Catalina Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Catalina Capri-26 by Tom

Year built	1990
Location of boat	Indianapolis
The boat is sailed on	Lakes
How the boat is used	Day sailing
Normal wind strength	less than 10 knots
Average size of crew	2-4
Liveaboard?	No
Owner bought the boat in	MN
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	Yes
Gear that's been added	I have added a Boss AM/FM/WB CD player that I am very happy with. I have also added a port side stern perch seat. It came with the starboard seat but the port was missing. These seats are a good investment if you take more than 4 people aboard. With these seats, 5-6 adults can sail comfortably. Amateurs are kept out of the way of the helm. We also purchased the round pads that go over the life lines for comfort. Another fairly expensive addition but worth it for long days.
Structural or complex improvements	I have made no complex improvements.
The boat's best features	We bought this boat for comfortable cruising although I am betting she would race well. I really like the fact that the mainsheet traveler is over the companionway. This keeps the cockpit virtually free of lines for those less-experienced guests to get fouled in. The cockpit is far roomier than that of a C-25 (the C-25 cockpit is actually an inch or two smaller than the C-22 cockpit). The cockpit is roomy like some of the newer boats, yet the boat has the nice traditional appearance that newer boats tend to lack. The enclosed head is a nice feature and the cabin is ample for 2-4 people to enjoy a meal below.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	The only thing not working is the Datamarine instrument. The vent window in the head is also cracked and is on order.
Sailing characterisitcs	This C-26 (wing keel) sails very well on all points of sail. She slips through the water nicely in light air and is nice and stiff in heavier air. I thought that as beamy as she is she might tend to round up, but not nearly as much as my previous C-22s or C-25. This C-26 sails much better than a Catalina 22 (swing keel) and somewhat better than a Catalina 25 (swing keel).
Motoring characterisitcs	She has a 9.9hp Evinrude Yachtwin longshaft that starts and runs well. The boat is equipped with cockpit controls which have proven quite handy. On occasion, especially with crew forward, the prop can nearly come out of the water.
Liveability	I would not live aboard this boat but I would certainly not hesitate to spend a long weekend on it. It does not have a shower or hot water. The ice box + a cooler would allow for plenty of provisions for 4-5 days. The berths are comfortable and the deck is roomy enough that you would not feel confined.
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)	All my experiences with Catalina have been favorable. This is my 4th Catalina/Capri.
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any	I bought the boat from Sailor's World Marina in Minnesota on Lake Minnetonka. They were great to work with.
Other comments	I will not sell this boat as I have my other Catalinas. This is a great boat.

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