Catalina 22

1969–1995 · designed by Frank Butler · built by Catalina Yachts

Frank Butler-designed trailer-sailer — the highest-production sailboat in the 20-30 ft range ever built. Designed as an affordable, trailerable, family-friendly weekender. Swing-keel variant is the dominant version (allowing draft of ~20" trailer mode / ~5' sailing mode); a later fixed-keel variant (sometimes branded Capri 22) was offered for buyers who didn't need trailering. Three production variants: Mark I (1969-1985), New Design (1986-1995), Mark II (1995-2010), and later Sport variant.

This is a general read on the Catalina 22 class — informed background, not a verdict on any individual boat. Condition, refit history, and how a particular hull was sailed and stored matter far more than class reputation. Use it to know what to look for; for a read on a specific listing, run a free FairKeel report on that boat.

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At a glance

Hull form: Fin Keel
Ballast: Internal Iron
Rudder: Transom Hung
Mast step: Deck Stepped
Hull construction: Fiberglass
Production: 1969–1995
Built in: USA

What the Catalina 22 is known for

Unbeatable owner community + DIY documentation. Almost every conceivable question about a Catalina 22 has been answered on a forum thread, owners-association article, or YouTube video.
Catalina Yachts is still in business — replacement parts (rudder, tiller, hardware, even some swing-keel components) remain factory-available decades after production-run end.
Trailerable on a standard tow vehicle — opens cruising grounds (inland lakes, varied coastal venues) that fixed-keel boats can't access. The flexibility is the value-prop.
Forgiving, stable, easy to learn — the Catalina 22 has taught more people to sail than almost any other production sailboat.

Known trade-offs

Swing-keel mechanism is the recurring failure point. A neglected pivot pin or cable can immobilise or endanger the boat. Annual inspection is the discipline that separates well-maintained from problem hulls.
Trailer condition (when included) is half the purchase decision. A boat in good shape with a corroded trailer is a more expensive purchase than the asking price implies.
Small + lightweight = tender in gusts + uncomfortable in chop. Capability envelope is honest weekender / protected-water sailing, not coastal-cruising at scale.

Age-related quirks to expect

Swing-keel pivot pin + winch mechanism — the class-defining maintenance item; pin corrosion + winch-cable failure are recurring concerns High all swing-keel hulls

Fixed-keel and wing-keel variants — different boat architecturally; swing-keel quirks don't apply Low fixed-keel variants only

Original outboard well + bracket on transom — typical 6-9.9 hp outboard; outboard is usually owner-supplied + variable in condition Low all

Pop-top cabin (some Mark I hulls) — adds standing headroom but introduces a sealing / leak path Low 1969-1985 (Mark I, pop-top option)

Trailer condition — for a trailer-sailer the trailer is often half the boat's purchase value; bearings, lights, tyres, and frame corrosion are buy/walk factors Medium all (trailer-included sales)

Systems to check before you buy

Swing keel — pivot pin, winch, cable, keel cavity priority: weekending, coastal

The defining system on swing-keel Catalina 22s. Pivot pin corrosion can immobilise the keel or cause failure during sailing; winch-cable failure can drop the keel uncontrollably. Inspect: pin condition, cable condition + cable-end fittings, winch operation, keel cavity for corrosion / debris. Hauled inspection is the only way to assess.

Trailer (where included in sale) priority: weekending

For a trailer-sailer the trailer is integral to the use case + represents real $$. Bearings (typically Bearing Buddies — check grease + heat after a road test), lights (often LED retrofitted), tyres (check sidewall dates — 7+ year tyres should be replaced), frame for corrosion (especially on saltwater-launched trailers), winch + bow stop.

Outboard auxiliary (owner-supplied, variable) priority: weekending, coastal

Catalina 22s are outboard-powered (no inboard option). The outboard is usually owner-supplied and condition varies enormously. A 6-9.9 hp 4-stroke (Tohatsu / Yamaha / Mercury / Honda) is the typical fit. Confirm engine hours, recent service, and that it runs in a barrel before purchase. Outboard alone can be of value.

Standing rigging + deck-stepped mast priority: weekending, coastal

Mast is deck-stepped + designed for trailer-stepping (mast goes up + down on every launch in trailer-sailer use). Check shrouds (often 1/8" or smaller wire), turnbuckles, mast tabernacle / step at deck, mast base for compression at the deck-step area. Rigging cost is much lower than a 30-ft sloop but inspection still matters.

How it fits your plans

Weekending: Sweet spot. Designed for it. Trailer to a lake / coastal launch, sail for a weekend, trailer home. Owner network is enormous + DIY documentation is everywhere.
Coastal: Workable for protected coastal sailing in light-to-moderate conditions. Reefable rig + adequate freeboard. Should not be in offshore conditions or open ocean.
Liveaboard: Not practical. Too small for full-time liveaboard; cabin is a weekend bivouac, not a residence.
Racing: Strong class racing on lakes + protected coastal venues. The Catalina 22 National Sailing Association runs a robust one-design fleet.

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