TOP 5 22 FOOT SAILBOATS & SEE YOU IN BAHAMAS? Ep 169 - Lady K Sailing

[@Flynghi]

My first sailboat was a Catalina 22 poptop. I still have it today. Sailed it from Miami to the bahamas several times people thought was crazy. Pick your weather window and bounce.

[@JonathanVanVuren]

I hope to do the same with my Catalina 22!

[@naps3386]

Matt Rutherford in one of his podcasts said he ran across a couple who sat in Florida an entire season looking for the perfect weather window to sail to bahamas, but blew the entire season because they kept poo-pooing the weather forecasts.

[@wyattchampion]

@@naps3386 sometimes you just gotta send it bud

[@Land_an_sea]

My wife and I are planning Miami or lower with our Catalina 22 to Bimini in April 2023. Any tips you can offer having done the trip yourself with the same boat? My biggest worry is not the crossing but the cruise ship/ cargo traffic.

[@Flynghi]

@@Land_an_seaThe thought of it is more daunting than the actual task. Keep watch stay clear and pick good water conditions and currents if you’re concerned about waves or wakes. We didn’t come across very much commercial traffic past 3 hours outside of miami. Saw some fishing vessels but never got to close. Good luck!

[@markbailey6051]

Precision 23 with the board, 7' cockpit and fractional rig with trailer!

[@randymartinez5238]

I just bought a 23 myself in the process of getting her in shape

[@wanderingearl01]

The sheer on the Alberg 22 is a work of art.

[@jameshartlen2114]

i own alberg 22ft nice little boat my first sail boat

[@jameshartlen2114]

the best22.ft for the money sails like a. big boat beautyful lines

[@matthewhoopes7757]

My first sailboat was an Ericson 32 that I bought in 2021 and one month later sailed to Alaska from Bellingham, Wa. I had no previous boating or sailing experience...but I have had a lot of different experiences. I had one day of putting up sails and learning before I left. It was a great trip!!

[@TimewarpTV]

Wow, that must have been an awesome trip. Did you solo or have a crew?

[@bikemessenger7]

and you have NO VIDEOS!!!

[@daveware4117]

Wow, i wouldnt have the guts to do that. Glad you made the trip safe.

[@RedemptionReady]

I turned 18. Moved out. Got my first car with my money and bought a 1972 Catalina 22 with trailer for $1200. In 1994. Had it for 7 years. Great boat.

[@oremus2843]

Back in the 80’s I had a 22 O’Day. She was a great boat and sailed really well. Some of the most fun times of my life were on that boat!

[@steveburke7675]

My first sailboat was a Catalina 22...I bought her in the early 90's for $2,500. She came with a trailer, dependable Honda 8 and the mast could be raised by 1 person.....I sailed the crap out of that little boat for 5 years all over Puget Sound and the Salish sea. I then developed a severe case of 2-foot-itis, but I miss the hell out of my C22.

[@jepomer]

My first boat (other than a Hobbie 14) was an O'Day 19 (often called the Weekender). It met my wife's need of a portapotty inside a cabin. It met my desire to trailer and set up quickly (about 20 minute). With 300 lbs lead spread along the keel and a swing centerboard. It floats in 12 inches of water. I still have this boat. Our second boat was a Capri 22. It was that step up to a wing keel and more stability in higher winds and lets me venture out into the ocean. I started racing in this boat - not as a competitive person, but to simply increase and practice my skills. During several races the wind speed was over 30 knots. I call the Capri 22 a J/22 wannabe. It is really fun to daysail but we have stayed overnight in it - more like camping. I still actively sail this boat. It is moored and ready to use. Rigging this one takes me about 3 hours to splash. It has a very large cockpit (9'-6") and seats 6 adults. Usually keep the number to 4 adults or less. I often sail this boat along. When Covid closed most things, we purchased a Catalina 310. This is meant for coastal cruising and has the room and stability my wife has needed after breaking her ankle several years ago. It is presently (slowly) undergoing a refit. Many things were not to current standards. The previous owners were not "technical". The original owner had "better" ideas when adding things. All the standing and running rigging needed replacing. All of the electronics have been replaced. All of the plumbing is being replaced. My wife had several "requests" that are involving changes to the galley. When we splash next May, it will be like a new boat but without the new-boat price.

