Designed in 1969, Catalina 22 is one of the most popular sailboats you can find in the US. With over 15,000 sailboats sold, Catalina 22 has a proud legacy to boast about. It is a common choice for those who are just starting out on their incredible sailing adventure. Despite having decades-old aesthetics, the sailboat carries an appealing look. From its easy-to-function cockpit and comfortable-looking interiors to its simple and straightforward rigging system, there are several factors that have influenced its position as the top pick of sailors.
Catalina 22 is often an intermediate option between a sailing dinghy and a larger cruising or racing boat. This hits the sweet spot in terms of its size and pricing for an average American family, especially when clubbed with the aforementioned factors. Frank Butler, its designer, had envisioned it as a simple, practical boat which provides the basic essentials to sailors and makes sailing an affordable activity even for middle-class families. Even today, Catalina 22 stays true to that vision.
It is produced keeping the family demographic in mind and is tailored to match their needs and requirements. It delivers an exceptional sailing experience as a recreational vessel because of its great stability. Its relatively large headsail and a smaller mainsail only add to the sturdiness. The high freeboard keeps you and your family dry while on board.
The swing keel is retractable and has become a customer favorite. It allows the sailboat to be easily trailed behind a vehicle and taken to any destination without much hassle. This ease of transport is one of the main causes behind Catalina 22’s popularity. One of its best features is its cockpit as it provides a pleasant sitting area where the crew can support their backs and brace their feet. Thus, this sailboat also offers a reasonably spacious cabin with its compact but comfy berths, convertible dinette and a great storage capacity to go along with it — a definite necessity for a weekender!
Structurally, Catalina 22 is as reliable as boats come! It has a hull made of fiberglass, whereas its interior woodwork is made of teak. Needless to say, its durability is such that it can last multiple generations without a worry. Many sailors opt for this boat due to the low efforts required to maintain this boat and the low upkeep costs that go with it. Very little maintenance is needed during the sailing season as well as during the off-season. Spare a few hours of work on applying antifouling painting, and you are good to go! Moreover, the convenient cabinets in the boat leave no space in this boat to go unutilized. The adjustable pop top comes in handy, giving extra head space as well.
Catalina 22, being such a household name when it comes to sailing, has its own advantages. The ample availability of replacement parts and the ease of repairs is phenomenal. It assures every sailor that even if their boat is old or undergoes some breakage, they can be certain that it will be easily fixed. The community that surrounds this boat allows for easy purchase of pre-owned boats and gives a good resale value too.
Catalina 22 remains an iconic sailboat that gives a thrilling experience of sailing to families who venture out on recreational outings while also offering an active community of racers who love to test their mettle against each other.
