Prindle 19 Information, Review, Specs

While Performance Catamarans Inc. eventually shifted its focus toward the Nacra line, the Prindle 19 remained a benchmark for speed. It was built using advanced materials for its time, including vacuum-bagged foam-core construction to ensure a stiff, lightweight platform. This model was a natural evolution of the Prindle 18-2, sharing much of its DNA but offering a longer waterline and a more powerful rig to handle high-wind coastal racing.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Prindle 19 is defined by its high-aspect ratio sail plan and its exceptional efficiency in light-to-moderate air. Unlike the Hobie 16, which relies on asymmetrical hull lift, the Prindle 19 uses deep, high-aspect daggerboards to provide lateral resistance. This makes the boat significantly more sensitive to trim; a skilled crew can point closer to the wind than almost any other beach cat of the period. The boat’s 8’6” beam provides a stable platform for the double trapeze system, allowing the helm and crew to leverage their weight effectively against the massive mainsail.

Handling is described by owners as "surgical" compared to its contemporaries. Because the hulls are symmetrical and narrow, the boat does not "hobby-horse" in a chop as much as shorter, rocker-heavy designs. In heavy air, the Prindle 19 requires active management of the downhaul and mast rotation to flatten the sail. Historical accounts from the Worrell 1000—a grueling offshore race where the Prindle 19 was a staple—highlight its ability to punch through surf and maintain high average speeds in open-ocean swells.

The "MX" variant of the Prindle 19 featured an upgraded sail package, often including Mylar sails and a modified mast section. This version further pushed the Sail Area-to-Displacement ratio into the realm of elite racing, making it a "handful" for novice sailors but a weapon in the hands of a professional team.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Prindle 19’s cultural footprint is most deeply embedded in the history of the Worrell 1000 and the Tybee 500. These extreme endurance races served as the ultimate proving ground for the model. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Prindle 19 was often the boat of choice for teams seeking a balance between the raw speed of a Tornado and the ruggedness required for beach landings. While no longer in active production, the model is frequently cited in retrospectives regarding the "Golden Age" of American beach cat racing as the boat that forced other manufacturers to modernize their hull shapes.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Purchasing a Prindle 19 today requires a discerning eye for structural integrity, as many of these vessels were raced hard in corrosive saltwater environments.

• Soft Spots and Delamination: The most common issue is delamination of the foam-core hulls. Potential buyers should perform a "tap test" across the decks and the areas just forward of the front crossbar. A dull thud indicates that the fiberglass has separated from the foam core, a repair that can be labor-intensive.
• Daggerboard Trunk Stress: Because the Prindle 19 is a high-load boat, the daggerboard trunks are subject to immense lateral pressure. Check for hairline cracks around the top and bottom of the trunks, which can lead to slow leaks and structural failure if left unaddressed.
• Rudder Casting Wear: The kick-up rudder system is complex. Over time, the aluminum castings can develop play or "slop," leading to a vibration at high speeds. Inspect the plastic cams and the bolts for signs of ovaling or corrosion.
• Mast and Rigging Integrity: Given the age of the fleet, the standing rigging (shrouds and forestay) should be replaced immediately if the history is unknown. Additionally, check the mast base and the "dolphin striker" (the rod under the front crossbar) for tension and signs of salt-induced pitting.

Community & Resources

The legacy of the Prindle 19 is maintained by a small but dedicated community of "beach cat" enthusiasts. Technical support and original tuning guides are frequently archived by the Nacra Sailing organization, which absorbed the Performance Catamarans brand. While there is no longer a dedicated Prindle-only national class association, the boats remain eligible for Portsmouth Yardstick racing in open multihull classes. Owners often congregate on technical wikis and multihull-specific forums to share cross-compatibility tips for Nacra parts that can be adapted to keep these classic hulls on the water.

The Verdict

The Prindle 19 remains one of the fastest and most elegant beach catamarans ever produced in the United States. While it lacks the simplicity of a rotomolded boat or a skeg-hulled cruiser, its performance floor is significantly higher, offering a rewarding experience for those who understand the nuances of sail shape and daggerboard depth.

Pros:

• Superior upwind performance thanks to symmetrical hulls and daggerboards.
• Legal 8'6" beam allows for trailering without special permits.
• Proven durability in extreme offshore racing (Worrell 1000 heritage).
• Highly adjustable rig allows for fine-tuning in various wind conditions.

Cons:

• Complex to rig and launch compared to simpler "resort" cats.
• High susceptibility to hull delamination in older, neglected units.
• Replacement parts for Prindle-specific hardware are increasingly difficult to source.
• Requires a skilled crew; the boat can be unforgiving in high-wind jibes.