[@muckeyduck3472]

Morgan 22. Fantastic boat. Full keel. with retractable center board. I could trim the sails and it would stay on a point like autopilot. I would not hesitate to take to boat offshore in anything less heavy seas. Great racer too with very favorable 259 PHRF rating. You are right about racing. You learn wind shift, current, and how to make the boat go under all wind conditions. I raced a river series and won my share of races. Also raced informal Wednesday afternoon race every week for a while, and commonly flew spinnaker solo. Raced on a few Olsen 30's, and Wavelength 24 also.

[@robertcooke1774]

i crossed the atlantic 4 times in a 22ft falmouth oyster dredger from the uk to the caribbean a superb boat

[@jonstephenson609]

You got balls

[@lstefans]

you're my hero. ever write about your journeys?

[@daveopincarne3718]

How many people learned to love the Catalina keel cable "thrum" as an indicator all was right with the world?

[@alexshyshkov8585]

Great review! My 1st boat ever is MacGregor 26D. Yes, a 26 footer with some space, easy to trailer and launch, with a enclosed head and 2 berths. Turning it into a cruiser to support 1-2 weeks trips. I looked at 22 footers but they are too small and tight for longer trips. The MacGregor fits perfectly, I will hang to it for a few years for sure. The ultimate trip would be Bahamas. 😲

[@tangoreal9098]

Having recently moved from a Catalina 38 S&S to a Cal 2-25 I am very happy. A fantastic pocket cruiser. Simplicity is best! This is the boat we plan to take to the ICW.

[@maj21093]

I took your advice... sort of... My first boat was a Newport 17 and had it for a year. This spring a Starwind 22, the new version of the Chrysler 22 came available and I worked a deal to swap my freshly restored boat for this "project" that was 95% sail ready. I needed rudder repairs and a little glass work on the transom. I know this is an old video, but I wanted to let you know I appreciate the time you take to make these videos and they are very informative. I never make a decision based on a single source, but after doing more research based on your comments, I believe there are many people that feel the Starwind 22, aka Chrysler 22, is a great boat and when this one is back in "like new" condition, it will definitely have enough value to get us into something in the +35ft range. Just in time for some pre-retirement adventures!

[@lrmorrison999]

I owned a 1960’s vintage Pearson Electra 22.5 ft sloop. It is a full keel Alberg Design. Very blue water capable! I sailed it for 5 years out of Ventura, CA.

[@kennethpaladino4948]

Really enjoy my little Compac 23! Shallow draft is awesome! Have beautiful shallow coves all 2 myself!

[@briancall5794]

Just finished my first crewing experience,, Ten days in the BVI. It certainly helped open my eyes to what I would like in a boat. Thank you for continually providing great information.

[@stephenlaubach2400]

I have to agree with Dave Crombie. I was totally disappointed that the Rhodes 22 didn't make the list. I don't think there is a 22 on the market that offers more choices of outfitting the boat then General boats. All the different options offered is astonishing. It might be a little slow but more than makes up for it by being so accommodating. And what is really interesting is that they used to offer to by back your boat in order to refurbish it and sell it as used but updated.

[@maurol.3731]

Hello sailor friend, in the early 80's I strongly wanted a J22 or J24 sailboat. I was young and I was racing with catamarans (HobieCat 18, Tornado) but I wanted a cabin cruiser-racer without having the money to buy it. So I built a 3T26 by myself, starting from the shell of the prototype that the Italian shipyard practically gave me for free... It took me almost a year and I launched it without an engine, sailing like this for two seasons. I then fitted a small Volvo inboard petrol engine and used it for 4 more seasons before selling it ... It was a small cabin racing boat, very light and fast (won a 1/4 ton cup). I talk about it because the lack of money led me towards a construction project that was perhaps a little crazy but which taught me a lot and the experience has often helped me in the following 40 years of navigation. Your videos are always very interesting and who knows, maybe one day you will talk to the many passionate young sailors about the possibilities of self-building a cruising sailboat. It is an experience that is worth gold! Thank you

[@ricardassteponkus2483]

I'm looking for a boat with which I want to travel on roads and lakes. In theory, looks like the Precision 23 is a good choice, what's your opinion?

