Catalina Owner Reviews

Serving sailors online since 1997

Review of the Catalina Capri-18 by Rick Kidd

Year built	1988
Location of boat	Marina del Rey, CA
The boat is sailed on	Open ocean
How the boat is used	Weekends and longer
Normal wind strength	10-15 knots
Average size of crew	2-4
Liveaboard?	No
Owner bought the boat in	1990
If the clock could be turned back, would owner buy again?	Without question. It has given true keel boat function in a tiny, non-demanding package. It has proven its weatherability in offshore passages from Marina del Rey to the Channel Islands of Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa (75 NM)in winds to 35 Kt. It has also earned me the prize for "smallest boat" at three Catalina Rendevous on Catalina Island
Gear that's been added	headsail furling, new larger, primary winches, all halyards led aft thru sheet stoppers, adjustable backstay, solid boom vang (which really improved sail control), 25 gal flexible water tank, pressure water, sink in place of vee berth along with additional storage bins, forward storage of anchor rode thru hawspipe, bow roller, plow-type anchor, speed/depth instrumentation, second, 200 Amp-hr house battery bank, shore power, cockpit weather cloths which incorporate sheet and winch handle pockets, bimini for shade at anchor, swim ladder, 10 gal fuel tank for 5hp, 4 stroke outboard, whisker pole, 12V microwave, tiller autopilot, VHF radio, cockpit cushions, antifouling paint - 'cause it spends its life in the water.
Structural or complex improvements	replaced the portapotti with a real plumbed-in marine head with (somewhat) remote holding tank. In order to not have a thru-hull, a separate fresh-water supply tank is used. This also eliminates most of the odors which are characteristic of marine heads - which result from dead marine zooplankton in the bowl and supply lines.
The boat's best features	I'm getting very close to a big boat experience in a boat small enough and cheap enough to ignore, if I choose, and not feel quilty.
Problem areas in terms of design, materials, maintenance, etc.	Control of main sail shape was pitiful until I installed the adjustable backstay and rigid boom vang. Now the sail can be flattened, even if sheeted out. This has made heavy weather sailing far less of a terror inducing, roller coaster ride.
Sailing characterisitcs	Everything is fine now, but it did take some work. On group sails from Catalina, I can generally keep with the fleet (which consists of all larger boats), but I have to keep close tabs on trim and everyone else is probably more kicked back.
Motoring characterisitcs	Great, especially with the autopilot engaged. Often the situation for night passages. Motor sailing I average about 5.5 Kt in moderate seas. If seas go above 8 ft, things go to hell if motoring.
Liveability	Fine solo, OK for two if really good friends. Been out four nights on the hook with son or girlfriend. Have done two-week trips solo.
The owner's experience in dealing with Hunter (if any)	Have not had much dealings with them regarding this boat. I do rent a slip a company-managed slip from them. My previous boat was a Catalina 34, purchased new. My experience with Catalina in that case was excellent.
The owner's experience with the boat dealer or broker, if any
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