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Catalina (Capri) 14.2 Review

Catalina 14.2 Specifications, Deck Layout, and Sail Plan

The Catalina Capri 14.2, known later as simply the Catalina 14.2, is an excellent sport sailboat and day sailer oriented toward family and youth use.  The boat was designed by Ted Carpentier and Frank Butler of Catalina Yachts .  Catalina derived the boat from the Omega 14 produced by Frank Butler’s Coronado Yachts prior to the formation of Catalina Yachts.  After the formation of Catalina Yachts, the Omega 14 design was modified by adding a foredeck and a cuddy beneath the foredeck to create the Capri 14.2.  Since 1983, over 5,200 Catalina 14.2s have been built.   Production continues .

While Catalina 14.2s are frequently used for family cruising, the boat can provide an exhilarating sailing experience due to its semi-planing hull and clearly sporting sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 36.  As a family sport boat and day sailer, the Catalina 14.2 is primarily composed of a large cockpit that easily holds 4 adults.  One owner reports sailing inland lakes and bays of the Outer Banks in the eastern U.S. with his wife and 3 children aboard, and with the cuddy and areas beneath the cockpit seats laden with camping supplies.  Forward of the dominant cockpit, a large cuddy cabin provides storage for day sail, picnic and camping supplies, batteries, and emergency equipment.  As expected for a sport boat or day sailer of this size, the cuddy provides no berths, head, or galley.  (If berths, galley, or head are important to you, consider the Catalina 22 , which is also easily trailered.)

Catalina 14.2 Class Racing, Courtesy Arizona Yacht Club

The Catalina 14.2 benefits from its large production volume, long production run, that its manufacturer is still in business, and a plethora of parts continue to be available from the manufacturer and  Catalina Direct .  Active Catalina 14.2 class racing fleets and events exist but are limited compared to some other small sailboats such as Flying Scots, Moths, and Lasers.  Presumably, this is because of the boat’s intended purpose and reputation as a family sport boat and day sailer, rather than a class racing boat.

INDENTIFYING VARIOUS CATALINA 14.2 MODELS

Three models of the Catalina 14.2 have been produced since 1983.  The different models are popularly deemed “Mod 1”, “Mod 2”, and “Mod 3”.  The Mod 1 models have a single open space below decks and came from the factory with a marine plywood hatch to enclose the cuddy and the rest of the space.  The Mod 2 models, introduced around 1990, had a fiberglass box glued inside the entrance of the cuddy, which while preventing water intrusion into the cuddy and the rest of the hull in the event of a capsize, also made the potential storage space in the cuddy inaccessible and made maintenance of the inside of the hull more difficult.  Mod 2 models had a canvas covering over the hatch to hide the box.  Six years later in 1996, Catalina introduced the Mod 3, which removed the fiberglass box and included a water-tight bulkhead at the aft end of the cuddy, making for three nearly water tight areas in the hull, including the cuddy with the hatch installed and a space under each cockpit seat.  Mod 3 boats were delivered with a more durable and watertight plastic hatch for the cuddy.  Also on the Mod 3 boats, the wooden splash guards at the aft end of the deck where removed and instead the deck was simply rounded up from the forward end of the cockpit coamings.

Catalina 14.2 Specifications, Deck Layout, and Sail Plan

The Catalina 14.2 hull is solid hand-laid fiberglass.  The deck is also solid fiberglass laminate with a molded-in non-skid pattern.  The deck is attached to the hull in Catalina’s standard shoebox design.  Unlike larger Catalina boats intended for more rigorous sea conditions, on Mod 1 and Mod 2 models the deck is fastened to the hull only with chemical bonding – there are no mechanical fasteners.  On Mod 3 boats, Catalina also through-bolted the hull-to-deck joint.  Older Catalina 14.2s may suffer damage of the hull-to-deck joint so that the water-tightness of the joint is compromised.  After suffering such damage, many owners strengthen the joint with mechanical fasteners with relative ease, as the joint is easily accessible at the gunwale.

Due to the design of the Catalina 14.2’s gunwale and exposed hull-to-deck joint, installation of a rub rail can serve to protect the hull-to-deck joint from damage.   Installation is straightforward.  Several rub rails from Taco Metals in Miami, Florida work well, particularly this white flexible vinyl model with white flexible vinyl insert .