[@leonardodiversifolia1751]

Catalina 22, great swing keel boat, very customizable, lots of replacement parts. Sailed and raced two pop-tops in the Keys for 10 years. True, not a great race boat, didn't have a Spinnaker. But it was great for everything from overnight camper to heavy whether coastal cruising.

[@FlyNineVictor]

Another boat of note was the Venture 22. This predated the Macgregor/ Venture 22. They were stout solid little boats. It had a small motor well for the outboard, and a pop top. It was comfortable to camp in and was very fast, and handled very well. It was my first trailer sailor. I actually wish I still had it...

[@jihugytfrde]

As a McGregor Venture 17 owner, I would argue that the preformance of the boats is so pore that they cant be compared to a catalina which are their closest competotors

[@FlyNineVictor]

@@jihugytfrde yes, not the Macgregor venture, but the original venture. A very different boat

[@SJMessinwithBoats]

I have a Venture 22. Has a yellow and black Spinnaker and complete rigging. The Mac 22 wasn't until 1980, right? I have a Mac 21 also. The differences between the Mac's and the Ventures was the molded interior liners and a heavier swing keel, from what I can see.

[@todddunn945]

My first boat was a 1976 Venture 21 I bought new. The boat was definitely fast.

[@SJMessinwithBoats]

@@todddunn945 Nice, I haven't sailed any of my boats yet, as I have been training my kids on other forms of waterworld activities over the years. I have made a YT channel about the quest to find out if the brochure is close in saying that the 21 has been clocked at 17+ miles per hour. I have removed the lifelines and keel. I should have some sort of progress with that and the Venture 22 this summer.

[@popeyethesailor6337]

I sailed a Santanna 22. That was such a fun boat.

[@CawffeeTyme]

I am surprised the tanzer 22 didnt make the top five. Part of me would love to get my hands on the tanzer moulds.

[@LadyKSailing]

It was on my top ten actually. Hard choice to leave it off the top five for sure.

[@learning2levitatethroughdr685]

Tanzer 22 is AWESOME!!

[@andrewh9286]

I had a tanzer 22. It was a great boat

[@chrisoliver8423]

I have a 74 Tanzer 22 , It's a Solid sea worthy boat.

[@chamapix]

I had a Tanzer 22 for years. Sweet sailing boat with a huge cockpit for all our sailing, or non-sailing friends. I've had bigger boats, but none better.

[@jeepjeff9131]

A 1977 San Juan 21 with swing keel I picked up for $775 and sold two years later for an even $1,000 (less than two feet draw with keel up). Small cabin but fast on the water. Would be great for day sails with young kids.

[@RenoPoker]

Love your shows! My first sailboat was a Radar 19', had a little dry rot and leaked a bit. Only cost me $100 with the trailer. Had so much fun with her. I would single hand her in Gail force winds and just laugh! What a thrill! Explored all the islands in Mass. bay .... Love sailing!

[@daveopincarne3718]

Just moved up from the Catalina 22 to a Yankee 28. The C-22 was a great boat for all the reasons mentioned plus the swing keel is great for gunk holing in the PNW and points very well. It's also a great platform for people who love to tinker and improvise as I do. That being said, I wish I'd known about the Tanzer 22 as an alternative.

[@zaddict555]

Nice, was hoping to see my Rhodes 22 on the list! Had it for a year now and I keep saying its the biggest little boat I have ever owned!

[@jamesgood6065]

Looking at getting a Rhodes 22. Would love to chat with you.

[@zaddict555]

@@jamesgood6065 Anytime James

[@pfaes]

Hi Tim! After owning a small sailing dinghy in my teens, I have just now purchased my first "real" boat. I've been binging your channel and taking sailing classes over the past year. I've bought a Catalina 22 to sail the inland waters of the Netherlands for the next few years, after which I might upgrade to bigger waters and a bigger boat. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@LadyKSailing]

Welcome aboard! Thanks for watching!😀

[@tommyt8867]

My first was a Columbia 23 , very light. Switched to Ranger 23 a great fast boat raced well on Lake Michigan for years.

[@jimmydoger1583]

I have a Westerly Nomad 22. It is an absolute tank. Not fast kind of odd looking. I have been out in absolutely horrendous conditions and have never felt at risk except when to close to land. It has to have my vote as one of the best.

