clipperfix
2012-05-29T23:06:14Z
Hi, I am looking at the purchase of a Seal22, I live in Australia and the class is relatively rare down here. I would appreciate any advice on what I should look for prior to purchase and opinions on the boats abilities in coastal cruising, especially when short handed. As we do not use the Portsmouth Yardstick is there any international class which could compare for speed? Many thanks for your website which has given me a lot of information already - Clipperfix
smiffy
2012-05-30T07:45:16Z
Hi Clipperfix,

I am relatively new to Seal 22s, however, if you send me an email to smiffy@onetel.com I will send you a PDF review of the 22, it's a pretty fair minded review, meanwhile, there is this you might find interesting?

http://www.trip-around-b.../2011_04_01_archive.html 

Cheers, Ray.

Seal 22 MK3 "Morveren" Number 384
(the last one built by John Baker)




Seal 22 MK3 "Morveren" Number 384
(the last one built by John Baker)



philip linsell
2012-05-30T09:34:01Z
Hi
I had my 22 for about 12 years, cruising the UK south coast almost always single handed. They are great little boats and will cope with weather much more severe than you would expect. I have been out in 6-7, without problems. Going to windward in rough seas will be slow, the full bow slams and stops going into big waves.
Most 22's will by now have had many modifications, just because that's what owners do.
There have been some reports of problems in the keel box, either stones causing leaks where the keel meets the hull when lifted fully up or wear from the neoprene guide blocks inside the keel box. You will need the keel out to check the wear and this can be a rotten job if the bolts holding the blocks in place on the keel have not been replaced with stainless steel (the original steel bolts become a lump of rust).
The flat steel plate rudder blade can crack at the top, but most of these have been replaced already.
The keel raising/lowering wires should be periodically replaced as normal maintenance.
Given the age of the 22's they need some TLC to keep them going, but it's not exsessive and they are great fun cruising, day sailing and racing!
Philip
Ex 22 Tulena
Now 26 rascal
GeoffTurner
2012-05-31T16:24:52Z
There's a photo of an Australian Seal (Good Sammy) toward the bottom of the photo gallery  page. Unlike the UK version, it has a masthead rig.


Geoff

Parker 21 / 18 Dawn