Galion 22 Buyer's Guide
Shopping a Galion 22 on the used market means chasing a 22-foot Hannay-designed racer-cruiser that still turns up in decent numbers as a reliable small family cruiser. Most survivors are outboard powered, with only a few carrying the Vire petrol inboard or the optional diesel listed in the specifications. The boat was also offered as a kit for owner finishing, so build quality varies by hull.
Layouts on the Used Market
Galion 22s show the high Van de Stadt coach roof with 5 ft 9 in headroom and four berths below. Two berths were claimed by the builder to run 7 ft. The mahogany interior and compact galley reflect the original cruising layout, though owner-finished hulls may differ in joinery.
Equipment and Common Upgrades
Most boats are outboard powered; a few had Vire petrol inboards and some were factory-optioned with a 6 hp Vire diesel driving through a shaft and a 5-gallon tank. A 15-liter water capacity is standard. Buyers should confirm which propulsion a specific hull carries before comparing to specification.
What to Inspect
The one documented ownership hazard is the home-completion history: the design was sold as a kit, so hulls finished outside the Robert Ives works can vary in glass layup, keel-bolt bedding, and interior joinery. On a viewing, look closely at the iron fin keel union with the hull and check for uneven laminate or soft spots where an amateur builder may have rushed the job. Open the mahogany interior and inspect berth structure and galley joinery for joints that do not match a production finish. Treat any non-factory hull as a unique case and budget for corrective glass or fastening work if the bedding or laminate looks tired.
Availability and Buyer's Takeaway
- Confirm whether the boat is outboard or inboard powered before comparing to spec
- Inspect keel-to-hull bedding for home-completion variance
- Check interior joinery for non-factory finish quality
- Verify four berths and 5 ft 9 in headroom under the coach roof