The hull is stiffened with several plywood stringers beneath the cockpit, which also support the cockpit sole, reducing flex under foot.  The seats normally flex under foot, which while initially unsettling, provides for a more comfortable ride.  Due to the more rounded and thus stronger foredeck and the additional bulkhead at the aft end of the cuddy, Mod 3 boats are stiffer than Mod 1 and Mod 2 boats.

While wood stringers could be cause for alarm, few Catalina 14.2s see enough water left in the hull to cause rot.  If rot is discovered, replacing the stringers can be difficult due to tight working conditions inside the hull.  A few owners with rotted stringers reported solving the problem by knocking out the old wood and pouring water-resistant closed-cell expandable foam under the cockpit sole and seats.  Depending on the density of the foam selected, positive buoyancy is an additional benefit of such a repair.  Water-resistant closed-cell foam is crucial for this application.  The  TotalBoat Liquid Urethane Foam Kit, 6 Lb Density, Closed Cell for Flotation & Reinforcement works well for this application, providing both structural strength and positive buoyancy.

Catalina 14.2 Capsized, Hobie Baby Bob Prevents Turtling

As delivered from the factory, the Catalina 14.2 lacks positive buoyancy materials in the hull.  If the hull is allowed to fill with water, the boat will sink.  On Mod 1 and Mod 3 boats, securing the cuddy hatch board fast whenever underway is paramount.

Catalina fitted foam plugs in the end of the mast on later boats, intended to provide some buoyancy in the mast to prevent turtling if capsized.  However, the relatively broad beam of the boat limits the effectiveness of this design because most of the mast remains out of the water unless turtled.  Many owners fit Hobie Baby Bob flotation bulbs (available on Amazon) to the top of their masts so that if the boat is knocked down, the boat does not turtle.

KEEL CONFIGURATIONS AND RUDDER

The vast majority of Catalina 14.2s were delivered with a pivoting centerboard that kicks up if grounded.  The centerboard is held in place when down by a shock cord that is connected from the aft end of the top of the centerboard to the transom at the end of the cockpit.  The rudder also kicks up.  Earlier boats have a solid wood centerboard while later boats have a foam-cored fiberglass centerboard.   Rudders are wood or foam-cored encapsulated in fiberglass.   Solid HDPE rudders are available from Catalina Direct.   A medium-aspect fixed keel was also offered that added 200 lbs of ballast to the boat, which makes her slower but more stable, closer to an older-style traditional day sailer.  Catalina named the boats with the fixed keel the Catalina 14.2 K.

As a semi-planing boat displacing little water, the centerboard model requires no centerboard trunk.  The centerboard simply slides through a slot with only a few inches separating the floor of the cockpit from the water below.  With enough speed, water can spray up through this slot into the cockpit.  Catalina Direct offers a  canvas gasket  to surround the centerboard in the slot, which prevents this spray.

The Catalina 14.2 is rigged a as a fractional sloop with a self-tacking jib.  The mast is anodized aluminum and supported by a stainless steel headstay and single set of swept-back anodized aluminum spreaders with stainless steel shrouds.  The shrouds include adjustable brackets rather than turnbuckles that make rig adjustments quick if not entirely precise.  However, the headstay includes a turnbuckle which can be used to achieve precise rig tuning.  There is no backstay, which makes un-stepping the mast easier and frees up the cockpit under sail.  The rig is very light-weight so that one person can ease the mast down when un-stepping and push it up when stepping, although another person is handy to guide the mast with the forestay.  All other rigging hardware is stainless steel.  In 2012, Catalina changed to a Selden made rig.  From the factory, the boom has no uphaul so that when the mainsail is dropped, the boom falls into the cockpit.  Some owners install an uphaul, rigid boom vang, or boom kicker to prevent this.

As appropriate with a family sport boat or day sailer, all control lines are easily accessible from the cockpit.  The mainsheet is managed from a stout spring-mounted pivoting block and jam cleat in the center of the cockpit.  Jib sheets are managed from jam cleats on the side decks.  The side decks also include a jib car track and cars that allow precise adjustment of jib sheeting angle.  With sails of this size, no winches are necessary.