[@beniciomoldenado2315]

My first boat was a 1959 Swedish built Folkboat. We sailed it around Lake St. Clair in Michigan for a couple years. It was a stiff boat but moved along fine if the wind was blowing.

[@koborkutya7338]

Great you mention the poptops, don't know why it is not more widespread, looks like a great solution to have ventillation and headroom at anchor but lower windage and better view ahead from the cockpit underway. Maybe structural concerns?

[@philkaelin9779]

My first was a 1967 Sailmaster 22. Built in Holland, Sparkman and Stevens design. Originally called a Kestrel. Keel/ centerboard design, 1800 lbs of ballast. Easily balanced , in any weather with the right sail combo. An early fiberglass trooper and lovely to look at! Traded up to her big cousin Tartan 27,essentially the same hull with more headroom . The Sailmaster was my favorite.

[@NorthSideNorm]

Just this past summer I picked up a Bayliner Buccaneer 21 ft. It's absolutely amazing. It has 5'9" of headroom and an enormous cabin for a boat it's size. It's not fast but with the full keel it's very comfortable but the best part is it olny has about a 26" draft which makes it perfect for sailing the St. John river and out into the bay of Fundy.

[@bradcraig10]

Thanks for showing the alberg 22!I sailed one Yeats ago on Burlington Bay.It was a little freight train.

[@teddybearisms2505]

In between contracts, a friend left me his dana 24. They are not cheap, but the size and design was amazing.

[@mhub3576]

Ocean crosser.

[@stevepeterson5943]

Isn't that Webb Chiles most recent circumnavigation boat? My God that thing is fast.

[@mitshumarner5870]

My first boat was a O'Day 22 with a swing keel in a shoal draft fixed keel with a slot. The rudder was a clipped on affair and the hull was flat bottomed for easier trailering. Down below there was wide room, but not much headroom. The head was in the forward compartment behind the bulkhead which was a nice feature for privacy, It also made the fore cabin berth long for sleeping in with a cushion over the porta potty. Downside was all the ports were fixed and the fore hatch wasn't glazed. It was "see through" built with thin fiberglass hull sides and a nice boat to learn on. It pointed poorly and the swing keel rattled in anything but a stiff reach. Sailing to leeward was a fact of life. My second boat was the Cape Dory 22 which was the polar opposite of the O'Day 22 and still is my weekender cruiser.

[@cflyin8]

I got my first keelboat this year. A 1978 Sea Sprite 23 with a full keel (another Alberg design like the Cape Dory and Triton). It feels like sailing a much bigger boat and can handle pretty much anything you throw at it. This winter will see a new 135 genoa and winches for her. I anticipate sailing the Sea Sprite for a long time until I move up to a 35 or 40-foot cruiser.

[@davebolanz1881]

Great episode. Love all your stuff. You were right on the money last episode talking about a Catalina 27. I crewed my dads 80 something and won so many races.

[@egatlin070254]

had Catalina 22 back in the 80s now its a Aquarius 23 and I love this boat, fast, big cabin, high freeboard so very dry in high wind.

[@davescott1491]

Our first boat was a sonic 23. Great cabin with very large v birth and two side births… and a cool pop top. Beat just about everything in that size range and bigger. Fun…Fast, comfortable and a great intro into sailing.

[@DS-cb2zn]

Our first boat, which we have had for 7 years, is a Boomaroo 22 (the Australian version of the Catalina 22) 1983 model. She has taken us safely on many adventures (Moreton Bay, Great Sandy Straits, Pittwater, Kuringai National Park, Witsudays) but the most memorable was the “100 Magic Miles”. - Mackay to Bowen. Audacious for a sheltered water vessel, but despite skipper error from time to time, she brought us safely home and we love her!

[@toddlong8672]

You get boomaroo, and we got stuck with Catalina. I'm writing a sternly worded letter to my senator

[@enderdragoon]

My South Coast 22 has been an excellent first sailboat for me.

[@mikequinlan9585]

My first boat was a Venture 22, it taught me a lot about sailing and keep my friends and I safe. It is not nearly as good as the Catalina 22 but it was cheep and serviceable and that’s what mattered at the time.

