25 • Needs halyards but I would get all new running rigging • Replace Hatch Boards or Just cut a Plywood Hatch • The forestay also has a quick-release lever purchased from Catalina Direct, along with quick-release pins for quicker and easier mast- raising and lowering. Those parts are, of course, stainless steel. TRAILER • Trailer in good shape, but could use some paint• Has 10 ft extension• Has surge brake system used for two trips since it was installed• Has Buddy Bearings• Good tread on tires• Extra duty bunks BTW: Good used trailers for sailboats are hard to come by. Have titles for boat and trailer She is a project boat and is sold as is. I will cannot entertain low balling, consider trades, or Ebayers with negative feedback. This is for local Pickup in Martinsville, Indiana, just south of Indianapolis. An immediate non-refundable PayPal deposit of $200 is required upon purchase. Balance due is to be paid within 7 business days in cash only. No checks or money orders of any kind. You may pay balance via PayPal prior to picking up the boat. This is not an auction. Will be happy to answer questions Thanks for looking

1985 Catalina CAPRI 22 foot Sailboat

Titusville, Florida

Model Capri 22

This beautiful CATALINA CAPRI 22 foot sailboat is located at a marina in Titusville, Florida. It is sail ready and comes with a 2005 Mercury 4 Hp, 4 Stroke Outboard engine with only 9 hours on the motor. The motor was last started 2 months ago. This vessel sleeps 6 people and has racing rigging. It comes with a mast, boom, spinnaker pole with a brand new "hank on" jib and storm jib. Further sails include Capri 22 Genoa and Capri 22 Main sail along with a spinnaker sail with pole, all in excellent condition. However, the roller furler at the bow is not operating properly at this time and appears to be jammed or stuck, but is presently installed on the boat. There is a small crack on one of the side cabin windows but no leakage. The rudder has some wear on the bottom but is fully functional. The boat comes with a fixed keel with a 4 ft. draft. There are no soft spots or leaks on the boat and the hull is in excellent shape with no bottom painting needed at this time. There is also an EZ Mast Erection System to raise the mast, numerous lines, brand new porta - potti, flares, anchor, life jackets, 50 amp Minn Kota Electric Trolling Motor(not working-needs repair). The boat also comes with an outboard support raising platform for the engine, which works when the engine is in the water, but has trouble in raising the engine out of the water and has some wear on it. A swimming ladder is also attached to the stern of the boat. Overall the boat is in good to excellent condition and is presently in the water with no trailer available. One forward cleat is loose but is still functional. Please keep in mind that my sailing experience is limited and although I have sailed the boat with the jib, I have not raised or sailed the vessel with either the Genoa, Main or Spinnaker sails, but with my limited knowledge all sails appear to be in "excellent condition". The boat presently needs a good cleaning on the interior of the cabin. The entire boat is being sold in "as is" and "where is condition" to include the outboard motor with no guarantee or warranty to be implied. Also included are manuals for the boat and engine. This is a SUPER BARGAIN for the sailing enthusiast! All purchasing fees are to be paid thru Paypal and the boat to be picked up within one week of the purchase. The marina here has boat slips available and allows live-aboards at a reasonable price, along with power, water and free computer connection etc. Seller has good, clear title for this great boat!

