22 footer buying advice

[mikeytino]

I'm in the market for a used 22 foot sailboat - looking to spend around 1000.
This is not my first boat, but it's my first sailboat.
I'm looking for a daysailer, something with a sink, stove, table, etc.
Catalina seems like the name everyone uses - what are some other good names, and why?

I have a few other questions:
- Are there any 22 footers in existence with a helm? I know about the space issues, but its just cool - so I'm just curious.

- When looking for a motor, can I still get away with a short-shaft but get a different type of mount - or should I stick to the long shaft?

- Are there any 22 footers that were ever made with an inboard engine?

Thanks!

 

[ghamby]

Re: 22 footer buying advice

Consider a Sailmaster 22. It has a small galley. Tiller steering is about your only
option with boats of this length. The long shaft outboard is necessary to keep
the head out of the water.
good luck GH

 

[pmillar]

Re: 22 footer buying advice

I'm sure there are some w/ inboards... but why bother? A small outboard with a self contained gas tank works just fine. Stow it when not in use. If you live in bug country try to get something with a pop top and screens. When I was out in socal this past September there were plenty of boats for you to look at. For some reason sailboats seem to hold their value a little better in the midwest. I haven't shopped to that may not hold up under scrutiny but it sure seems that way. There were literally free boats out west.

 

[tommays]

Re: 22 footer buying advice

1000 is not going to go to far in terms of a boat and motor and sails that functions without a LOT of time and money

 

[northernmerc]

Re: 22 footer buying advice

$1000? Boy, the economy must be bad where you live. Around here that won't even buy a trailer, or a sail, or an outboard - let alone all that stuff and a boat.

You might want to talk to the owner of that boat in the ad at the top right hand side of this page. He/she might be motivated to sell . . .

 

[mikeytino]

Re: 22 footer buying advice

Thanks for the advice all!

As for those who feel is necessary to comment on the economy and finances, keep those comments to other forums please - I'm looking for direction and advice, not snarky comments. I expect more from users of this forum.

 

[northernmerc]

Re: 22 footer buying advice

I'm looking for direction and advice, not snarky comments. I expect more from users of this forum.

I can't see how offering an opinion about what $1000 will buy is snarky. But good luck with that.

 

[jfgln]

Re: 22 footer buying advice

Check out a Tanzer 22'. Its a flush deck design, a bit roomier down below than a Catalina.

 

[tommays]

Re: 22 footer buying advice

If you click on my links and see the TWO sailboats i bought to fix up

I have finished restoring the J24 which i sold to pay for the Cal 29 i have a pretty good idea about boat bucks

I have gotten about 10% into the Cal 29 (500 dollar boat) and i hope it will be in the water in 2011

On the other hand go out and have at and find out for yourself ALL the things that WILL be broken on ANY 1000 dollar boat

 

[pmillar]

Re: 22 footer buying advice

Check out a Tanzer 22'. Its a flush deck design, a bit roomier down below than a Catalina.

There's a tanzer 22 on craigslist in MI (Detroit area?) Asking $2,200, IIRC. Catalina's have the pop top though don't they?

 

[jfgln]

Re: 22 footer buying advice

The Catalina with a pop top is going to cost more, they are more popular.

You could get a cal 20' for $1000 to $2000. Sometimes for less than $1000. They are neat little boats. Adventurous types have even sailed them from California to Hawaii.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: 22 footer buying advice

Bill Tripp designed Columbia sailboats are known for having a lot of room in them, for the size of the boat. They are not particularly fast boats, but certainly adequate and with reasonable handling characteristics.

I've sailed a Columbia 22 extensively and liked it. They have a well in the cockpit for an outboard, which works just fine. You can push the boat with a 6hp motor reasonably well and that makes the motor light enough to make storage in a lazarette practical. I used to pull the motor out after getting under sail. Once its out, you place a fiberglass "bucket" in the well, in order to minimize drag.

A steering pedestall makes a lot of sense in a bigger boat, but I wouldn't want one in a 22 foot boat - it would take up way to much space. Go with the tiller and put an extension on it, so that you can sit on the windward rail when you want to.

I also agree that $1,000 is not going to buy you much boat, if you want something that is 22 feet long. If that's your budget, I would go for a sound hull and rigging first and worry about the other stuff later. If the sails are at least sturdy enough for a couple of seasons of sailing, you can replace them as your budget allows. The same goes for interior appointments.

See the link below for more info.


http://columbia22.net/



???

 

[ghamby]

Re: 22 footer buying advice

I don't know where you are located but the Washington DC area
Craig's List boat section has some possibilities. Check e-bay.

 

[ghamby]

Re: 22 footer buying advice

Check e-Bay, there are a number of sailboats in your range. Hope you like
workin on boats. Good luck GH

 

[dkfwa]

Re: 22 footer buying advice

Personally, I would go with the Catalina22. There's a ton of good used c22's out there, most will come with trailer & motor and many are very reasonably priced. They are easy to sail, but fun also. Lots of good resources for parts & advice, like catalinadirect.com. or the numerous c22 clubs & associations nationwide. $1000 means you'll have some work to do, but c22's are fairly easy to work on; look closely at the swing keel bolt & related assembly before buying; that's an expensive repair if it needs it. I think you should stick to a tiller helm, especially if it's your first sailboat. You'll have a better 'feel' underway; add a tiller extension and you can move about the cockpit freely. Standard shaft OB's work fine on a c22; you'll be sitting aft when operating the motor and your added weight aft will keep the motor from cavitating. You really don't want an inboard engine, especially in your price range; you're asking for mechanical trouble & monumental expense. Good used outboards are plentiful, economical to repair or replace (if need be) and economical to operate.
Another boat worth considering might be a Chrysler22. Some people shy away from the Chryslers because of the name, but they are not a bad boat at all; Herreschoff designed with very pretty lines; sail well as one would expect from Herreschoff, yet they did not hold their value well and therefore a good one can be obtained at a very attractive price.
Also, look at a Tanzer or an O'day, they're pretty good boats; stay clear of older Hunters, MacGregors or Buccaneers; the prices may be tempting but the older models weren't very well built.
You might also look around at a sailing camp, if there's one in your area. Sometimes they will divest themselves of their older boats, and most are maintained fairly well, since their primary use is to teach sailing.
Another thought is look at an older racing boat; one that is too tired to race competitively anymore; lots of good cruising life left in these boats and racing sailors will have kept them mechanically sound.
Good luck in your quest. Nosing around looking at old boats can be a lot of fun, especially when you stumble across a true gem... -DK

 

[Thomas N. Morgan]

Re: 22 footer buying advice

A Helsen 22. These were made in Clearwater, FL by Jopie Helsen, later sold to International Yacht Corp. Similar to a Catalina 22, Venture 22.
Very good for shallow water. Draws on 11" with swing keel and rudder up.

There is a Forum for Helsen owners.

Tom