Catalina Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Catalina Capri-18 by Warren Hughes

Year built	1989
Location of boat	Centerville, GA
The boat is sailed on	Lakes
How the boat is used	Day sailing
Normal wind strength	10-15 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. The boat is stable and easy to manage alone. It sails better than it's ratings or handicaps give it credit for. Easy on/off trailer.
Gear that's been added	Jib downhaul (no roller furling), fish/depth finder, handhel GPS, Handheld VHF.
Structural or complex improvements	N/A
The boat's best features	Stability, particularly if your used to centerboard-daysailers. Downwind performance. Ease to rig from trailer.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	N/A
Sailing characterisitcs	Intially had an excessive amount of weather helm, but was able to work it out. I've sailed the boat in the Gulf of Mexico and coastal Atlantic in rough conditions; she did very well. Feels like a much bigger boat. Actually does very well against other boats in small club races. This little boat will take you where ever you want to go.
Motoring characterisitcs	I have a 4 hp Suzuki; cranks every time. The boat is small enough to make it very maneuverable under power in close quarters.
Liveability	I've spent a few weekends on board. Like Zach Heir says, it is much more comfortable than a tent.
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)	N/A
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any	N/A
Other comments	Stability, simplicity, grace, impetuous... A great little boat. It's all a matter of perspective. If you're used to small boats, it's a big boat. If you tired of struggling with big boats alone, then it's a small boat.

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