Catalina 14.2 Cockpit and Deck

The cockpit of the Catalina 14.2 offers good sole depth, seat width, and coaming height for relative comfort in a sport oriented boat.  The coaming height and side deck height may be considered low for some less interested in an exciting sail, or more accustomed to day sails in a Flying Scot or a more traditional day sailer design.  The cockpit seats are long enough to sleep upon.  The relatively small surface area of the cockpit sole, cockpit seats, side decks, and forward deck are small enough to prevent much flex.

Forward of the cockpit above the cuddy is a solid deck which is handy when dealing with the jib although feels less than secure in rough water.  The side decks are reasonably wide as well.

The only brightwork on the Catalina 14.2 comprised splash guards installed at the front of the cockpit and above the hatch to the cuddy, only on Mod 1 and Mod 2 boats.  These boards are easily removed for complete refinishing if necessary.  Mod 3 boats had this brightwork eliminated.

Catalina 14.2 Exciting Sail, Courtesy Vincent Malo

The Catalina 14.2 can be a very exciting boat to sail.  Hiking straps were installed throughout the cockpit from the factory.  With its semi-planing hull, the boat achieves speeds great in excess of a displacement hull sailing boat.  Its relatively deep centerboard and rudder provide excellent grip for pointing to windward.  Riding close to the water, the boat’s occupants easily sense the speed at which they glide over the water.  Due to its semi-planing hull and small size (and like most small sailboats), the Catalina 14.2’s pointing ability suffers immensely with blown out or otherwise worn out sails.

AUXILIARY POWER

Catalina 14.2 Outboard Bracket

The Catalina 14.2 did not come from the factory with any auxiliary propulsion, but an outboard motor mount was an option.  Many owners use rowing paddles for auxiliary propulsion, but due to the beam of the boat and the orientation of the side decks, paddles are difficult to use.  Many owners install small outboards, 1-3 h.p. are more than adequate for propelling the boat.

Electric trolling motors are a popular choice for auxiliary propulsion with a battery installed at the aft end of the cockpit against the transom or in the cuddy.  Either way, the battery should be installed in a watertight battery box secured in place with mounting hardware.  Due to the easily-driven semi-planing hull, electric trolling motors are an effective means for auxiliary propulsion, with only the smallest 30 thrust-lbs models necessary for adequate propulsion.  For owners interested in sailing into a headwind off a beach or against a tide, auxiliary propulsion is paramount.

Catalina 14.2 On Trailer

The Catalina 14.2 is easy to trailer with nearly any vehicle due to its light weight of 340 lbs.  Due to its light weight, trailers require only a single axle.  The relatively flat bottom and retractable centerboard make trailers intended for power boats work as an effective trailer.  Trailering is easy due to the boat’s simple rig – only the forestay must be disconnected to unstep the mast.

In addition to an excellent family sport boat and day sailer, the Catalina 14.2 also makes an interesting tender for the right liveaboard or cruiser.  With its weight of 340 lbs, the boat can be rigged for davits or simply towed if the sailor is not against towing a dinghy.  Despite being a semi-planing boat and having an open slot for the centerboard in the cockpit sole, the Catalina 14.2 with its wide flat bottom has more initial stability than most tenders and can be well laden with crew and supplies without shipping water through the slot.  However as the boat is laden, its ability to point to windward suffers greatly.  The same owner who reports sailing with his family, children, and camping supplies, also reports being unable to point better than a beam reach without auxiliary power as the boat was so overladen.  With a larger electric trolling motor, large battery installed, and combined with a solar panel for charging the battery, the Catalina 14.2 can power through adverse currents with excellent if not unlimited range.

Catalina 14.2 With Full Crew

Due to the excellent build quality and simplicity of the Catalina 14.2, the ready availability of spare parts, and that the manufacturer is still in business producing new Catalina 14.2s, resale values of the Catalina 14.2 remain high.  New boats sell for over $6,000.  Nevertheless, neglected Catalina 14.2s can be had on the used boat market at a steep discount, making the boat a potentially excellent value on the used market.  Prices vary widely between $1,500 and $4,500,  depending on the year of the boat, installed accessories like motors, condition of the sails, hull condition, the condition of the trailer if included with the boat.  Neglected boats can be made ship shape for a modicum of investment compared with larger boats and typical tenders.  At the time of writing, only two Catalina 14.2s are available on Yachtworld.com , but many making good options are available on Craigslist.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Used Catalina Capri 14.2s for Sale on Craigslist Nationwide

Catalina 14.2 Brochure

CATALINA 14.2 UNDER SAIL, TACKING

CATALINA 14.2 RIGGING GUIDE

CATALINA 14.2 CLASS RACING

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2 thoughts on “ catalina (capri) 14.2 review ”.

