Capri 26-2 (Chris-Craft) Information, Review, Specs

The Capri 26-2 emerged during Chris-Craft's focused, albeit brief, venture into the sailboat market, which spanned from 1962 to 1976. During this era, Chris-Craft, a company celebrated for its iconic powerboats, fully embraced fiberglass construction, departing from its traditional wooden hulls. All Chris-Craft sailboats, including the Capri 26-2, were constructed from fiberglass at their Algonac, Michigan facility.

The collaboration with Sparkman & Stephens was central to Chris-Craft's sailboat line. Sparkman & Stephens, known for their design philosophy that balanced classic features with performance, brought their expertise to the Capri 26-2. The Capri 26-2, also known as the Capitan 26, was the third sailing yacht introduced by Chris-Craft. While its production run was relatively short, the Capri 26 model underwent redesigns in several areas, particularly concerning its keel and rudder.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Chris-Craft Capri 26-2 is a fin-keel monohull with a skeg-hung rudder, designed to offer a balanced sailing experience. With a length overall of 26.25 feet and a waterline length of 19.0 feet, coupled with a displacement of 4800 pounds, she presents as a stoutly built vessel for her size. Her reported sail area of 303 square feet suggests she is capable of respectable performance, with a theoretical hull speed of 5.84 knots. Owners of the closely related Capitan 26 have described the boat as offering "precisely the correct handling demands, enough speed, lots of stability." Her design by Sparkman & Stephens implies a focus on well-mannered characteristics and a comfortable motion, consistent with the firm's reputation for classic lines and elegant performance.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its modest length, the Chris-Craft Capri 26-2 was designed to provide comfortable accommodations for overnight stays and weekend cruising. The cabin interior typically featured four berths, each approximately 30 inches wide and 6 feet 3 inches long. This usually included two standard V-berths in the bow, with an option for two additional quarter berths, offering flexible sleeping arrangements. The interior, consistent with Chris-Craft's general reputation, would have benefited from quality finishes, although specific details on materials like wood trim are not explicitly detailed for this model in available records. The boat also included an 18-gallon water capacity, indicating basic cruising amenities. The cockpit of the Capri 26-2 was of a self-bailing type, molded integrally with the reinforced fiberglass hull. An access panel was provided for easy operation of the outboard auxiliary engine.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Chris-Craft Capri 26-2, often referred to interchangeably with the Capitan 26, frequently discuss the boat's quality and sailing characteristics. General sentiment surrounding Chris-Craft sailboats from this era often praises their solid construction. Owners of the Capitan 26, which is essentially the same model, have noted its stability and predictable handling as strong suits. Specific common issues or maintenance challenges for the Capri 26-2 are not extensively detailed in easily accessible public forums, suggesting that the boat is generally well-regarded or that issues are typical for fiberglass boats of its age and construction.