Hi, I am new to these forum's. I am looking into purchasing a used catamaran. I am looking in the 16-18 foot range and there is a Prindle 18 for sale in my area. I have read about the prindle 18-2 but there isn't much about the 18, what I am wondering what the differenes in these boats are? or are they the same? thank you very much for anyones input!!! one other thing is how sporty is a prindel 18 I am an acomplised sailor. I have my silver Sail and I have sailed since I was 14 (now 21) I would like a boat that is fairly high performance. I would like a boat with trap also. thanks!

They are quite different. The P18 is a scaled up version of the P16, a simple cat and the P18-2 is a scaled down version of the P19, a real performer. I would go for the 18-2 if both were available. Check the beachcats site they have archives of the sale literature for each and pics.

The Prindle 18 shares the same owners manual with the 16, the Prindle 18-2 in in with the Prindle 19.
All the Prindle owners manuals can be browsed here.

Prindle 18-2 & 19

[img]http://www.thebeachcats.com/albums2/album133/Prindle151618Manual01.thumb.jpg" alt="Prindle 18-2 and Prindle 19" width="116" height="150" hspace="5" vspace="5" border="0" align="bottom[/img] Prindle 15, 16, & 18

The Prindle 18 is a great beginner boat...you really can't go wrong with it. However, performance will be better with a boat with daggerboards...it's all relative.

Sorry Jake, but the P18 is not a starter boat by no means unless you live on Alum Creek or the like, the same boat on the open ocean can be quite the hand full if you are a novice to sailing . If this guy has to ask these questions at this stage of the game then maybe something smaller is more in line. MHO, adios Bob G.

Everything is relative indeed.

Upwind a boarded cat may go a little better on all other course the P18 makes an impression.

P18 I owned one for several years and even put a spinnaker to it (the last years I owned it)

I also own a Prindle 16 and have sailed the usual series of cats like H16 etc.

I love my prindle 16 but for a bigger crew (2 males) the P18 is better than the 16. Reaching it is a hoot. Broadreaching is goes very well too, just make sure you have barberhaulers for your jib.

The P18 is a bit heavy when compared to the P18 but is does have more ooompf. With respect to it being a lake boat or whatever or dangers for novice crews ? I don't buy that. I liked my own P16 alot as a beginner board but some young blokes with an invisibility additude that comes with that age I say P18 is just fine. Simple, rugged, blasting on reach. Under spi I could hang with the F18's. Reaching I passed them slowly. Upwind I lost height in relation and had to put up a fight to stay near. In general a good ship.

Wouter

Even if you hadn't said you were an experienced sailor I still would've recommended you go for the 18-2. A more sophisticated boat has a steeper learning curve. I don't see a downside to this. You can get in over your head on a P16 in the wrong conditions if both you and the boat are unprepared. In addition, a more sophisticated sail plan allows for more adjustments such as flattening the sails to depower in heavier air. Cat sailors are very open regarding sharing the knowledge thay have acquired from years on the water. This forum is proof of that. I don't think you would have to look too far to find a more experienced cat sailor who would spend time with you on your new boat to bring you up to speed. This is a win-win situation. No good cat sailor wants to get T-boned in a port/starboard crossing by someone who hasn't learned how to control their boat in traffic.

Thanks for all the info! I am really glad I found this forum. I would not considard myself a novice sailor (placed 16th in CORK in laser class) but I have never sailed a Cat I am sure it is quite different but I didn't want a boat without dagger boards or a boat that dosn't have all the adjustments. I want to be able to sail upwind with ease also. it will be used on a lake @ my cottage and a larger lake near my home (Lake Ontario). any other boats you would recommend? I am looking for a boat that I can single hand most of the time and also have the option for taking a friend out the odd time. the boat I would love is either a Narca 17 or an FXOne but $$$$$.

If money is a concern how about a Hobie 18? You should be able to find a used one at a good price with a lot of spare parts. They still perform well. You could use the two trapeeze wires for those times when it's windy and you have crew. If you get roller furling for your jib it would be easy for you to de-power when you're sailing solo and the conditions merit less sail area. Good luck!

How about that, another canuck on the forum! If you're an accomplished sailor, get a boat with as many bells and whistles as possible. I hadn't done any cat sailing for 15 years when I picked up my Tornado, and it's a riot (mind you, I'm not sailing on Lake Ontario). The ability to change the shape of the sails, adjust the slot, etc. makes the boat that much more interesting to sail. Now if I can convince my wife that we NEED a spinnaker . . .
Al

Hi -

If your looking to go fast and have a lot of fun, P-18
If your looking to go very fast and race, P-18-2

Paul Nardone

I have owned a Prindle 18-2 for 2 years. I had sailing experience before owning a cat. For those with some sailing experience, the 18-2 is a great boat on which you can grow your skills. I sail on the ocean and take great pleasure in the way it slices through the chop and surfs the swells. I was at a catamaran gathering (20 cats) this Saturday. There were Prindle 18's, my 18-2 and a 19. The 18-2 and 19 look quite similiar, but the 18 is a much simpler boat. I took someone out who owned a 25' Cat and has sailed all his life. He was quite impressed with the speed and overall handling of the 18-2.