Catalina Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Catalina Capri-26 by Hernan Subelman

Year built	1996
Location of boat	Rapel-Chile
The boat is sailed on	Lakes
How the boat is used	Day sailing
Normal wind strength	16-22 knots
Average size of crew	solo
Liveaboard?	No
Owner bought the boat in	1996
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	It has been a real pleasure to own this boat. Bought new in 1996, hull nbr 312 out of 318 built. I usualy sail single handed and have made the required arrangement so as to be able to raise my genaker by myself with the help of the autopilot. Cabin space is more than I need and allows me to keep everything in order and handy. I have the wing keel but should have had the fin keel to be be able to point better. The diesel engine works like a charm and my gas consumption is to a minimun.
Gear that's been added	To be able to solo most of the time, I have added an autopilot, to my added Edson wheel steering. I changed de roller furling system to a Profurl CF-700 and I'm currently using a North Sail Genoa and full batten Main sail. Added 4:1 purchase to the traveler which made it lighter to move under heavy load. I have KVH system (no longer manufactured)for wind speed and depth, plus other data that come useful some times.
Structural or complex improvements	The only main change was replacing the tiller with the Edson wheel steering. I made the change myself with the help of plans supplied by Edson which were straight foward and easy to install. This gave me more room to move in the cockpit and ease of engaging the autopilot when needed.
The boat's best features	Ease of handling, large cabin space for such a small boat. Handles very well tharough a wide specturm of wind forces (25+) with a little reefing. The enclosed head is a luxury in a small boat and handy for the ladies. The the diesel engine just works like a charm...it runs and runs with no probs. I've had the boat for 10 years now and no blisters at all have shown up.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	It tilts at anchor due to a faulty design of this boat's hull. While all othe boats are with their masts straight up, mine looks a little shy by listing to port.
Sailing characterisitcs	Handles very well but cannot point high enough due to the wing keel. Needs a backstay adjuster for better trimming.
Motoring characterisitcs
Liveability
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any
Other comments

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