Designed by the respected C.R. Hunt Associates and built by Bangor Punta Marine from 1984 to 1997, this compact 22-footer represents solid coastal cruising capability in an affordable package. The Cal 22's moderate displacement of 2,100 pounds and substantial ballast ratio provide reassuring stability for weekend adventures and daysailing, while the fractional sloop rig offers versatile sail handling options. With a beam of 7.75 feet and 19.5-foot waterline, the design strikes a practical balance between interior space and sailing performance. The fin keel configuration with transom-hung rudder delivers responsive handling characteristics typical of the Cal line's reputation for well-mannered sailing boats. The fiberglass construction ensures durability with reasonable maintenance requirements. The boat's comfort ratio of 10.47 indicates a relatively stiff, motion-conscious design well-suited to protected waters and near-coastal sailing rather than extended offshore passages. The capsize screening formula of 2.42 places it within acceptable limits for experienced sailors in appropriate conditions. This Cal 22 appeals to sailors seeking their first keelboat or those wanting a manageable coastal cruiser that can be easily trailered and single-handed while still accommodating a small crew for weekend getaways.
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What is the ballast ratio on the Cal 22 and does it make the boat stiff enough for coastal sailing?
The Cal 22 carries 775 pounds of ballast on a total displacement of 2,100 pounds, yielding a ballast ratio of approximately 37 percent. That is a respectable figure for a 22-footer and contributes meaningfully to initial stability when the boat is loaded with crew and gear for a weekend. The comfort ratio of 10.47 is low, as expected for a boat this size, which simply means the Cal 22 is best suited to protected coastal waters and day trips rather than offshore passages in heavy weather. The capsize screening formula of 2.42 is above the commonly cited 2.0 threshold, reinforcing the recommendation to keep the Cal 22 in benign coastal conditions. For its intended use — lake sailing, bay cruising, and weekend daysailing — the ballast-to-displacement ratio gives the boat an honest, reassuring feel on a heel without being excessively stiff.
Who actually built the Cal 22 and what happened to production after Bangor Punta?
The Cal 22 was built by Bangor Punta Marine, the American conglomerate that owned the Cal brand through the 1980s and into the 1990s. Bangor Punta had previously owned Jensen Marine, the original Cal builder, and continued the Cal line under its own name after acquiring it. Production of the Cal 22 ran from 1984 through 1997, making it one of the longer-running models in the late Cal catalog. The design itself came from C. R. Hunt Associates, the respected naval architecture firm responsible for a number of successful production sailboats during this era. By the mid-to-late 1990s the Cal brand had faded from active production as Bangor Punta restructured its marine holdings, and no successor company continued building the Cal 22 after 1997. Used examples from the full production run remain relatively common on the brokerage market.
Does the Cal 22's transom-hung rudder cause any known steering or maintenance problems?
The Cal 22 uses a transom-hung rudder rather than a skeg-hung or inboard arrangement, and this configuration has a few practical implications that buyers should inspect carefully on used examples. Transom-hung rudders are exposed and vulnerable to impact damage in reverse and when docking, so check the rudder pintles and gudgeons on the transom for corrosion, elongated holes, or play. On fiberglass boats of this era the transom reinforcement around the gudgeon mounting points can develop stress cracks or delamination after years of rudder loads, particularly if the boat has been sailed hard or trailered frequently. On the positive side, the transom-hung design makes rudder removal for inspection and repair straightforward compared to inboard setups — no underwater unbolting required. The combination of a fin keel and transom-hung rudder gives the Cal 22 a relatively short, maneuverable feel under sail, though some owners note it requires attentive helming in following seas.
Can the Cal 22 be trailered easily and what should I check on the trailer before launching?
The Cal 22 is a reasonable candidate for trailering given its 22-foot LOA, 7.75-foot beam, and 2,100-pound displacement — most half-ton and three-quarter-ton pickup trucks can handle it comfortably with the right hitch setup. The 3.5-foot fin keel draft does require a purpose-built sailboat trailer with a keel cutout, and you should confirm the cradle supports the hull at the correct contact points to avoid stress on the fiberglass topsides over long hauls. Before launching after any extended storage, inspect the trailer's bunks or rollers for wear that could abrade the hull gelcoat, check the winch strap and bow stop, and verify the trailer's wiring and wheel bearings given the saltwater exposure that typically comes with repeated boat ramp use. At 7.75 feet beam the Cal 22 is within standard highway width limits without a special permit in most U.S. states, though local regulations vary.
What PHRF rating does the Cal 22 typically carry and how does it race against other 22-foot daysailers?
The Cal 22 typically races under a PHRF rating in the range of 240 to 264 seconds per mile, though local fleet handicappers may adjust this figure based on regional conditions and the specific inventory of sails on a given boat. With a sail area-to-displacement ratio of 21.81, the Cal 22 sits in moderately powered territory — notably higher than many heavier cruising designs of similar length but not in the same class as a performance-oriented 22-footer like a J/22. The hull speed of 5.92 knots, derived from the 19.5-foot waterline, reflects the modest speed ceiling inherent in the displacement hull form. In mixed fleet racing the Cal 22 tends to perform respectably in light-to-moderate air and flat water, where its clean fin keel and fractional rig work in its favor, but it gives ground to higher-SA/D designs in a breeze. Buyers planning to race should verify the current PHRF certificate with their local rating authority.