Catalina Capri 18 Buyer's Guide
Shopping the used market for a Catalina Capri 18 means looking at an 18-foot pocket cruiser introduced in early 1986 anchor and renamed the Catalina 18 in 2000. Frank Butler and Gerry Douglas drew the design for Catalina Yachts, and the boat's documented offshore pedigree includes a 28-day singlehanded voyage from California to Hawaii in its first year. Used buyers will find a beamy, 1,500-pound hull with a 425-pound lead keel drawing just 2 feet.
Layouts on the Used Market
The Capri 18's belowdecks arrangement favors open space over division. A forward V-berth and two 7-1/2-foot quarterberths convert to one large bunk, and because there is no bulkhead, moving around inside is easier than in many other pocket cruisers. Above decks, the extra-long cockpit carries 6-foot 10-inch contoured seats, with a small swim platform aft. Light comes from large portlights and a forward hatch, and a 48-quart portable cooler serves as the companionway step. Storage includes a molded-in fuel tank locker and space for a portable toilet under the V-berth.
Equipment and Common Upgrades
From the factory the boat came with a main and jib and a complete electrical system including cabin lights. On the used market, the most consequential items for a buyer are the sail inventory and the electrical plant: confirm the original lighting wiring is intact and that a usable main and jib are present or budget for replacements. Canvas and sail-handling upgrades such as a genoa or covered cockpit are owner additions rather than standard, as are navigation aids beyond the original cabin lights. Comfort items like a fitted cooler or swim-ladder bracket build on the factory platform but are not load-bearing to seaworthiness.
What to Inspect
A used-boat survey should focus on the ordinary: the integrity of the 2-foot wing keel's lead ballast bonding, the condition of the cockpit seats and swim platform, and the function of the cabin electrical system. Verify the convertible berth structure and the molded fuel locker are free of standing water. No special remediation beyond standard fiberglass and electrical checks is indicated by available information.
Availability and Buyer's Takeaway
Regional availability is not characterized for this model, so buyers should simply scan local and national brokerage listings for Catalina and Capri 18 badging. For a quick used-boat check:
- Confirm 7-foot 7-inch beam and 2-foot keel match the Capri 18 (not a later Catalina 18 with changes)
- Test the cabin lights and portable cooler step
- Inspect the lead keel for impact and the open cabin for water intrusion
- Verify main and jib presence and condition
- Check V-berth and quarterberth conversion hardware
Price & volume trends
Monthly asking-price and listing-volume trends for the Catalina Capri 18. The line shows the median ask each month; the bars show how many listings appeared.
Monthly breakdown · 4 rows
| Month | Listings | Median ask | Δ vs. last mo. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 25 | 1 | $3,000 | — |
| Oct 25 | 1 | $2,500 | -16.7% |
| Mar 26 | 1 | $5,000 | +100.0% |
| Aug 26 | 1 | $6,798 | +36.0% |
Where they're listed
Catalina Capri 18 listings appear across 2 countries. United States has the most listings with 3 (75.0%), followed by United Kingdom.
Country view
4 listings · 2 countries| Country | Median ask | Listings · 12 mo | Active · 90 d | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $3,000 | 3 | 0 | 75.0% |
| United Kingdom | $6,797 | 1 | 1 | 25.0% |
Comparable models
Similar length, displacement, and era. Open a row to compare that model's market page.
Similar boats to compare
2 similar designs| Model | LOA | Median ask | Listings · 12 mo | Active · 90 d |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swift Craft 18 | 18' | $ 3,785 | 11 | 5 |
| Catalina Capri 18You are here | — | $ 4,000 | 4 | 1 |