Catalina Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Catalina Capri-18 by Eric Lee Freundlich

Year built	1986
Location of boat	Key Largo,Fl
The boat is sailed on	Open ocean
How the boat is used	Weekends and longer
Normal wind strength	16-22 knots
Average size of crew	solo
Liveaboard?	No
Owner bought the boat in	used
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	Absolutely!!! Can't believe how much boat you get considering the size. I'll never get rid of it way to much fun.
Gear that's been added	Added a 6hp four stroke Merc, adjustable motor bracket, removable swim ladder, bottom paint, GPS, lots of gear. Fans, solar panel, wind directional ect....
Structural or complex improvements	Yes, customizing and redoing the motorbracket, and adding swim ladder. Added hoistable anchor light. Bimini top was added by previous owner but might be factory.
The boat's best features	I live in Key Largo, "Florida Keys" and have had my boat for about 2 years. Most of the time especially during the winter and spring I use it to sail to the reef for day trips, where I eat lunch and snorkel. During the winter I tear up and down the reef line off the Upper Keys "Pennekamp Park". Most of the time I sail solo which is no problem in this boat. Used it for lobstering one season and worked out great. In an hour and half I am out at Carysfort reef from my house for a great day on the reef. Also the cabin stays nice and cool and is a very pleasant place to get out of the sun and nap. Also I have a large bimini top that is also great for getting out of the sun
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	Only problem is the wires that run from the mast to the deck where they attach to the deck are leaking in the cabin. I need to fix this. Also I would like to replace some lines and replace the worn out line chocks. Also would like to add some down-wind sailing equipment.
Sailing characterisitcs	Just right for solo handling. I sail in open waters off the Florida Keys. Most of the time I am the only sailboat out there. My capri is a fixed keel model draft is not an issue even picking my way across a shallow reef. Her shallow draft also allows me to get her into the mangrove creeks with no problem. Sometimes I ask to much from my boat in terms of taking her out in 35+ knot winds. But she realing sails like a bigger boat. Winter and spring she gets used a number of times a week and I love to take her out for those 5 o'clock cruises into the Sound.
Motoring characterisitcs	Motor's extremely well with the quiet and efficient four stroke motor. Fuel consumption is phenominal when motorsailing.
Liveability	Great overnighter, I am thinking about adding DVD player, TV and stereo. Also have nice portable grill that mounts to rear rail. Cabin stays cool and is well ventilated.
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any
Other comments	All I can say is that everyone smiles at me and waves when I go past and that is a great feeling.I smile every time I look at that boat.I am planning a round trip from Key Largo to Key West in my little boat in 2004/2005. A lot of people I know have bigger sailboats that cost a heck of lot more money but I get more bang for less buck.

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