  • Pingback: 1988 Catalina Capri 14.2 sailboat for sale in Virginia | Boats & Yachts For Sale | Used Boats and New Boats For Sale

Great article – thanks! I believe I have heard that the Capri 14.2 Mod 1 had a hollow transom and that the transom was reinforced (made solid) on a later mod (2 or 3). Which mod was this, and do you know the specs of how much thrust or weight each mod can handle?

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  • Sailboat Guide

Catalina Capri 14.2

Catalina Capri 14.2 is a 14 ′ 2 ″ / 4.3 m monohull sailboat designed by Ted Carpentier and Frank V. Butler and built by Catalina Yachts starting in 1983.

Drawing of Catalina Capri 14.2

  • 2 / 7 Belleair Beach, FL, US 1990 Catalina Capri 14.2 $1,950 USD View
  • 3 / 7 Belleair Beach, FL, US 1990 Catalina Capri 14.2 $1,950 USD View
  • 4 / 7 Belleair Beach, FL, US 1990 Catalina Capri 14.2 $1,950 USD View
  • 5 / 7 Belleair Beach, FL, US 1990 Catalina Capri 14.2 $1,950 USD View
  • 6 / 7 Belleair Beach, FL, US 1990 Catalina Capri 14.2 $1,950 USD View
  • 7 / 7 Belleair Beach, FL, US 1990 Catalina Capri 14.2 $1,950 USD View

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

  • SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
  • D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

  • D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
  • LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

  • D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
  • LOA: Length overall in feet
  • Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

Derived originally from the OMEGA 14.

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1990 Catalina Capri 14.2 cover photo

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First Boat? Any of these: O'Day Mariner, Balboa, or Capri 14.2

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So I took an ASA 101 course this summer and had a great time. Now I'm looking to get my first boat before next spring so that I can get started as soon as winter clears out. Will be mostly trailering around to nearby lakes. Found a couple of boats for sale, and was hoping to get some opinions. I was originally completely set on a Catalina Capri 14.2, but the more I look around, you are almost paying the same price for a used one of those as a nice 20 foot boat with some interior space. I'm just not sure that getting a 20 foot boat would be wise as a first boat. There is a 1974 O'day Mariner 2+2 for $4,500 in the area, and a Balboa 20' for $3,495. Or a nice 2003 fixed keel Capri 14.2 for $4,895. Any thoughts? I'm still leaning towards the capri so that I can start small, but I worry I'll soon outgrow it when I want to bring a few people with.  

From a boat handling standpoint, I think that you should be fine with the larger boats but there are other factors as well. What will you be towing with? Can it take the weight? What are you providing for alternate means of propulsion, an outboard or oars? Outboards are expensive and not 100% reliable(is your back?) but they are really handy. Does going boat camping on something like a mariner appeal to you? I have sailed the mariner a bunch and really do like the boat. It isn't the fastest boat but it is not slow and it feels good and has a nice cockpit.  

I've got a full size truck with a V8, so towing any of these shouldn't be an issue. The Mariner comes with what looks to be a very nice 2.5hp Yamaha 4 stroke, which is a big plus. Going boat camping appeals to me alot, that is kind of why I think it would be nice to have the bigger boat. I guess I'm mostly concerned that I won't learn to sail correctly, or learn the fundamentals without first learning on a smaller boat. I hate to be the guy with a 20 foot boat that can't sail worth a darn. Is size much of a factor in learning? The dealer's site is down, but I'll post a link to the mariner when it is back up.  

capri 14.2 sailboat review

There are plenty of opportunities around for renting the Capri, not so much for renting the larger boats (at least not without having to pay a heavier fee). The Capri isn't a boat you'd go sailing in with heavy winds. I don't know the others you mentioned, but, generally speaking, you can reef a bigger boat and still do fine in a larger boat. I can't imagine camping on a Capri, so that's out of the question, in my mind.  

thesnort said: There are plenty of opportunities around for renting the Capri, not so much for renting the larger boats . Click to expand...

