Capri 16 vs Catalina 18
How do the Capri 16 and Catalina 18 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Capri 16 
Catalina 18 | Capri 16 | Catalina 18 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 16.5 ft5.03 m | 18.0 ft5.49 m |
| Waterline length | 15.5 ft4.72 m | 16.3 ft4.98 m |
| Beam | 6.9 ft2.11 m | 7.6 ft2.31 m |
| Draft | 2.4 ft0.74 m | 2.3 ft0.71 m |
| Displacement | 1,350 lb612 kg | 1,500 lb680 kg |
| Ballast | 425 lb193 kg | 425 lb193 kg |
| Sail area | 138 ft²12.8 m² | 151 ft²14.0 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 18.08 | 18.44 |
| Displacement / Length | 162 | 154 |
| Comfort ratio | 10.0 | 9.3 |
| Capsize screening | 2.50 | 2.65 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.3 | 5.4 |
Capri 16 vs Catalina 18: the short version
- The Catalina 18 is the larger boat at 18.0 ft5.49 m LOA versus 16.5 ft5.03 m for the Capri 16.
- The Catalina 18 is heavier, displacing about 11% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Catalina 18 carries the more powerful rig (18.4 vs 18.1), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Capri 16 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Capri 16 rates better for offshore work (2.50 vs 2.65).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.