Catalina 18 vs Prindle 18-2
How do the Catalina 18 and Prindle 18-2 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
Catalina 18 
Prindle 18-2 | Catalina 18 | Prindle 18-2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 18.0 ft5.49 m | 18.0 ft5.49 m |
| Waterline length | 16.3 ft4.98 m | 17.2 ft5.24 m |
| Beam | 7.6 ft2.31 m | 8.5 ft2.59 m |
| Draft | 2.3 ft0.71 m | 2.1 ft0.63 m |
| Displacement | 1,500 lb680 kg | 375 lb170 kg |
| Ballast | 425 lb193 kg | —— |
| Sail area | 151 ft²14.0 m² | 233 ft²21.6 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 18.44 | 71.69 |
| Displacement / Length | 154 | 33 |
| Comfort ratio | 9.3 | 1.9 |
| Capsize screening | 2.65 | 4.71 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.4 | 5.6 |
Catalina 18 vs Prindle 18-2: the short version
- The Catalina 18 and Prindle 18-2 are close in length (18.0 ft5.49 m vs 18.0 ft5.49 m ).
- The Catalina 18 is heavier, displacing about 300% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Prindle 18-2 carries the more powerful rig (71.7 vs 18.4), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The Catalina 18 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the Catalina 18 rates better for offshore work (2.65 vs 4.71).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.