[@breakingwind_sailing]

Hello there Mike Quinlan, what year was your Venture? I have a 1976 named "Makai" I picked up a year ago. It was originally sold in Tenn., then went to Texas, and finally in San Diego where I got it. Actually taking it out for the first sail this weekend. Going to hit the lake first before any big water. Gotta do the shakedown...

[@mikequinlan9585]

@@breakingwind_sailing Hi Ron I hope you enjoy your shakedown cruise! I think my 22 was built in 1974, it was a good boat nothing fancy just fun to sail. I understand a Venture 22 can be made to go faster if you upgrade the rig but you lose the simple easy sailing that most Venture sailers are after! Enjoy and be safe!

[@dannymeske3821]

I loved to race in the Marina Del Mar channel with my 1971 Catalina 22 back in the 80's

[@calvinhorn8978]

My first boat was a Ranger 22 not the 23 but the 22. It was designed for MORC racing and was the first boat to have Kevlar layed in the hull.great boat. I did a lot off offshore sailing and facing in it.

[@GraysOutdoors]

Good video. A surprise to see myself and my boat, the first Catalina 22 pic, Sailing in Poole Harbour, South Coast of England.👍👍

[@randall39]

I have everything that these 22’s have in my Montego 20’. Sleep 2 adults and at least 2 kids. Weighs in at 2300lbs. And is easy to tow and launch. A great sailing boat.

[@darrellstyner0001]

My first was a Cal 24 with a swing keel. Robin Lee Graham sailed one most of the way around the world so I figured it was seaworthy enough for weekends in So. Cal. Half the time the outboard wouldn't start so I had to learn to sail into the slip. Great boat.

[@sheddski2942]

its funny in the Movie produced by Gregory Peck they used a Ranger 23 but in real life he used a 24 Lapworth (cal )

[@essboo]

That's so crazy. Growing up, my Dad had a Cal 22 - it was a really nice boat. Sailed great and was comfortable for a 22. When I bought my first boat...I got a relatively cheap J/22! It is a great daysailer. The big cockpit, light winds are fine, it will move; light weight so when you're docking it is easy for anyone to jump off the boat and onto the dock to wrangle it. Other nice thing about Catalinas and Js are there are a lot of people out there that know them - you can buy stuff for them that fits and is new. There's support out there in terms of parts/pieces AND knowledge.

[@floydcampen]

Had a 22 Columbia, fast and cheep,great fun

[@jonstephenson609]

Wow.. I picked up a 1969 22 O-Day.. Rebuilt everything. Its cool and fast.. Live on it for two months.

[@Sailerryan]

Awesome top 5! I think in reality most people use a 22' boat for day sailing or a singe night out. Most folks that want to spend more than one night are into sailing enough to buy a larger boat.

[@vaidotasratkus1886]

Top of the top is Columbie 66 - veritas certified offshore cruiser with inboard engine, stand-up headroom, separate toilet room. It even have its own club in Norway.

[@SquirrelDarling1]

My favorite boat was my Sirius 21. Had pop top with a canvas enclosure so I had stand up headroom. Plenty of room, had a nice little galley, separate head with a privacy wall. Kick up rudder and swing keel. I wish I never downsized.

[@gregw3691]

I’m surprised you didn’t include the Rhodes 22. Yes, a bit expensive, but a lot of bigger boat features like inmast furling. It’s my first boat and I’m still very much a novice, but seems very easy to sail…with pop top up!

[@lowellmccormick6991]

My first boat was a Chrysler 22 with a pop top and it worked well for me. I sailed it around Lake Pontchartrain and sometimes out of the Rigolets to do some island hopping along the Gulf Coast. Then I started racing on bigger and faster boats. My favorite was a yellow Lindenberg 22 named Hot Mustard. That was a great boat. It had a PHRF rating of 204. We won a lot of races over the years with that boat. The Ranger 22 is a pretty good boat also. I've never sailed one but they were competitive in our fleet and looked like a solid boat. I found that some of the best racing sailors competed in the J22 fleet.

[@clintontaylor8904]

Currently owner of a chrysler 26 Sail it regularly on the great lakes

[@chrisb2942]

Friendship 22, such a great little yacht.

[@sebastiancasellas9204]

Oday mariner my dad bought a couple of months ago. Still havent been cruising on it, pure racing at the moment. Hopefully we get another one for cruising Or maybe a Catalina 22.

