Catalina Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Catalina Capri-26 by Art Harden

Year built	1992
Location of boat	Caesar Creek Lake, OH
The boat is sailed on	Lakes
How the boat is used	Weekends and longer
Normal wind strength	10-15 knots
Average size of crew	2-4
Liveaboard?	No
Owner bought the boat in	2005
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	The first time that I saw the Capri 26 was in 1992 and felt it was the best design that I had ever seen for a trailer-able boat. Twelve years later I was able to secure a Capri and confirm what I had always known that my fist instinct was correct.
Gear that's been added	1 quart water pump surge tankBiminiWash down pump12 volt receptacle above motor coverCombination Knot/Depth meter
Structural or complex improvements	Although not a part of the boat, I have added a mast raising system that makes raising and lowering the mast almost a one man job, The system includes a support for traveling as well as one to assist in setting the base on the mast in preparation for raising. A few more adjustments and it will be a one-man operation.
The boat's best features	The best features of the Capri are flexibility, stability, livability and sail-ability. The stepped mast provides for flexibility to raise and lower the mast without a crane. The wide beam provides for both stability and livability. The open interior layout easily provides comfort for four.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	The quality of the workmanship of the Capri is top notch in many areas. However, I am surprised at how many critical points are attached with only screws or lag screws, in particular the fuel-fill and head. These should be through bolted for extra strength
Sailing characterisitcs	Although most of my sailing has been on a lake I have had two opportunities to take her to the Chesapeake Bay. The bay provided everything from a heavy chop and 25 knot wind to flat water and no breeze. The Capri 26 is extremely stable in a stiff breeze. She is very balanced and we were able to sail the 25 knots with a full main and reefed head sail (110%). On the lakes the winds shift constantly and are generally very light. My fist sail in light winds required that I sail into a restrictive cove. To my surprise the Capri 26 even glides effortlessly through the water with only a 135 and main. In light breeze it takes a while to get her momentum up but one moving she move like a mist over water.
Motoring characterisitcs	With the prop directly in front of the rudder I have felt a lot of vibration through the tiller. What I have found is that if I back off on the power slightly the vibration reduces greatly also with momentum up for tight places it is easier to let the rudder control the boat an not try to use the engine except to maintain headway. I have a 10 HP diesel and it seems adequate in most instances. However, I have read where they put a 12 HP in later models and I would prefer a little more power. The extra HP is not necessary but would be a comfort and give some additional speed motoring.
Liveability	After spending two separate weeklong trips on the Capri 26 and marina hopping on the Chesapeake Bay, I found the boat to be very livable for two. I am sure tow more adults would have been workable but somewhat crowded. The water tank is sized for weekend trips and requires filling if you are using the shower. But is using marina facilities the tanks work are size appropriately.I would like to have a little more room in the aft berth, but that is a desire and not a requirement. The pressure alcohol stove works great. I have used both propane and gas and although they are hotter and less effort, I feel safer with the alcohol. By the way denatured alcohol from the hardware store seems to work just and well as the more expensive marine fuel. The stove make some of the best pancakes.
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)	As an engineer I am always asking questions. Catalina has been very patient and helpful in providing me with all the documentation I have requested event o the detail of how to replace the packing on the stuffing box. My hats off to the Catalina Staff.
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any	Broker Experience None
Other comments	Great Boat Design for years of pleasure

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