Maine Cat 22 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

At its core, the Maine Cat 22 is a performance-oriented multihull that prioritizes speed and feedback. Because it was designed by Dick Newick, the boat exhibits the characteristic "wing" flares and slender hulls that minimize drag and allow for impressive acceleration in light air. Unlike heavier cruising catamarans, the Maine Cat 22 lacks a heavy bridge deck cabin, which keeps the center of gravity low and the overall displacement remarkably light. This weight savings allows the boat to plane or reach speeds well into the double digits under the right conditions.

Handling is described by owners as "dinghy-like" but with the inherent stability of a 14-foot beam. The boat typically utilizes a fractional sloop rig and is often equipped with a rotating mast, which improves aerodynamic efficiency on all points of sail. While it lacks the extreme power-to-weight ratio of a pure racing beach cat, it provides a more "planted" feel in a seaway. The tracking is aided by deep, high-aspect daggerboards or fixed fins (depending on the specific hull configuration chosen during the short production run), which minimize leeway when beating to windward. Because the boat is so light, it responds instantly to sail trim adjustments, making it an excellent platform for sailors who enjoy "playing the sheets" rather than setting an autopilot.

Interior Comfort & Variations

True to the "open design" philosophy that Maine Cat would later perfect in its 30-foot and 38-foot models, the Maine Cat 22 lacks a central saloon. Instead, the bridge deck is an open cockpit area, often featuring a trampoline forward and a solid or slatted platform aft for seating and movement. This configuration maximizes the "outdoor" feel and keeps the crew connected to the water.

The "interior" is confined to the two slender hulls. Each hull typically contains a single berth, providing basic overnight accommodations for two people. While the headroom is severely limited—requiring a "crawl-in" approach—the hulls offer a dry, secure place to sleep or store gear during a weekend cruise. The finishes are functional and minimalist, prioritizing weight savings over luxury. Throughout the production run, variations were minimal due to the small number of units built, though some owners have customized the cockpit layouts with Biminis or lightweight "pod" enclosures to extend the sailing season.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Maine Cat 22 should focus on the specific structural requirements of a demountable, high-performance multihull.

• Beam Attachment Points: Because the boat is designed to be demountable for trailering, the hardware and fiberglass reinforcements where the crossbeams (akas) meet the hulls (vakas) are under significant stress. These areas should be inspected for stress cracking or "working" in the laminate.
• Core Integrity: Maine Cat used advanced core materials (often Core-Cell or similar thermoformed foams) to keep the boat light. Buyers should use a moisture meter or perform a "tap test" on the hulls and bridge deck to ensure there is no delamination or water ingress, particularly around through-hull fittings or hardware mounts.
• Daggerboard Trunks: If the model is equipped with daggerboards, the trunks are prone to wear or impact damage. Check for cracks at the top and bottom of the trunks and ensure the boards themselves are not swollen or delaminated.
• Rigging and Mast Step: Given the performance nature of the boat, the standing rigging is often pushed harder than on a traditional cruiser. Inspect the mast step and chainplates for signs of fatigue, and check the rotating mast base (if equipped) for smooth operation.

Community & Resources

While there is no dedicated "Maine Cat 22 Association" due to the limited production run, the model is highly regarded within the broader Newick design community. Technical information can occasionally be found through the Maine Cat company itself, which remains in operation under Dick Vermeulen and maintains a history of its legacy models. Owners also frequently interact within the "Small Trimaran" and "Performance Multihull" circles, where Newick’s design principles are heavily documented and celebrated.

The Verdict

The Maine Cat 22 is a "purist’s multihull" that bridges the gap between a beach cat and a pocket cruiser.

Pros:

• Exceptional Speed: Capable of outperforming much larger monohulls and cruising catamarans in most wind conditions.
• Trailerability: The demountable design allows for easy transport and off-season storage at home.
• Design Pedigree: A rare Dick Newick design that offers a unique aesthetic and world-class naval architecture.
• Low Maintenance: Simple systems and a lack of complex plumbing or electrical networks make it easy to own.

Cons:

• Minimal Accommodations: The hulls are strictly for sleeping; there is no standing headroom or "living" space below deck.
• Rare Find: With only ~18 hulls built, finding one on the used market requires patience and quick action.
• Exposure: The open bridge deck offers no protection from the elements unless an aftermarket enclosure is added.