Prindle Escape Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Prindle Escape are defined primarily by its hull material and its relatively short, 12-foot waterline. Because rotomolded polyethylene is heavier than the fiberglass laminates used in racing cats, the Escape lacks the "twitchy" acceleration of its larger siblings, but it compensates with remarkable stability and a forgiving nature. It typically features a simple, boomless rig, which reduces the risk of injury during unplanned gybes—a critical feature for a boat often found in resort rental fleets or used as a primary trainer for young sailors.

In terms of handling, the Escape is designed to be "wet and fun" rather than a technical speedster. It lacks daggerboards, relying instead on its hull shape and kick-up rudders for lateral resistance and steering. This allows the boat to be sailed directly onto the beach, though it results in more leeway when sailing close-hauled compared to the Prindle 18 or 19. Technical owners often note that the boat feels most at home in 10 to 15 knots of breeze, where the weight of the hulls provides a dampened motion through the chop, making it feel more substantial and "sea-kindly" than lighter, similar-sized inflatable or rotomolded dinghies.

Sibling Models & Variations

The Escape was the compact, "fun-sized" member of a prolific family. Its siblings were among the most competitive catamarans of their era, including the ubiquitous Prindle 16, which featured asymmetrical hulls to eliminate the need for daggerboards, and the Prindle 18, which was a powerhouse in distance racing. For those seeking even higher performance, the Prindle 19 was the pinnacle of the line, utilizing a sophisticated sail plan and deep daggerboards to compete with the likes of the Hobie 18 and Tornado.

The Escape itself was occasionally offered in different trim levels, sometimes focused on a "solo" configuration with a single mainsail and other times equipped with a small jib for two-person operation. Because it was manufactured by Performance Catamarans Inc., it shared high-quality rudder hardware and mast extrusions with some of the mid-range Prindle models, ensuring that while it was a "budget" boat, it did not feel like a toy. The evolution of the company, as detailed by Nacra Sailing, eventually shifted focus away from these entry-level rotomolded Prindles toward the high-tech Nacra racing line, making the Escape a unique snapshot of a time when the builder was aggressively pursuing the recreational market.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

When inspecting a used Prindle Escape, the primary concern is the integrity of the rotomolded polyethylene hulls. Unlike fiberglass, HDPE cannot be easily repaired with traditional resins if it suffers deep structural gouges or cracks.

1. UV Degradation: Older rotomolded boats that have been stored uncovered in high-UV environments can become brittle. Check for a "chalky" texture or fading in the plastic, which may indicate the material is nearing the end of its life cycle.
2. Hardware Mounting Points: Because the hulls are plastic, the points where the stays, mast step, and rudder gudgeons attach are subject to stress. Look for "mushrooming" or distortion of the plastic around these bolts, which suggests the hardware has been overtightened or has worked loose over time.
3. Rudder Housing Slop: The kick-up rudder system on Prindle boats is robust, but the aluminum castings can wear down. Check for excessive play in the rudder blades; if they wobble significantly, it can make the boat difficult to steer in a straight line.
4. Mast Base Wear: Inspect the mast step for signs of grinding. If sand is allowed to sit in the step, it acts as an abrasive, wearing down the base of the mast and the stepping plate during rotation.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Prindle Escape benefit from the broader Prindle and Nacra community. While the Escape is more of a recreational craft than a class racer, the technical expertise found in groups like the Prindle Class Association (often integrated into multihull clubs) is invaluable for sourcing replacement parts. Many components, such as blocks, traveler cars, and rudder blades, are interchangeable with other models from the Performance Catamarans era.

The Verdict

The Prindle Escape is an ideal entry point for individuals or families looking for a low-maintenance introduction to multihull sailing. While it will never win a line-honors race against a fiberglass Prindle 19, its durability and ease of use make it a "forever boat" for those who prioritize fun over technical tuning.

Pros:

• Extremely durable rotomolded hulls require minimal maintenance.
• Simple, boomless rig is safe for beginners and solo sailors.
• Light enough to be moved on a small beach dolly or a simple trailer.
• Kick-up rudders and lack of daggerboards allow for easy beaching.

Cons:

• Heavier and slower than fiberglass equivalents.
• Structural repairs to polyethylene hulls are difficult and often require specialized plastic welding.
• Limited performance in light winds compared to more technical beach cats.