1985 CATALINA CAPRI 22 foot SAILBOAT/ 7 SAILS / OUTBOARD ENGINE

This beautiful CATALINA CAPRI 22 foot sailboat is located at a marina in Titusville, Florida. It is sail ready and comes with a 2005 Mercury 4 Hp, 4 Stroke Outboard engine with only 9 hours on the motor. The motor was last started 2 months ago. This vessel sleeps 6 people and has racing rigging. It comes with a mast, boom, spinnaker pole with a brand new "hank on" jib and storm jib. Further sails include Capri 22 Genoa and Capri 22 Main sail along with a spinnaker sail with pole, all in excellent condition. However, the roller furler at the bow is not operating properly at this time and appears to be jammed or stuck, but is presently installed on the boat. There is a small crack on one of the side cabin windows but no leakage. The rudder has some wear on the bottom but is fully functional. Railing and stanchions are all solid.The boat comes with a fixed keel with a 4 ft. draft. The forward hatch has never been opened by me for water tight, containment purposes, so I am not sure how functional it is. There are no soft spots or leaks on the boat and the hull is in excellent shape with no bottom painting needed at this time. There is also an EZ Mast Erection System to raise the mast, numerous lines, brand new porta - potti, anchor, life jackets, 50 amp Minn Kota Electric Trolling Motor(not working-needs repair). A flush mounted outside compass was removed by the previous owner. The boat also comes with an outboard support raising platform for the 4 HP engine, which works when the engine is in the water, but has trouble in raising the engine out of the water and has some wear on it. However a smaller, lighter engine(2 to 3 HP) seems to work just fine and raises and lowers this lighter engine into the water with ease. A swimming ladder is also attached to the stern of the boat. Overall the boat is in good to excellent condition and is presently in the water with no trailer available. One forward cleat is loose but is still functional. Please keep in mind that my sailing experience is limited and although I have sailed the boat with the jib, I have not raised or sailed the vessel with either the Genoa, Main or Spinnaker sails because of time constraints, but with my limited knowledge all sails appear to be in "excellent condition". The boat presently needs a good cleaning on the interior of the cabin. The entire boat is being sold in "as is" and "where is condition" to include the outboard motor with no guarantee or warranty to be implied. Also included are manuals for the boat and engine. This is a SUPER BARGAIN for the sailing enthusiast! The deposit must be paid thru Paypal with the balance of the purchase price to be paid by cash within one week of purchase and the boat to be picked up within one week of the purchase date. As a SUPER BONUS, the Seller will also add two good to excellent, high quality DOYLE Sails that "appear to be" main sails for an estimated 25 foot sailboat; the value is estimated at $1,000.00 for these 2 used sails. The marina here has boat slips available and allows live-aboards at a reasonable price, along with power, water and free computer connection etc. Seller has good, clear title for this great boat and SUPER PURCHASE!

CATALINA 25 FIXED KEEL SLOOP POP TOP ROLER FURL SAILBOAT READY TO GO

Bath, North Carolina

Model Sloop

Length 25.0

1985 Cat.alina 25 , Main sail , 150 Jib Roller furl , Halyards led aft to cockpit , heavy duty outboard mount . Motor just tuned up and ready to go Rig Type: Masthead SloopLOA: 25.00' / 7.62mLWL: 22.17' / 6.76mBeam: 8.00' / 2.44mListed SA: 271 ft2 / 25.18 m2Draft (max.) 4.00' / 1.22mDraft (min.) Disp. 4550 lbs./ 2064 kgs.Ballast: 1900 lbs. / 862 kgs.SA/Disp.: 15.84Bal./Disp.: 41.76%Disp./Len.: 186.41Designer: Frank ButlerBuilder: Catalina Yachts (USA)Construct.: FGBal. type: First Built: 1978Last Built: 1994# Built: 5866RIG DIMENSIONS KEYI(IG): 29.00' / 8.84mJ: 10.50' / 3.20mP: 24.66' / 7.52mE: 9.58' / 2.92mPY: EY: SPL/TPS: ISP: SA(Fore.): 152.25 ft2 / 14.14 m2SA(Main): 118.12 ft2 / 10.97 m2Total(calc.)SA: 270.37 ft2 / 25.12 m2DL ratio: 186.41SA/Disp: 15.80Est. Forestay Len.: 30.84' / 9.40mBUILDERS (past & present)

CATALINA 320 SAILBOAT - 1996 - SAN DIEGO, CA AREA - ASKING $67,000.00

Coronado, California

Length 32.5

All New Standing Rigging and Shaefer Jib Furler 2008, Custom Fin Keel 2008, UK Tape Drive Full Batten Main/135% Jib , Upgraded Deck Hardware, Traveler, All Garhauer Bearing alum block upgrade, New Running Rigging, 40"wheel w/leather wrap,A.B freezer/fridge, inverter, 20" LCD tv,JVC CD Stereo custom speakers inside/out. Microwave, Yanmar 3GM30f -766hrs, Furuno Radar, Garmin GPS/Plotter, ST50 Autohelm, Seatalk TriData, ST4000 Wheel Pilot, Icom VHF with Remote, Delux Dingy Davits, Elect.Windlas, Queen Aft Cabin, Rolls 4D 6v battery system, 2 salon tables, lifesling..Hull Material: Fiberglass -Engine/Fuel Type: Single diesel-YW# 76200-2738344 -LOA: 32 ft 5 in Beam: 11 ft 8 in LWL: 29 ft 6 in Minimum Draft: 5 ft 8 in Maximum Draft: 6 ft 5 in Displacement: 11300 lbs Headroom:6ft 6in- Dingy Davits - Propeller:3 blade- Electronics: Autopilot Radar Plotter Radar Detector Depth Sounder Radio Navigation center GPS Log-speedometer Compass VHF Cockpit speakers - Tanks Fresh Water Tanks: 1 Plastic (51 Gallons) Fuel Tanks: 1 Plastic (19 Gallons) Holding Tanks: 1 Plastic (22 Gallons) Accommodations Number of single berths: 1 Number of double berths: 3 Number of cabins: 3 Number of heads: 1 - Inside Equipment Hot water Manual bilge pump Oven Battery charger Microwave oven Marine head Deep freezer Refrigerator Electric bilge pump Electrical Equipment Shore power inlet Inverter Electrical Circuit: 110V Outside Equipment/Extras Cockpit table Radar reflector Swimming ladder Davits Cockpit shower Cockpit cushions Electric windlass Covers Genoa cover Spray hood Lazyjacks Mainsail cover For more specific info and pictures please email me at: [email protected]