In my opinion, you can learn to sail well in any of the boats you describe. In general, boats that respond quicker are easier to learn on but all of the boats are small enough that it won't be that big of a deal. What it really comes down to is you being observant and trying different techniques to see how to get the boat to sail faster.  

Thanks for the advice everyone. Here is one of the boats I'm interested in. What do you think? http://www.hoopersyachts.com/Index.cfm?PageID=11&usedboatid=1047 Being new to sailboats, it seems odd that anyone would even consider a boat this old, but age doesn't appear to bother people when it comes to buying boats. Don't they wear out from the stresses put on them over time?  

I think all the boats you describe you'll learn to sail just fine on. A factor may be the ease of trailering,set-up, launching and recovery. The larger boats will give you a greater sense of security.  

capri 14.2 sailboat review

If you really like the idea of camping out on your boat I would go with one of the bigger boats. After learning the basics on a dingy I bought a 21 footer and did just fine on it.  

capri 14.2 sailboat review

Go with a bigger one At about 20 feet, neither of those is going to be more difficult to learn on, and you'll certainly be able to sail more often (in higher wind conditions) and do more (room for stowage and friends). Kurt  

capri 14.2 sailboat review

  • Trailerable and can be set up / taken down by 1 person
  • Spacious enough for 1 or 2 people to spend a night aboard
  • Can have a porta potty / marine head and space for a camp type stove or maybe a marine galley
  • Stable enough to handle decent wind
  • Light enough to make docking / launching / recovery / etc fairly simple
  • cheap enough for you to find a nice one for not too much money
  • easy enough to resell when the sailing bug bites you and you want a bigger boat.

I kind of thought the price was a bit high as well. From what I've seen online, I'm starting to think sailboat prices here in Minnesota are a bit on the high side in general. This is the Balboa that is up for sale: Balboa 20' Sailboat  

capri 14.2 sailboat review

First Boat About 15 months ago with no prior sailing experience, I bought a Balboa 21. It was a marvelous first boat for San Diego's Mission Bay and eventually some out on the ocean experience. I started out just motoring it and then sailing with just the main, then the jib also and eventually a 160% genoa. Leading the main and jib halyards back to the cockpit was the next thing I did after trying to put them up on the water single handed. After the first month I took ASA101 on a Capri 22 and considered it well worth the effort. Focusing on points of sail afterward, doing figure eights and triangular patterns really helped bring it together. I told a friend at the marina who has a Catalina 27 that I planned to keep the Balboa 21 for two years before moving up. He said I wouldn't last a year. That's in San Diego where late December is good sailing weather. He was wrong. I lasted 13 months before buying a Pearson 30 which I'm now single handing comfortably at age 60. 21' was a great size for a first boat. I'd advise don't buy a boat that is too small for what you want to do. Get what you want and get an ASA instructor to spend a few hours with you. I did that with the P30 and it was worth every penny. Have a great time sailing! You only go around once (unless the jib is backwinded).  

Well, after getting a bunch of pictures from the owners, I think the best boat of these three is the O'day. If I go take a look at it, what are some things I should look for?  

capri 14.2 sailboat review

JP - As a fellow MN beginning sailor I would be very interested in what you end up buying. I too took my ASA 101 this year, late September on Minnetonka. Joined a boat club so I think I will spend a little less than you in buying a boat but you will have the freedom of going where you want with it. I would look in to a trailer-sailor myself but I have a small car that has over 118K on it and can't quite swing the new vehicle yet. Good luck!  

The best thing that you could do would be to talk the owner into a test sail along with a visual inspection. During the test sail, watch everything that is done, see whether it makes sense and try everything you feel comfortable doing. Unless the boat has been significantly modified, it was a relatively good design to start with. In your inspection, really take your time and go over every inch of the boat. Some areas to pay particular attention to would be the condition of the rigging, sails, centerboard and pin, chainplates, and rudder. Bring a digital camera so that you can show the pictures to others and they can help. Depending on how you work, this process could take a few hours to go over the boat. Don't be afraid of crawling into every place accessible with a flashlight.  