[@RModillo]

Nice show! Note on the J-22-- excellent performer but better where it doesn't blow especially hard. There was a fleet on Buzzards Bay but eventually it closed down.

[@paulnord2013]

Not surprised that the Lindenberg 22 didn’t make the list, because there were only ever like 50 made, but we found one and they are amazing. Designed for micro off shore racing, they’re super fast for a little monohull.

[@kevbjork1]

Try checking out the Hunter 23.5 & 240. More roomy inside and slightly faster than Catalina 22 in the right conditions. Water ballast so not as stable as the ones with iron keels but light when you drain the ballast for trailering. I love my 23.5.

[@nocontestsailing66]

My first sailboat was "Arcadia" a Chrysler 22. Then Northern 29 followed by Alberg 30, hull #630, then CT 41, the Cheoy Lee 33 offshore and now Contest 38S ketch which you can present in an episode...

[@matthewmontanari6824]

I have sailed a Cal 22, raced against a J22, and own a Capri 22. For daysailing and racing my choice is the Capri. For cruising my choice is the Cal. FYI, the cockpit in the Capri is 7'6" - longer than the J. In the Cal it is 6'6", which give 1' more cabin space. And if for some inexplicable reason you choose to go offshore in a 22' sailboat - the Cape Dory (or any of it design brethren) is the way to go.

[@gilray1977]

At an overall (bow Pulpit to trailing edge of transom hung rudder) of 23.5' (21' 4" lwl) I want to make a shout out for the Beneteau First-235 ! Not quite 6' standing head room (waaah) but what a boat ! I bought an older one about 8 years ago and it's ability still amazes me. It's accommodations for length is amazing, the biggest 23' boat I have ever been below on ! I done maybe 4 - 3.5 week cruises (and a zillion day sails and overnighters) and I have racked up perhaps 3k NM sea miles so far. Huge boat packed into a small package :)

[@tomhenry4993]

Oh, the Clipper 26 with the pop top! Many hours of fun at the Jersey shore...

[@todddunn945]

My first boat was a Venture 21. It had basic accommodations, but you could add what you needed for very little money. I have never had any interest is racing, but the Venture was fast because it had a decent sail plan and only weighed 1,200 lbs. The boat was easy to trailer due to its light weight and I towed it all over Washington state with my Mopar car (Plymouth Valiant). Incidentally, I have never raced, but I learned everything about sailing that anyone needs to know in the mandatory sailing program at the college I went to.

[@blackmax222]

They say speed kills. I'll take my Nordica 20 and live forever. Cheers from the Black Whale

[@rickhorvath]

Was looking into a Spindrift 22. Thoughts???

[@paulbagshaw7237]

Laguna Windrose 22 is a solidly built sloop with sweet lines and a well balanced rig. Designed by Shad Turner. 77-87. Swing keel/trailerable and will sleep 4 comfortably.

[@elandriver6596]

Nobody else said it so I’ll chime in my first only boat Flicka not cheap or fast but how many of your picks would you take around point conception and go into 17 foot seas?

[@mikes9476]

I loved my US22, for fixed keel boat it camped well and did well in local races.

[@Lew114]

Thanks for the tip about racing. I’m looking to gain experience before I’m too old.

[@db-ob7ic]

Ive had the c22 up to 7.6 knots ....what a blast.....maxed out tho 5.5 to 6.0 is average in the right air

[@goofy4birds]

My Oday 222 is incredible and search forever for one turn key ready. To me she’s best 22 foot ever. Looks way better inside than Catalina. Great little boat as a starter sailboat.

[@Tb0n3]

the o'day 22 really seems like the best all-around to me. a lot of creature comforts. sleeps four, a galley, and a head. you can usually find them all day under $3,000.

[@goofy4birds]

@@Tb0n3 great starter boat

[@jameshuntsman6046]

We had a cal 22. Two Reefs and a storm jib, that thing would sing in 25 knots and 8’ seas around Catalina island. Loved that boat. But I’m American and one super size meal to many. We needed Bigger.mostly because we are bigger and less nimble.

[@erikrooney1197]

I have the Chrysler C22. I have to say, I love her. Beautiful lines, robust sailing and very predictable.