1984 Catalina Capri 22 foot sailboat--must go ASAP

Minneapolis, Minnesota

WILL CONSIDER ANY OFFER. I love this boat but we just have no time to use it anymore. We have owned it for 10 years and used it like three times a season which is ridiculous! My son is a junior in college and busy as am I, and it's a boat for a crew, not for two people. We live in Minneapolis and the boat is in Lake City. Too much commuting time.The boat has a non retractable keel is in good condition--the woodwork needs to be stained and the exterior needs some cleanup but it's functional and sails like a dream when you've got the right crew. Includes 2 main sails, 2 jibs, spinnaker, trailer, 2007 5 hp outboard motor, sail cover, cushions, and I'll throw the lifejackets too (about six or seven of them, three nice ones and 4 standard orange lifejackets). We have loved this boat bit it needs to go. It's currently in Lake City and I've paid for storage through the end of April 2015. We will have to meet when you are ready to take it out of there because I'm not sure what the marina rules are but I'm sure it will be fine.Read more: http://rochestermn.ebayclassifieds.com/boats/lake-city/1984-catalina-capri-22-ft/?ad=38606440#ixzz3XUaOZKtx

1981 Catalina 22

Niceville, Florida

1981 Catalina 22,1981 Catalina 22ft swingkeel sailboat (with trailer) in good condition with new anti-foul and hull paint, and new rolling furler. Outboard is 5hp Nissan that was serviced Spring 2014 with new pump. Moving, must sell this great Crab Island boat; currently on trailer at Eglin AFB FL $4000, 8504281181

1980 Catalina C22

Pittsboro, North Carolina

1980 Catalina C22 Please contact owner Alan at 919-918-three eight one four. Boat is located in Pittsboro, North Carolina. 1980 Catalina C22,Catalina 22 sailboat with trailer and motor. 1980-22ft, in fine condition. The C22 is the largest of the trailerable Catalina Sloops. The retractable keel is fantastic, this feature allows you to beach your boat! This boat comes with new bottom paint, all new stays, new electric cables, lights, and new keel cable, two fore sails; Jib and Genoa, and a 4 HP motor with long foot designed for sailboats. Trailer has new tires, bearings, spare, and extendable tongue for launching. Make: Catalina Model: C22 Length: 22 Dealer: BoatsFSBO.com ID: 219403 Ad provided by BoatingBay

1971 Catalina 27' Sailboat - Mercury Outboard - Solar Panels - Ready to Sail

Portland, Oregon

1971 Catalina 27' Sailboat for sale. Fantastic boat with no leaks and a lot of fun to sail. Can sleep 6 when table lowers to create berth. Main sail and jib in good condition 1996 Mercury 15 HP motor (complete bottom reconditioned July 2014) - starts easy and runs great (2) Danforth anchors (1) anchor mount on bow (1) anchor roller on stern (1) New marine grade battery (1) Battery Charger (1) solar panel - installed 2013 (2) New Solar fans (1) Port a potty (4) Life vests (1) CB Radio Several ropes of various lengths mainsail cover tiller cover NEW Uniden QT206-HP 200-Ft. Digital Depth Finder in Aug 2014 New Blue 3-Bow Frame BIMINI in Aug 2014 New custom galley counter with stainless sink - installed in 2014 Required safety gear included: flares, 2 fire extinguishers, and throwable PFD Now the only real drawback on this boat, although it's never affected us because we don't anchor out or sail at night - there is currently no running lights. This Catalina 27 offers standing headroom, shallow draft, ease of sailing, and makes a great low maintenance coastal cruiser. She is currently in a slip on Columbia Way West Marina (Portland, Oregon). Hull Type: Fin w/spade rudder Rig Type: Masthead Sloop LOA: 26.83' / 8.18m LWL: 21.75' / 6.63m Beam: 8.83' / 2.69m Draft (max.) 4.00' / 1.22m Construct.: Fiber Glass Selling for $4700 OBO - Possible trades Everything to Sail is Aboard and Will Go With the Boat...

