Catalina Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Catalina Capri-16 by Fred Falchook

Year built	1995
Location of boat	Lake Sinclair, GA
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	1995
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	At the time, it was a good choice. But with growing children, I need a larger boat.
Gear that's been added	Tiller tamer. Replaced companionway hatch with self made one out of plexiglass. Additional block for main halyard.
Structural or complex improvements	Front opening hatch.
The boat's best features	Lightweight. Ease of entry and exit. Can sail solo.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	Had to replace opening ports multiple times. The plastic hinges kept cracking with season changes. Companionway hatch rotted- replaced with plexiglass. Marine battery is very difficult to reach and service. Interior is cramped. Placement of mainsheet is awkward- should be moved aft. Boat can be difficult to maneuver onto trailer- getting it centered, with large wing keel.
Sailing characterisitcs	Boat is not as responsive as some others in light air.
Motoring characterisitcs	Difficult to maneuver when going slow.
Liveability	Okay for afternoon, but would not spend the night.
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any	No problems.
Other comments