Catalina Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Catalina Capri-18 by Brent Stiles

Year built	1986
Location of boat	Hueston Woods State Park, Ohio
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	2002
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	Yes. I had owned a Hunter 18.5 previously and now prefer the Capri. Just wish I had purchased it sooner.
Gear that's been added	All lines are now run aft for single handling.Just purchased new sails (kit form) from Sailrite. Learning to sew.Replaced the clam cleats with cam cleats for the jib sheets.
Structural or complex improvements	None needed.
The boat's best features	Points very well. Structurally sound.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.
Sailing characterisitcs	Points very well.
Motoring characterisitcs	Powered by a mariner 4 hp. No problems.
Liveability	Want to try spending the night. This is the only boat I've found that includes the center cushions to make a full bed.
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)	They have been very helpful, esp for questions on a 14 year old boat.
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any
Other comments	When I purchased the boat, formerly "Kelly Rose," she was a mess. Had been put away filthy the previous October. Product of a broken home....Was able to clean and shine her so she is now the "Prettiest girl at the Dance."Vertglas does wonders!