1982 Catalina 25

Long Beach, California

1982 Catalina 25,Catalina 25 Sailboat in Long Beach Ca. Alamitos Bay Marina new 8 hp Mercury outboard 20 hours, new bottom paint, rigging inspection, roller furling reef, main sail, good condition, sturdy vessel,full keel,4 ft. darft 8 ft. beam, forward V berth, 2 main cabin berths, aft berth, fold down table, am/fm/cd/player, marine radio, stove, sink. head, cushions, life presvers,out side propane barbecue,excellent lines, winches, at gangway 27 will comsider trade for a Catalina 22. $7000, 5623559875

BoatingSTUFF...Anchors,DockSteps,Outboards,Windlass,

Marina Del Rey, California

BoatingSTUFF...Anchors,DockSteps,Outboards,Windlass, Inflatables and more 4Sale or Barter Please Email for any photos you would like to see! Ford Lemans Head Ford Lemans 120hp 6 cyl Head Early model From Grand Banks 36' Head with valves Excellent shape Clean and Ready to install Sic RMC23345A $750 6'.5" Inflatable Very Small Like NEW! In Bag & Ready Baltik The most compact and rigid dingy ever made! Stored out of the SUN. Like new shape Holds air and Water GREAT!!! Baltik inflatable made of PVC 5-layer Thick Two main air chambers Aluminum Inside and Outside motor pads for better transom protection. high pressure Air Deck Floor. Set of oars. And comes with sun and rain cover! And Storage bag. $1000! Outboard Motor Lock Bar 11'" long Black Great shape $15 Pigtail Adapter by MARINCO Power cord adapter 30A125V locking plug To 15A125V female Connector 1st $40 Flame Arrester for a Marine 4 Barrel Carb Coast Guard approved fame arrester for 4 barrel Carb Good condition $35 VINTAGE ANTIQUE BENSON'S BOAT ANCHOR 12 POUNDS 18 x 18" Galvanized boat Anchor Painted white From 1958 SYRACUSE NY IN VERY GOOD CONDITION 18" high 18" wide A VERY RARE VINTAGE FIND Asking $150 Muffler for Catalina...Factory Factory muffler for Catalina but can be used on any boat or motor fiberglass construction. 1 1/2 in and outlets In great shape with no leaks Retails for over $450 Asking $250 now HD Dock Steps For BIG BOAT with Safety Hand rail to the side and Back! 6 step !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Unit…6'Lx4'Hx22"W Eack step 10"w x 8"h Top landing pad 22"x22" Make climbing aboard easier! Safety Hand rail to the side and Back! Durable, UV-resistant paint, steps made of wood Grip pads all steps Safety rails great Varnished With full locking storage area in the back!!! And air vented Washable surface cleans easily with soap and water. $450 asking No room this is a must sell Honda 5hp Outboard…Sold AS Parts 23" long shaft !!! 4 Stroke Not seized Will turn! Will run!! With water flow! With some tlc! But take it as is!! Just needs TLC! But sols as parts! So if you need other parts here you go! Hard to find some times SOLD AS PARTS perfect for sailboat or dingy 1st $250 NOW! Firm Come and get it!!! PARTS AS IS…. And I don’t know the year !!!! Northern Light Marine Generator M753W 8kw 60hz 1800rpm Runs great Puts out 120v Diesel Hour-Meter shows low hours 870hr Some scratches A few paint chips Comes on the factory mounting skid for easy mounting. Great for power boats from 32ft and larger... 32 1/2" long x 24" high x 19" wide Will run for you Will mount engine on palette for your freight transport And shipping Great Buy At $4100 Asking OMC All New … Duel throttle, RPM Meters, Hour Meters, Ignition Switches I have remote Duel throttle controls omc inboard/ outboard mechanical shift for cables $150 2 OMC RPM meters…..$80 2 OMC Hour meters….$50 2 OMC ignition switches with key….$50 NISSIN 3.5hp Out Board Short Shaft Motor Nissin compact and lift with one hand This 3.5hp runs great… 2 pulls to start Short shaft Internal gas tank perfect for sailboat or dingy Clean and in Good condition and clean under the hood!! Will run for you $350 must sell now!! Come have a look And I don’t know the year !!!! Pedestal Adjustable Aluminum Must sell $50 Windlass…BRAND NEW… NEVER USED!! Sprint 600 Vertical Windlass New Never Used IN BOX With all parts in box!!!!!!!!! Manual With 100% 316 stainless steel housing and a sleek flush-mount design that hides the motor down below, the V600 is one of the most attractive and durable windlasses on the market. • It works at the push of a button and has two built-in features that make it unique - motor protection and anchor lock. $600 asking I want to sell today!!!! West marine Inflatable RU-310 hp for sale. It's a model ru-310 hp which is 10 footer It has no air leaks on the main tubs, holds air great!!! The two air chambers holds air good and all valves and caps are new condition. Has air floor...but has small micro leek...fixable Bottom also has small micro leek and lets some water in fixable Sold as is With papers So if you want it come abd get it Price frim $250 cash on local pick up only. What you see is what you get. And I don’t know the year !!!! Suzuki 9.9hp Outboard…RUNS!!! Sold AS Parts 16" short shaft !!! 4 Stroke Not seized Just no water comes out Will turn! Will run!! No water flow! Will run for you!!! But take it as is!! Just needs TLC! But sold as parts! So if you need other parts here you go! Hard to find some times SOLD AS PARTS perfect for sailboat or dingy 1st $300 NOW! Firm Come and get it!!! PARTS AS IS…. And I don’t know the year !!!! Tohatsu 4 or 5hp Outboard…Sold AS Parts LOOKS LIKE NEW I just don’t know 4 or 5hp??????? 20" long shaft !!! 4 Stroke LOOKS LIKE NEW Not seized Will turn! With some tlc! Will run!!! But take it as is!! Just needs TLC! But sols as parts! So if you need other parts here you go! Hard to find some times SOLD AS PARTS perfect for sailboat or dingy 1st $250 NOW! Firm Come and get it!!! PARTS AS IS…. And I don’t know the year !!!!

