Jaguar 22 - what are they like?

bobdoughty

bobdoughty

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Hi. Back again and still hunting for that elusive 22-25 foot bilge keeler that not only sails to windward, has loads of space below, is very seakindly and costs less that £4,000 (I said it was elusive!). However my troll round the yards turned up a very tidy Jaguar 22 (1979 vintage) for about £3000 and a rather scruffy Hurley 22 for about £4000. The Jaguar looks like it sails well but what's it like in heavy weather? Any other suggestions that I should be looking for? As ever, many thanks for your wisdom.
 
I would tend to a Hurley over the Jag 22, performance wise i'd imagine it would be as good as the Jag, because the 22's were not known for their speed. But it will be more seaworthy than the jag.
But maybe not that particular one if you feel its overpriced, you might get an Achilles 24 for around that price in need of TLC but that will be small below.

You will probably have to choose between either roomy below = not very seaworthy or fast.
Or make the sacrifice and have less space for a much faster, more seaworthy boat.
I'd go with the latter but its up to you.
 
I could be wrong but I believe that the Jaguar 22 was actually a Catalina 22 made under licence by Jaguar in their Canvey Island factory. The Catalina 22 was a huge seller in the states but designed primarily for sheltered and lake use and for trailering. I have heard of problems with the keel bolts corroding if used extensively in sea water.

The Jaguar 22 doesn't perform as well as Jaguar's own 21 which was a daggerboard design rather than a swing keel, it may also have problems drying out on hard surfaces with the swing keel not retracting fully.

I would go for the Hurley.
 
I've always liked van de Stadt's Pandora and Splinter models. Only sailed a Splinter, which is very fine, but I have heard good reports of the Pandora. Safe hands Van de Stadt. Not a lot of room though. Have you considered a petrol engined Halcyon 23? You will find one of those for less than £4k. If you are lucky, you may even find a diesel. Don't be put off too much by petrol as long as the boat is cheap as resale will be harder. A well-installed petrol (usually an Albin 5HP single in the Halcyon) is fine and petrol, unlike gas, evaporates in the event of a spillage rather than sitting forever in the bilge. A word on the strength of the Halcyon 23: along the 'garboard' the lay-up is well over 1"! Pretty much unbreakable.
Nicki
 
I looked at the Jag 22 when I was in the market for my first buy and ended up with a long keel Hurley 22. although the Jag was roomier with a big hatch which reduced the need to stoop it was lighter-built. With inexperienced crew (one aged 7) I felt happier with a heavy boat and never regretted the decision.
Robyn is right... the Jag is from the same moulds as the Catalina and you just get the impression the boat was built for sunnier climes.
 
I personally own a Jaguar 21 and can recommend them, quite fast, and very fun. Decent space down below as well, and within reason will look after you in a blow.

The J22 doesn't have keel bolts as such, because its a swing keel, but there are reports of the bolt that it swings on wearing a slot in the keel. (The bolt itself remaining fine! )
 
Have you thought about a Virgo Voyager, 23' 5 berth, standing headroom, heads, seaworthy boat, I know one that has crossed chanel and the bay of biscay. Models include bilge, triple, and fin keel. We had a fin keel and it did a reasonable turn of speed to windward. Average price for a mid 80's boat would be £3,500 - £5,000. Worth a look. Or the baby sister to it the Venturer at 21'
 
[ QUOTE ]
I have heard of problems with the keel bolts corroding if used extensively in sea water.


[/ QUOTE ] I have friend who's Jaguar 22 did lose it's keel due to that. In freshwater. Luckily the cable for the lift mechanism stooped the keel falling right out of the trunking or it would have been very precarious.
 
The Jag 22 is a popular design being built in USA and Australia but as a trailer sailer light weight is a major consideration.
Light weight means good speed but also very bouncy in a choppy water. A similar sized boat with maybe an extra ton of weight and balast will be a lot stiffer and more stable in a seaway.
I have a 21 fter which is very light and while it goes well with very little sail in a blow it does tend to slam the bow down into the waves unless we can get weight forward to keep the bow down. So in a lighter boat the trim both fore and aft and sideways is much more dependant on crew position. (Sit up there on the gun'l and don't dare get off it or we will fall over) (sit up further forward on the side deck and stop those waves while you are at it.)(no you can't cringe in the cockpit)
These make a light boat very exciting but also a bit exhausting to sail for long periods. So I supect from your comments you really want a heavy stable boat. Big is better. good luck olewill
 
I'm not sure that my views about Snapdragons are that biased. I recognise that they are roomy, solid with a thick layup, seaworthy, cheap and can dry out.

I am sure that many a happy time has been had with them.

The downside about them, which I would be interested in anyone arguing against is as follows:

With their straight encapsulated stubby keels (easier to get out of the moulds) paying little attention to effective design they must be one of the most ineffective boats to sail upwind you can get.

In fact if a fan of the marque could suggest a boat in the same bracket that the Snapdragon sails better than, of the same size, I would be delighted. There may be one but I can't think of it.

Does it matter if you are happy to sail downwind and motor upwind. No - and then they are good value and each to their own.

For me the point of sailing is to sail, and I would far rather get a decent sailing boat than a bathtub. A good sailing boat does tend to corrupt - and the last time I was happy sailing my very nice Hurley was when I started sailing a Sonata etc etc.

I don't think I am biased against the Snapdragon - I just think, and their handicap ratings tend to support the view, they are rubbish boats to sail.
 
We sailed a Jaguar 22 for 10 years. Cruised cross channel many times.

Was great in nice weather, and off the wind in up to F6. But hard work to windward in F5 or 6.

3 weaknesses: the keel pin is yellow metal, and elongates the hole in the keel - my solution was a bush made from hose; our keelson cracked from repeated grounding on the swing keel - the solution was a heavy injection of epoxy, and no more drying mooring; and the "bedpost" that supports the mast slipped off the keel case - our solution was an extra support post and lots of glass.

So, not a boat for serious cruising unless you enjoy running repairs

Tony
 
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