new member from British Columbia

[dfnomad]

I am past big boat sailing and am looking for a simple daysailor in the range of 22 - 27'. I like the looks and features of the Capri 22 and am trying to find out as much as I can about this boat. I am more interested in cockpit space and sailing fun, rather than cabin space and amenities. I have been looking into the Catalina 22, J22, and Martin 242 but so far I seem drawn to the Capri.
Thanks for sharing any info.
David

 

[Slartibartfass]

Welcome. Maybe not the best person to pitch the CP-22 as I just started out a year ago but I love my CP-22. Large enough to accommodate up to 6 (in which case it gets tight, perfect is 2-3, 4 ok too). Can be single handled and offers some basic overnight capabilities....all at a reasonable cost....o

 

[delling3]

I downsized to the Capri 22 from a larger keelboat that I raced for the last 15 years. I am still going to be doings some beer-can club racing, but wanted something more easily sailed by a smaller crew.

I looked at several boats - considered the J-22 as well as others. I wanted a boat that would be easily launched and retrieved from the trailer - sometimes in some fairly remote areas - and for that reason preferred the wing-keel version so the CP22 was a good fit. Had I been able to find a boat with a lifting keel - such as an S2 6.7/6.9 or 7.9 that was within my target price range, and was in sound condition, I may have gone in a different direction, but so far I have been pleased with my choice. From my search, there are a lot of really clean CP-22's, well equipped for not much money. Having had a balsa-cored hull on my last boat, I really like the solid core hull on the CP22. Seems like so many older J Boats and S2's have rotted core.

 

[dfnomad]

Thanks for these comments. I'm finding that if we want to avoid the balsa cored hulls in a good sized daysailor, there are not many choices. I believe both the Martin 242 and the J/22 are cored hulls. That is one of the reasons I like the Capri 22. On the downside, the PHRF number of approx 210 makes me wonder if the boat will still feel lively and fun to sail. Also the ballast/displacement figure is a bit lower than I would like. Maybe the boat feels a bit tender? Any comments on these points?

 

[Slartibartfass]

Based on my limited experience of one season I would say the boat is a tad slow in low wind conditions (5 knots). 5-10 ok. Moving well above 10kts and really becomes lively at 15+ kts.

 

[jerrymlewis]

I would have to disagree with Slartibartfass' reply, as I have found the Capri 22 (at least my fin keel version) to outperform most other similar and faster PHRF boats in lighter breezes - 5 knots and under is when the Capri 22 really shines - and sails, while the J22, J70, Santana 20, Merits, MacGregors, etc. seem to slow way down in light conditions.

When we show up with our fin keel/standard rig Capri 22 with 155 genoa and there is barely a ripple on the water, we know we are going to do well in mixed fleets!

Happy New Year!

 

[delling3]

Well, a 200 PHRF boat is never going to perform like a boat with a 100 PHRF rating - that's for certain. My prior boat was a 6200 lb. displacement 30 footer, with a fin keel, and 138 PHRF base rating. While the CP22 loads are much lower, and the speed potential is limited when compared to my last boat, I find it to be very responsive, with quick acceleration. I have never sailed a fin-keel version of the boat, which I understand is a bit stiffer, but I do consider the wing keel version to be tender, but not dangerously so. It responds very well to crew weight placement. Keep in mind that it wasn't designed for off-shore work, but rather coastal and lake sailing. In the time I have owned mine, I have been out in 20 knts of breeze with 3-4 foot seas, and using a reefed main and #3 headsail, found the boat to be manageable. The wing keel version also has a shorter standard rudder, which will stall if the boat heels too far.

 

[drewlamparello]

The wing keel version does need to be sailed flat, (15 degrees) to not have the standard rudder pop out of the water. Not sure it stalls as much as it simply comes out of the water and therefore you lose all helm control and round up...

I have found a solution to that. I've installed the 48 inch pop up rudder from Rudder craft. OK its not class legal but as we only sail PHRF or Ports given the lack of any one place with more than a couple of us what does it mater. What an amazing difference it make in both heavy air and light. The foil shape and length really helps lift in light air. And it will pop up if you stumble across something... So far the best investment I've made in this boat as it will let me scallop up to weather in a breeze with the rail in the water and the boat won't round up.

Welcome to the community and Happy New Year