Phil Rhodes Bounty II Fiberglass Cruiser

Port Angeles, Washington

1959 Phil Rhodes Bounty II Sloop 40'10" Builder: Aero Marine Plastics in Sausalito, California  Hull# 22 Bounty II Sloop Rigging  7/8 Sloop Hull:  full keel Length - LOA: 40'9" LWL: 28' 0? Beam: 10'3" Draft:  5'9"  Material: fiberglass  Displacement: 18800  Year:   1959  Cabins:  1  Berths:  4  Engine: 2QM 20 Yanmar Diesel engine; fresh-water cooled with low time Displacement 18,934 D/L Ratio 382.18 SA/D Ratio14.93 Capsize Screen 1.54 Waterline Area 192.96 PPI Imersion 1029.05 Comfort ratio 40.84  Sail Area 737 sq. ft.; 7/8 rig   This "Bounty II" built in 1959 is the ultimate ocean-going, sailing vessel from Aero Marine Plastics in Sausalito, California. The first production fiberglass sailboat of this size, 40 feet 10 inches long, hull #22, has a "bullet-proof" hull designed for ocean racing with classic lines by the famous naval architect, Phillip Rhodes. She raced off southern California in it's early days and has had only (3) owners. In the 80's & 90's "Stranger II" cruised the waters off Catalina Island while berthed in San Pedro, California. In the Pacific Northwest since 1995, "Stranger II" sailed the San Juans and local destinations while berthed in Port Angeles, Washington.   Improvements to the hull, deck, rigging, engine, and interior:   Customized interior with domestic & exotic woods: Ash, Teak, Puduk Double "V" berth Single or Double berth in salon Rewired with 12 vdc& 120 Ac Batteries: (2) 250 amp house; (1) starting battery Hart Interface: charger inverter New rudder - plywood/epoxy construction New pintels & gudgeons New tiller Replaced propeller & new shaft Refurbished Mast in 2013 with new LP paint Pressurized water AC waterheater Norcold Refrigerator AC/DC   Extra gear included in the sale: Furuno Radar Furuno GPS Plotter Knotmeter Depth Sounder Skipper head with holding tank (bladder) Integral water tanks (2); 110 gallons total Integral fuel tank (1); 45 gallons   Extra Sails & spinnaker/jib poles; mainsail & jib low time Anchors: (2) Dansforth (1) plow Cabin/Deck freshly painted ; topsides gelcoat Sunbrella interior cushions Bronze screens for ports& hatches     Join the elite club of Bounty II owners with "Stranger II;" a proven sailing vessel of immeasurable beauty and one-of-a kind. View the custom wood interior in the attached photos with wooden sink and burl wood veneered interior hatches. Asking $47,000 “Stranger II” is ready to take you on your sailing adventures.