[@SVTangent]

I’d like your thoughts on a Tartan 31. Maybe a video on Tartan Yacht would be nice. I’m set to sail from Fl to Bahamas mid March with my Tartan. Having 3 weeks off. Solo sailor

[@maximus8795]

Know you talking about 22 but I absolutely love my 89 hunter h23 wing keel also had a hunter 22 while back was also a awesome boat and fun to learn on

[@mdwaltner3]

Having owned 4 of the 5 boats on your list, I would still prefer a Precision 21. It has all of the all-around features AND it's fast. Trouble is, once people buy one they hang onto it, so they're hard to find.

[@terrystoerzinger2584]

Another vote for the P-21. Shoal draft keel with 700 lbs of lead, centerboard trunk in the keel so the cabin sole is flat. Does not depend on a swing keel for stability. 7 foot long cockpit, kick up rudder for getting into shallow places. Large sliding hatch allows you to stand up fully when you pull on your foulies.

[@heathercamera]

Love love love my Precision 21! We’ve taken the kids out on it and they love it while momma loves the speed and beautiful handling! Plus, it’s just SUCH a gorgeous boat to look at! Everything we could want and no tripping over the traveler and lots of open space above and below. Pure joy! 💗💗

[@rythmicwarrior]

Looking at the market on them and there are very few. Lots of 23s though. Do those compare?

[@mhub3576]

I've got the Precision 23, and totally agree. They are super nice. First time I saw one I was sailing my MacGregor 25 and got toasted by a guy sailing what turned out to be a Precision 23. After docking I went over and looked at it to find out what it was. I was so jealous. Several years a couple boats later I was rebuilding the cabin top on an O'Day 20 where it had delaminated aft of the mast step when I saw a 1994 Precision 23 for sale 3 hours North of me. They wanted $7k, a fair price, but more than I wanted to shell out. Kept my eye on it and a week later it was down to $6k. A week later down to $5k. So I inquired and the sellers had another guy coming to look at it from 4 hours away. Ok let me know if he doesn't buy, I said. Next day they called me back and said he wasn't coming, he'd found another boat. I concluded the would-be buyer must be a newb, passing up a Precision 23 for $5k. So I told them I'd be up to see it the next day. Got up the next morning, made the 3 hour drive, and the boat on its trailer sitting up pretty high was very intimidating compared to my Mac 25, which sat low because of its swing keel. Didn't know if I really wanted it because it seemed so imposing, but could tell they were very motivated sellers, wanting me to just "make an offer." So I offered them $4,400, knowing they'd probably have taken less but not wanting to essentially steal it from them, which I was already doing at $4,400, and they took it. One of the best deals I have ever made. Been sailing it from a slip for several years now on Lake Mille Lacs in central Minnesota and absolutely love it! So yes, you cannot go wrong with a Precision. Very roomy cabin, and very good sailing performance.

[@mhub3576]

​@@rythmicwarrior The P23 is the same boat but 23.5 feet long. You will not regret buying one.

[@TTM-GEB]

I am a big Catalina fan but found the Presision 22 to be a fantastic little boat , I now have a 1990 model and love it. So many things on it are better than the Catalina 22, especially the design of the swing keel and the cabin layout.

[@mhub3576]

I'm guessing you mean a Precision 23 or the 21. Basically the same boat other than the LOA. I've got the 23 and yes, much better, wide open interior layout. Really nothing I would change on mine.

[@joelleetch3204]

Just got my first Catalina love it

[@Meridian63_Sailing_Adventures]

Hey, What the all Canadian Tanzer 22????

[@chrisrichie295]

Hello from Va. I'm leaving tomorrow morning for a marina in Deltaville to have mast stepped and bottom cleaned then I'm heading south on my new to me 1973 32' Irwin. Would love to have a cold one!🍻

[@TheBirdmaster45]

I had a 1977 O'Day .. It was really nice but some JA desided to put it on fire in my driveway late at night so now I no longer have it .. Got it for $500 w/trailer .. Still have the trailer but .. Now I picked up a 1984 McGregor 25 and fixing it up .. I have taken it out last year and looking forward to doing more this year .. Though I am looking for another boat that is a bit bigger so I'm not stooped over when inside .. I want to get out and see the Bahamas sometime in the near future .. I picked up the Mc for w/trailer for $600 .. Having to do some re-wiring and all new cushions along with new bottom paint

[@PennWolfsSailingAdventures]

This makes me miss my 2nd sailboat, a 1972 Sanjuan mk2 swing keel. I was going to sail it from Maryland to key West,but my plans changed in 2011. I don't miss the 5' tall interior though.