Still looking. Saw this today: 22' Chrysler Sailboat Thoughts? I haven't read much about Chrysler boats, are they any good? 22 is getting a bit on the big side, but it looks like it has a nice cabin which is a big plus.  

Was just reading this thread and i was in a similar situation this summer. I learned on a sunfish and a 14' Tanzer. This summer I went in on a 23' O'day with a friend. It was a slight adjustment, but the basics are the same. I had been looking for a 19' O'day, great day boat/trailerable and also accomodating for a night on the hook. I wouldn't go any smaller than the Mariner though, especially if you want the option of a night on the water. 19' to 23' I think would be good for you. Good luck!  

capri 14.2 sailboat review

I bought an Oday Mariner 2 months ago. You are right, the prices are much higher where you are. Here in Wa. I would be looking at a full size boat 26+ ft. For $4000-$5000. Picked up my Mariner for $600, with trailer, and though it needs some tlc, that is what I wanted in a starter boat. It floats well, and has a full sail inventory. My son and I have taken it out, and even spent a night on the water. Best nights sleep I've had in years!  

capri 14.2 sailboat review

I got greedy. I bought a '69 Coronado 25 for my first boat. Hull, deck and standing rigging in great shape. Very few gelcoat cracks, no blisters, soft spots or delamination that I could find. Serviceable sails, 4-stroke 9.9 Honda outboard with about 100 hours on it. Fixed keel. The reviews I read state that it's a solid, durable boat that is very forgiving to the novice, so I figured it'd be ok as a first boat and I'd be able to resist the urge to upgrade for longer. And yes, with boats (as well as RV's and other items) age isn't the issue, it's how it was maintained that dictates price and whether or not you should run away. I've noticed that many people here are sailing some pretty old boats.  

BubbleheadMd said: I got greedy. I bought a '69 Coronado 25 for my first boat. Hull, deck and standing rigging in great shape. Very few gelcoat cracks, no blisters, soft spots or delamination that I could find. Serviceable sails, 4-stroke 9.9 Honda outboard with about 100 hours on it. Fixed keel. The reviews I read state that it's a solid, durable boat that is very forgiving to the novice, so I figured it'd be ok as a first boat and I'd be able to resist the urge to upgrade for longer. . Click to expand...

If you are trailering in Minnesota, I'd avoid the fixed keel Capri. Shallow launch ramps and shallow lakes make a centerboard more practical. Others have suggested 22 footers... yes they are "trailerable" but you'll quickly tire of rigging and launching for anything less than an overnight... too much work for a daysail. I've raised the mast on an O'Day 222 with one other guy and I'd only do that for a season, maybe a weekend but NEVER for a daysail. Carefully consider your overnighting prospects. If daysailing is really the desire, then you can go to things like O'Day Daysailer (my mid-fifties wife and I can launch and retrieve in ten minutes), Flying Scot, Rhodes 19, etc. Cheap to buy, easy to trailer, fun to sail, spacious cockpit... just no cabin.  

Good advice. The fixed keel on the Capri is a big concern, considering some lakes that I would use it on really aren't all that big, and likely the ramps are not the greatest. I think for budget reasons the o'day daysailer might be a good option, there are a few for sale around here. I'm still very interested in the Mariner, but just haven't had a chance to go look at it. Hopefully this next weekend.  

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capri 14.2 sailboat review

Review of Capri 14.2

Basic specs..

The Capri 14.2 is equipped with a centerboard keel. A centerboard keel is a pivoting lifting keel, allowing to sail both coastal and inland waters.

The boat can sail close to the beach as the draft is just 0.10 - 0.20 meter (0.33 - 0.63 ft) dependent of the load. See immersion rate below.

Sailing characteristics

This section covers widely used rules of thumb to describe the sailing characteristics. Please note that even though the calculations are correct, the interpretation of the results might not be valid for extreme boats.

The immersion rate is defined as the weight required to sink the boat a certain level. The immersion rate for Capri 14.2 is about 50 kg/cm, alternatively 284 lbs/inch. Meaning: if you load 50 kg cargo on the boat then it will sink 1 cm. Alternatively, if you load 284 lbs cargo on the boat it will sink 1 inch.