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20 Best Small Sailboats for the Weekender

• By Mark Pillsbury
• Updated: August 4, 2021

In order to go cruising, most of us require a sailboat with a head, a galley, and bunks. The boat, likely a 30-footer and more often a 40-footer, will have electronics for navigation and entertainment, refrigeration if the trip is longer than a coastal hop, an engine for light wind, and, depending on our appetites for food and fun, perhaps a genset to power our toys and appliances.

To go sailing , however, all we really need is a hull, mast, rudder, and sail. To experience the pure joy of sheeting in and scooting off across a lake, bay, or even the open ocean, there’s nothing better than a small sailboat – we’re talking sailboats under 25 feet. You can literally reach out and touch the water as it flows past. You instantly feel every puff of breeze and sense every change in trim.

Some of the boats in this list are new designs, others are time-tested models from small sailboat manufacturers, but every one is easy to rig, simple to sail, and looks like a whole lot of fun either for a solo outing on a breezy afternoon or to keep family and friends entertained throughout your entire sailing season. This list is made up of all types of sailboats , and if you’re looking for a list of some of the best small sailboats for beginners, you’ll find exactly that here.

Any one of these popular boats could be labeled as a trailerable sailboat, daysailer, or even a weekender sailboat. And while most would be labeled as a one or two person sailboat, some could comfortably fit three or even four people.

Marblehead 22 Daysailer

If you have an eye for elegant lines and your heart goes pitter-patter over just the right amount of overhang beneath a counter transom, the Marblehead 22 daysailer, designed by Doug Zurn and built by Samoset Boatworks in Boothbay, Maine, will definitely raise your pulse. Traditional-looking above the waterline and modern beneath, the cold-molded hull sports a deep bulb keel and a Hall Spars carbon-fiber mast with a wishbone rig and square-top main. The 11-foot-9-inch cockpit can seat a crowd, and a small cuddy forward will let you stow your friends’ gear for the day. samosetboatworks.com

Catalina 22 Sport

Many a harbor plays host to an active fleet of Catalina 22s, one of the most popular small sailboats over the years, given its basic amenities and retractable keel, which allows it to be easily trailered. Recently, the company introduced the Catalina 22 Sport, an updated design that can compete with the older 22s. The boat features a retractable lead keel; a cabin that can sleep four, with a forward hatch for ventilation; and a fractional rig with a mainsail and a roller-furling jib. Lifelines, a swim ladder, and an engine are options, as are cloth cushions; vinyl cushions are standard. The large cockpit will seat a crowd or let a mom-and-pop crew stretch out and enjoy their sail. It’s clear why the Catalina 22 is one of the best sailboats under 25 feet. catalinayachts.com

With its large, open-transom cockpit and sloop rig, the Hunter 22 makes a comfortable daysailer for family and friends. But with its cuddy cabin, twin bunks, optional electrical system, opening screened ports, and portable toilet, a parent and child or a couple could comfortably slip away for an overnight or weekend. Add in the optional performance package, which includes an asymmetric spinnaker, a pole, and a mainsheet traveler, and you could be off to the races. The boat features a laminated fiberglass hull and deck, molded-in nonskid, and a hydraulic lifting centerboard. Mount a small outboard on the stern bracket, and you’re set to go. marlow-hunter.com

Not sure whether you want to race, cruise or just go out for an afternoon sail? Since 1958, sailors have been having a ball aboard the Uffa Fox/George O’Day-designed Daysailer. Fox, who in the 1950s was on the cutting edge of planning-dinghy design, collaborated with Fall River, Massachusetts boatbuilder O’Day Corp. to build the 16-foot Daysailer, a boat that features a slippery hull and a small cuddy cabin that covers the boat roughly from the mast forward. Thousands of Daysailers were built by various builders, and they can be found used for quite affordable prices. There are active racing fleets around the US, and new Daysailers are still in production today, built by Cape Cod Ship Building. capecodshipbuilding.com

BayRaider from Swallow Boats

Easy to rig and trailer, the BayRaider from England’s Swallow Yachts is a relative newcomer to the small-boat market in the United States. Nearly all of its 19 feet 9 inches is open cockpit, though a spray hood can be added to keep the forward sections dry. The BayRaider is ketch-rigged with a gunter-style mainmast. The topmast and mizzen are both carbon-fiber, which is an option for the mainmast as well. The BayRaider can be sailed with a dry hull in lighter conditions or with 300 pounds of water ballast to increase its stability. With the centerboard and hinged rudder raised, the boat can maneuver in even the thinnest water.