[@lornebellofatto954]

Acquired a 1971 westerly Warwick 21. Still had original sails and cushions.

[@rudbeckia885]

Precision 21 a decent boat

[@mhub3576]

Much more than just decent.

[@Slithh]

So many incredible choices! I love em all. I'd take any one of em. I'm sure there has to be one better for a beginner than the others but they all look great!

[@tinman8972]

As always, it depends upon the mission and the owner. For ease of sailing and interior comfort in a coastal cruiser, you'd be hard pressed to beat a Nonsuch 30. It doesn't point like a sloop, but it's no slouch in the speed department and can take a blow.

[@Aquarian21766]

Had a Sirius 21 swing keel with pop top for 10 years.. great boat.

[@dilligafwoftam985]

My Sonata 6.7, thats metric for 22ft, is a fractional Jog (junior offshore group) racer that can sleep 4, head, galley, drop keel, adjustable backstay and forestay, 2 kite hoists, fully battoned main Garry Mull designed rocket. But then I live, race, cruise and love Australia 🇦🇺

[@rythmicwarrior]

I'm looking at a 2000 hunter 212 this weekend for my first boat. Trailer with new tires and spare, newish sails, new led nav lights, new Honda 2.3 engine for $2500.

[@peterm4475]

Back in the olden days of the IOR the smallest level rating was the 1/8 or Mini ton class with an IOR rating of 16.5. Boats were generally in the 21 to 23 foot range. The class became quite popular and eventually spawned the MIni Transat in 1977 as an antidote to the OSTAR. It's initial concept was single handed racing on a budget. Now of course the big money has caught up with what is now the 6.5m class and the leading campaigns (mostly French) need lots of sponsorship $$$ to be competetive.

[@gilray1977]

My boat is a Beneteau First-235... born of the early mini 6.5, transits. She has more room below than any boat in her size and the layout rocks with a huge qrt'r berth. Summer before last an old conger down east really made me chuckle. He was basically a diesel mechanic / motor head in greasy Carhartts. He helped push me out of a super tight docking pinch and as I was clear and powering up he smiled and said "You've Goht Tuh Love a Quartuh tunnuh!" There are a lot of great boats 22 -24' from the 80's like the Gary Mull designed San Juan's , and various 1/4'r tanners etc ;)

[@NA-xm7wj]

What’s your opinion on the south coast 21 by seacraft Oh yeah my first sailboat is a melges c scow. Had now idea it was the Ferrari of racing boats in its class when bought it but for 500. I have fun with it for sure and she scoots

[@karllewis735]

You mentioned the Cal 22... apropos of that, (sort of), *my* first boat was a Cal 21. Swing keel, trailerable, porta pottie, room of four to sleep, (sorta). Even today, probably thirty years after I sold her, I miss that boat. She was a rocket, and I learned so much. I bought her a spinnaker. I sailed her in Raritan Bay Lower New York Harbor. I took her out the day all the Tall Ships Came to New York for the Statue of Liberty's Hundredth. Oh, I miss that boat.

[@willweaver5024]

I learned to sail on a lake in the northeast. Sunfish, sailing kayak(!), and the odd Flying Scott we liberated on weekdays when their owners were in the city working. Later crewed and delivered much bigger boats from J-30s to Nautical Development 56 and a lovely Pearson 365 ketch. I am not surprised that you didn't mention the Marshall or Arey's Pond 22 catboat since you are looking at boats with foresails to learn how to use. The other really important issue to figure out with a partner is whether cruising is anything you want to do. Those catboats seem like a really a perfect introduction to the cruising lifestyle. What do you think?

[@robroy725]

I have a 22-foot Edel. It is my first boat. Apparently 600 were made, with some built in Canada. If you ever create another episode on 22-footers, I’d love to hear about my boat.

[@richardmiller7887]

You learn to sail in dinghies and then progress to keelers. Big shout out to the late great Gary Mull. Pocket Rocket 22 will give you 10+ knots with spinnaker. Have fun first then move onto coastal stuff, then look at Mulls Ranger series. A great designer.