Sailing statistics

This section is statistical comparison with similar boats of the same category. The basis of the following statistical computations is our unique database with more than 26,000 different boat types and 350,000 data points.

What is L/B (Length Beam Ratio)?

Maintenance

This section is reserved boat owner's modifications, improvements, etc. Here you might find (or contribute with) inspiration for your boat.

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IMAGES

  1. Catalina (Capri) 14.2 Review

    capri 14.2 sailboat review

  2. Capri 14.2 by Catalina Sailboat Mooring Cover

    capri 14.2 sailboat review

  3. Capri 14.2 Sail

    capri 14.2 sailboat review

  4. Catalina Capri 14.2, 1994, San Antonio, Texas, sailboat for sale from

    capri 14.2 sailboat review

  5. CAPRI 14.2 (CATALINA)

    capri 14.2 sailboat review

  6. 1987 Catalina Capri 14.2 sailboat for sale in Maryland

    capri 14.2 sailboat review

VIDEO

  1. Capri14.2 National Championships l2016

  2. I Bought a Sailboat

  3. Capri Sailboat

  4. Capri 25 Start at The Wayzata Yacht Club August 30, 2012

  5. Catalina 14.2 Sailing Ohio River Louisville Ky

  6. Capri 14 ottobre 2023

COMMENTS

  1. Catalina (Capri) 14.2 Review – Which Sailboat?

    The Catalina Capri 14.2, known later as simply the Catalina 14.2, is an excellent sport sailboat and day sailer oriented toward family and youth use. The boat was designed by Ted Carpentier and Frank Butler of Catalina Yachts.

  2. CAPRI 14.2 (CATALINA) - sailboatdata

    Designed to determine if a boat has blue water capability. The CSF compares beam with displacement since excess beam contributes to capsize and heavy displacement reduces capsize vulnerability. The boat is better suited for ocean passages (vs coastal cruising) if the result of the calculation is 2.0 or less. The lower the better.

  3. Getting Back into the Game! Catalina Capri 14.2 | SailNet ...

    I'm looking now at a 1983 Catalina Capri 14.2. Going to meet the guy this weekend, I've probably looked at 6-7 14-17ft boats similar to this one over the last few weeks and this one certainly looks the most promising.

  4. Small Boat sailing (Capri 14.2) | SailNet Community

    Love the Capri 14.2 though, its a grown up boat in a small package. All the sail controls of bigger, including vang, sheet, traveler, jib, cunningham, leach lines rig tension, the whole gambit. Most of what works on your 14.2 will translate well into bigger boats.

  5. Capri 14.2 or 16.5? | SailingForums.com

    Check space between for accumulated water (hull leak - rain or sea) by removal of drain plug. Check for "oil canning" or hull deformation due to improper bunk support. In my opinion the 16.5 with good sail control and hand holds to assist shifting body weight should be a safe stable boat.

  6. Catalina Capri 14.2 — Sailboat Guide

    Catalina Capri 14.2 is a 14 ′ 2 ″ / 4.3 m monohull sailboat designed by Ted Carpentier and Frank V. Butler and built by Catalina Yachts starting in 1983.

  7. Sailboat Catalina Capri 14.2 review - Review Stream

    If you are looking fora basic sail boat and you will treat it well, the Catalina Capri is an excellent choice. However, it is not the boat for racing (I would recommend a laser for that), and it does not stand up very well at all in crashes.

  8. First Boat? Any of these: O'Day Mariner, Balboa, or Capri 14.2

    Any of these: O'Day Mariner, Balboa, or Capri 14.2. So I took an ASA 101 course this summer and had a great time. Now I'm looking to get my first boat before next spring so that I can get started as soon as winter clears out. Will be mostly trailering around to nearby lakes.

  9. Part #1 360° video version | Catalina Capri 14.2 sailboat ...

    Sailing Catalina Capri 14.2 on beautiful Canyon Lake, TX. First time on the water sailing. Learning to read the wind and how to tack.

  10. Review of Capri 14.2 - www.yachtdatabase.com

    The Capri 14.2 is a small sailing dinghy designed by the American maritime architect Ted Carpentier together with Frank V. Butler in the early eighties. Several thousand boats have been produced. The Capri 14.2 is built by Catalina Yachts.