$28,900, (904) 234-8779, swallowyachts.com

Big fun can come in small packages, especially if your vessel of choice happens to be the 12 ½-foot Beetle Cat. Designed by John Beetle and first built in 1921, the wooden shallow draft sailboat is still in production today in Wareham, Massachusetts at the Beetle Boat Shop. With a draft of just 2 feet, the boat is well-suited for shallow bays, but equally at home in open coastal waters. The single gaff-rigged sail provides plenty of power in light air and can be quickly reefed down to handle a blow. In a word, sailing a Beetle Cat is fun. beetlecat.com

West Wight Potter P 19

With berths for four and a workable galley featuring a cooler, a sink, and a stove, West Wight Potter has packed a lot into its 19-foot-long P 19. First launched in 1971, this is a line of boats that’s attracted a true following among trailer-sailors. The P 19′s fully retractable keel means that you can pull up just about anywhere and go exploring. Closed-cell foam fore and aft makes the boat unsinkable, and thanks to its hard chine, the boat is reportedly quite stable under way. westwightpotter.com

NorseBoat 17.5

Designed for rowing and sailing (a motor mount is optional), the Canadian-built NorseBoat 17.5—one of which was spotted by a CW editor making its way through the Northwest Passage with a two-man crew—features an open cockpit, a carbon-fiber mast, and a curved-gaff rig, with an optional furling headsail set on a sprit. The lapstrake hull is fiberglass; the interior is ply and epoxy. The boat comes standard with two rowing stations and one set of 9-foot oars. The boat is designed with positive flotation and offers good load-carrying capacity, which you could put to use if you added the available canvas work and camping tent. NorseBoats offers a smaller sibling, the 12.5, as well; both are available in kit form.

$19,000, (902) 659-2790, norseboat.com

Montgomery 17

Billed as a trailerable pocket cruiser, the Montgomery 17 is a stout-looking sloop designed by Lyle Hess and built out of fiberglass in Ontario, California, by Montgomery Boats. With a keel and centerboard, the boat draws just under 2 feet with the board up and can be easily beached when you’re gunkholing. In the cuddy cabin you’ll find sitting headroom, a pair of bunks, a portable toilet, optional shore and DC power, and an impressive amount of storage space. The deck-stepped mast can be easily raised using a four-part tackle. The builder reports taking his own boat on trips across the Golfo de California and on visits to California’s coastal islands. Montgomery makes 15-foot and 23-foot models, as well. If you’re in search of a small sailboat with a cabin, the Montgomery 17 has to be on your wish list.

With long overhangs and shiny brightwork, the CW Hood 32 is on the larger end of the daysailer spectrum. Designers Chris Hood and Ben Stoddard made a conscious decision to forego a cabin and head in favor of an open cockpit big enough to bring 4 or 5 friends or family out for an afternoon on the water. The CW Hood 32 is sleek and graceful through the water and quick enough to do some racing, but keeps things simple with a self-tacking jib and controls that can be lead back to a single-handed skipper. A top-furling asymmetrical, electric sail drive and Torqeedo outboard are all optional. The CW Hood 32 makes for a great small family sailboat.  cwhoodyachts.com

Sun Cat from Com-Pac

Shallow U.S. East Coast bays and rock-strewn coasts have long been graced by cat boats, whose large, gaff-rigged mainsails proved simple and powerful both on the wind and, better yet, when reaching and running. The 17-foot-4-inch Sun Cat, built by Com-Pac Yachts, updates the classic wooden cat with its fiberglass hull and deck and the easy-to-step Mastender Rigging System, which incorporates a hinged tabernacle to make stepping the mast a one-person job. If you want a personal sailboat ideal for solo sailing, the Sun Can is a great choice. Belowdecks, the twin 6-foot-5-inch berths and many other features and amenities make this cat a willing weekender.

$19,800, (727) 443-4408, com-pacyachts.com

Catalina 16.5

The Catalina 16.5 sits right in the middle of Catalina Yachts’ line of small sailboats, which range from the 12.5 to the 22 Capri and Sport, and it comes in both an easy-to-trailer centerboard model and a shoal-draft fixed-keel configuration. With the fiberglass board up, the 17-foot-2-inch boat draws just 5 inches of water; with the board down, the 4-foot-5-inch draft suggests good windward performance. Hull and deck are hand-laminated fiberglass. The roomy cockpit is self-bailing, and the bow harbors a good-sized storage area with a waterproof hatch. catalinayachts.com

