Capri 26 vs Catalina 18
How do the Capri 26 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 26 
Catalina 18 | Capri 26 | Catalina 18 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 26.2 ft7.97 m | 18.0 ft5.49 m |
| Waterline length | 22.9 ft6.99 m | 16.3 ft4.98 m |
| Beam | 9.8 ft3.00 m | 7.6 ft2.31 m |
| Draft | 4.8 ft1.47 m | 2.3 ft0.71 m |
| Displacement | 5,250 lb2,381 kg | 1,500 lb680 kg |
| Ballast | 1,900 lb862 kg | 425 lb193 kg |
| Sail area | 296 ft²27.5 m² | 151 ft²14.0 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 15.68 | 18.44 |
| Displacement / Length | 195 | 154 |
| Comfort ratio | 16.2 | 9.3 |
| Capsize screening | 2.26 | 2.65 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 6.4 | 5.4 |
Capri 26 vs Catalina 18: the short version
- The Capri 26 is the larger boat at 26.2 ft7.97 m LOA versus 18.0 ft5.49 m for the Catalina 18.
- The Capri 26 is heavier, displacing about 250% 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 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 2.65).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.