Catalina Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Catalina Capri-18 by John A. Valldejuli

Year built	1989
Location of boat	Lake Sante Fe, Florida
The boat is sailed on	Lakes
How the boat is used	Day sailing
Normal wind strength	16-22 knots
Average size of crew	2-4
Liveaboard?	No
Owner bought the boat in	2004
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	Absolutely!
Gear that's been added
Structural or complex improvements	Added automatic bilge pump and removable solar battery tender, and 12 volt power source for computers, TV ect. I use a small transformer that hangs out of the outlet that I bought at SAM's warehouse to convert 12 volt to 110 when needed.
The boat's best features	It has big boat features like strong stancions, good metal that does not rust, sleeps two comfortably with good room inside, has a cockpit bigger than some 30 foot boats - great for naps or sleeping outside. It is stable with a lead ballasted winged keel with only 2 foot draft. It has an electrical system with deck light and cabin lights. Porta-potty. It is easily trailered by my mini-van though I only trailer to move from one semi-permanent location to another.Futher, cavities are filled with foam for positive flotation. It is nice to tell your nervous newbies it can't sink!Boat is strong and well built, for me it is perfect.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	I will be replacing the headsail for a rolling furling 150 genoa as it is just too much work to hank and change sails, especially when I am solo and the wind is blowing.I will also replace the binding cleats securing the jib sheets to good clam cleats.I wish it had securing cleats on the port and starboard sides of the forward deck. There is only one securing cleat on the bow-deck.
Sailing characterisitcs	Wonderful. Very balanced under sail, and easy to manuever under sail or power. Does not head up into a blowing wind with jib and mainsail.
Motoring characterisitcs	Very good, no problem at all. I use a new Suzuki 6 hp 4 stroke, I don't like mixing oil and fuel and it is more reliable in those tight places at idle. I found the two-strokes quit at low rpm right when you need it the most.
Liveability	For one night OK with two, or several nights solo. But I would never live on it. It is like camping in a fold-out trailer RV. The difference is that you can camp in really secluded spots and hear and see the beauty of nature with water rocking you to sleep... not your neighbor's radio!
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)	No experience.
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any	Private seller.
Other comments	Best combination of trailerability, big-boat features, quality workmanship, and sailing handling I have ever experienced. A lot of fun for little money.

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