Capri 26 vs Catalina 16.5
How do the Capri 26 and Catalina 16.5 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Capri 26 
Catalina 16.5 | Capri 26 | Catalina 16.5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 26.2 ft7.97 m | 16.3 ft4.98 m |
| Waterline length | 22.9 ft6.99 m | 15.7 ft4.78 m |
| Beam | 9.8 ft3.00 m | 7.0 ft2.13 m |
| Draft | 4.8 ft1.47 m | 4.4 ft1.35 m |
| Displacement | 5,250 lb2,381 kg | 430 lb195 kg |
| Ballast | 1,900 lb862 kg | —— |
| Sail area | 296 ft²27.5 m² | 150 ft²13.9 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 15.68 | 42.13 |
| Displacement / Length | 195 | 50 |
| Comfort ratio | 16.2 | 3.1 |
| Capsize screening | 2.26 | 3.71 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.4 | 5.3 |
Capri 26 vs Catalina 16.5: the short version
- The Capri 26 is the larger boat at 26.2 ft7.97 m LOA versus 16.3 ft4.98 m for the Catalina 16.5.
- The Capri 26 is heavier, displacing about 1121% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Catalina 16.5 carries the more powerful rig (42.1 vs 15.7), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Capri 26 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Capri 26 rates better for offshore work (2.26 vs 3.71).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.