Phoenix 18 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Phoenix 18 emerged in 1964, a product of designers Dick Gibbs and J.R. (Rod) Macalpine-Downie. Its name directly references its genesis as the first new model produced by Gibbs Boat Co. after a fire destroyed their original facility, symbolizing a fresh start for the builder. While production commenced in the United States, the design was subsequently adopted by Skene Boats Ltd. in Canada. Skene Boats, founded in Gloucester, Ontario, in 1968, became known for its commitment to producing smaller, accessible sailboats utilizing fiberglass construction, a trend embraced by the industry during that era. The Phoenix 18, with its fiberglass and wood composite hull and deck, aligned well with Skene's manufacturing ethos of creating practical vessels for recreational sailing. The design features a fractional sloop rig with a rotating spar, a twin centerboard hull, and twin rudders, indicative of a performance-oriented small catamaran.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As an 18-foot catamaran with a reported sail area of 235 square feet and a remarkably light displacement of just 250 pounds, the Phoenix 18 is engineered for lively performance and agile handling. Its catamaran hull type, coupled with twin centerboards and twin rudders, allows for exceptional stability and a minimal draft of 0.3 feet with the boards up, expanding its accessibility to shallow waters. When the centerboards are deployed, the draft extends to 2.25 feet, providing the necessary lateral resistance for efficient upwind sailing. With a hull speed calculated at 5.36 knots, the Phoenix 18 is designed to be a quick and responsive boat, benefiting from its wide 7.92-foot beam that contributes to its inherent stability and speed potential. The fractional sloop rig with a rotating mast further enhances its performance capabilities, allowing for efficient sail trim and better adaptation to varying wind conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its compact 18-foot length overall and its design as a lightweight recreational catamaran, the Phoenix 18 offers very limited interior accommodations, primarily functioning as a day sailor. The design prioritizes open deck space and efficient sailing performance over extensive cabin facilities. While specific details on the interior layout are not widely documented, it is typical for catamarans of this size and era to feature, at most, a small cuddy cabin in one or both hulls, offering minimal sheltered storage space for gear or a very basic berth for temporary shelter. The primary focus of the Phoenix 18's layout is on the cockpit and deck, providing ample space for sailing operations and comfortable day excursions.