No roundup of best small sailboats (trailerable and fun too) would be complete without a mention of the venerable Hobie 16, which made its debut in Southern California way back in 1969. The company has introduced many other multihulls since, but more than 100,000 of the 16s have been launched, a remarkable figure. The Hobie’s asymmetric fiberglass-and-foam hulls eliminate the need for daggerboards, and with its kick-up rudders, the 16 can be sailed right up to the beach. Its large trampoline offers lots of space to move about or a good place to plant one’s feet when hanging off the double trapezes with a hull flying. The boat comes with a main and a jib; a spinnaker, douse kit, trailer, and beach dolly are optional features. hobiecat.com

Novice sailors or old salts looking for simplicity could both enjoy sailing the Hunter 15. With a fiberglass hull and deck and foam flotation, the boat is sturdily built. The ample freeboard and wide beam provide stability under way, and the heavy-duty rubrail and kick-up rudder mean that you won’t have to worry when the dock looms or the going grows shallow. Both the 15 and its slightly larger 18-foot sibling come standard with roller-furling jibs.

$6,900/$9,500 (boat-show prices for the 15 and 18 includes trailers), (386) 462-3077, marlow-hunter.com

Super Snark

Under various owners, the Snark brand of sailboats, now built by Meyers Boat Co., has been around since the early 1970s. The Super Snark, at 11 feet, is a simple, easily car-topped daysailer that’s fit out with a lateen rig and sail. Billed as unsinkable, the five boats in the company’s line are built with E.P.S. foam, with the external hull and deck vacuum-formed to the core using an A.B.S. polymer. The Super Snark weighs in at 50 pounds, and with a payload capacity of 310 pounds, the boat can carry two.

$970, (800) 247-6275, meyersboat.com

Norseboat 21.5

Built in Canada, the NorseBoat 21.5 is a rugged looking craft that comes in a couple of configurations: one with an open cockpit and small doghouse, and another with a smaller cockpit and cabin that houses a double berth for two adults and optional quarter berths for the kids. Both carry NorseBoat’s distinctive looking carbon fiber gaff-rigged mast with main and jib (a sprit-set drifter is optional), and come with a ballasted stub keel and centerboard. Because of its lightweight design, the boat can be rowed and is easily trailered.

$36,000 (starting), 902-659-2790, norseboat.com

Flying Scot

Talk about time-tested, the 19-foot Flying Scot has been in production since 1957 and remains a popular design today. Sloop rigged, with a conventional spinnaker for downwind work, the boat is an easily sailed family boat as well as a competitive racer, with over 130 racing fleets across the U.S. Its roomy cockpit can seat six to eight, though the boat is often sailed by a pair or solo. Hull and deck are a fiberglass and balsa core sandwich. With the centerboard up, the boat draws only eight inches. Though intended to be a daysailer, owners have rigged boom tents and berths for overnight trips, and one adventurous Scot sailor cruised his along inland waterways from Philadelphia to New Orleans.

Known primarily for its line of racing dinghys, RS Sailing also builds the 16-foot, 4-inch Venture, which it describes as a cruising and training dinghy. The Venture features a large, self-draining cockpit that will accommodate a family or pack of kids. A furling jib and mainsail with slab reefing come standard with the boat; a gennaker and trapeze kit are options, as is an outboard motor mount and transom swim ladder. The deck and hull are laid up in a fiberglass and Coremat sandwich. The Venture’s designed to be both a good performer under sail, but also stable, making it a good boat for those learning the sport.

$14,900, 203-259-7808, rssailing.com

Topper makes a range of mono- and multihull rotomolded boats, but the model that caught one editor’s eye at Strictly Sail Chicago was the Topaz Taz. At 9 feet, 8 inches LOA and weighing in at 88 pounds, the Taz is not going to take the whole crowd out for the day. But, with the optional mainsail and jib package (main alone is for a single child), the Taz can carry two or three kids or an adult and one child, and would make a fun escape pod when tied behind the big boat and towed to some scenic harbor. The hull features Topper’s Trilam construction, a plastic and foam sandwich that creates a boat that’s stiff, light, and durable, and shouldn’t mind being dragged up on the beach when it’s time for a break.

$2,900 (includes main and jib), 410-286-1960, topazsailboats.com

WindRider WRTango

WRTango, a fast, sturdy, 10-foot trimaran that’s easy to sail, is the newest portable craft from WindRider International. It joins a line that includes the WR16 and WR17 trimarans. The Tango features forward-facing seating, foot-pedal steering, and a low center of gravity that mimics the sensation of sitting in a kayak. It weighs 125 pounds (including the outriggers and carbon-fiber mast), is extremely stable, and has single-sheet sail control. The six-inch draft and kick-up rudder make it great for beaching, while the hull and outriggers are made of rotomolded polyethylene, so it can withstand running into docks and being dragged over rocks.

$3,000, 612-338-2170, windrider.com

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