Sailing Performance & Handling
The Capri 26-2 is defined by the classic Sparkman & Stephens "look"—a graceful sheer line, a balanced overhang, and a hull shape that prioritizes sea-kindliness over raw interior volume. With a displacement of approximately 6,600 pounds and nearly 2,500 pounds of lead ballast, the boat possesses a high ballast-to-displacement ratio of nearly 38%. This translates to a stiff, stable platform that handles heavy air with significantly more composure than modern, light-displacement cruisers of the same length.
The underbody features a swept-back fin keel and a skeg-mounted rudder, a configuration that offers a notable upgrade in tracking and helm balance compared to the full-keel designs of the previous decade. Under sail, the boat is known for its "groove"; once the sails are trimmed, it tracks with minimal helm correction. Owners frequently note that the boat excels in upwind beats, slicing through chop rather than pounding over it. While the relatively heavy displacement and modest sail area-to-displacement ratio mean it requires a breeze to truly wake up, the Capri 26-2 remains a predictable and forgiving vessel for coastal exploration.
Interior Comfort & Variations
Despite its performance-oriented hull, the Capri 26-2 was designed to accommodate a family of four for short-duration cruising. The interior layout is traditional, featuring a V-berth forward, followed by a compact head compartment. In the main salon, two settee berths flank a center aisle, with a small galley area located aft near the companionway to minimize motion for the cook and provide better ventilation.
The "2-2" or "Mark II" variations often featured updated interior moldings and a more ergonomic cockpit layout than the earliest 1966 versions. Compared to its siblings, such as the Shields One Design (which used a similar S&S pedigree but was an open-cockpit racer), the Capri 26-2 prioritized "liveability." However, by modern standards, the 8-foot 2-inch beam and low-profile cabin trunk result in limited headroom, typically hovering around 5 feet 8 inches. The use of warm teak trim against the white fiberglass hull liner creates a classic aesthetic that avoids the "refrigerator" feel of many early production fiberglass boats.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers should approach a Capri 26-2 with the understanding that these vessels are now over 50 years old. While the hulls were over-built with heavy hand-laid fiberglass, specific age-related areas require scrutiny:
- Deck Delamination: Like many boats of this era, the Capri 26-2 uses a balsa or plywood core in the deck. Moisture ingress through poorly bedded deck hardware (cleats, stanchions, and winches) is common and can lead to soft spots that require expensive core replacement.
- Chainplate Inspection: The stainless steel chainplates are prone to crevice corrosion where they pass through the deck. Any signs of rust streaking or water staining on the interior bulkheads suggest the need for immediate rebedding or replacement.
- Rudder Skeg Integrity: The skeg-mounted rudder provides good protection, but the bushings and the attachment points of the skeg to the hull should be checked for play or structural "smile" cracks.
- Original Engines: Many units were equipped with the venerable but aging Atomic 4 gasoline engine. While reliable if maintained, buyers should check for manifold corrosion and fuel system safety upgrades, or prioritize hulls that have been repowered with a modern diesel.
Community & Resources
Owners of the Chris-Craft sailboat line are supported by a niche but dedicated community. The Chris-Craft Antique Boat Club remains the primary repository for historical documentation, including original brochures and hull registries, even for the fiberglass sailing models. Technical support is often found through Sparkman & Stephens design archives, as the Capri 26-2 shares significant DNA with other S&S designs of the same era.
The Verdict
The Chris-Craft Capri 26-2 is a "gentleman’s sailboat"—a vessel that values pedigree, aesthetic grace, and heavy-weather capability over modern amenities. It is an ideal choice for a sailor who appreciates the history of the S&S office and wants a boat that will still turn heads at the yacht club dock.
Pros:
- Exceptional Pedigree: Designed by the world-class firm Sparkman & Stephens.
- Heavy-Weather Capability: High ballast ratio makes for a stable, safe ride in a blow.
- Timeless Aesthetics: Classic lines that age much better than the "wedge" shapes of the 1980s.
- Structural Robustness: Solid fiberglass hull construction.
Cons:
- Limited Headroom: Taller sailors will find the cabin cramped for extended stays.
- Maintenance Requirements: Aging systems and potential deck core issues require a proactive owner.
- Weight: Not easily trailerable due to its displacement and fixed fin keel.
