Capri 16.5 - New Purchase

frostgfx · #1 (**permalink**) 07-31-2006

Greetings:

Can anyone chime in on rigging/outfiting of Capri 16.5 past standard dealer set up. Any recommended accessories or mods to consider sooner rather than later?

This is going to be my first boat and will be primarily singlehanding in NE lakes and Atlantic Shores of MA & ME.

Thanks & namaste,

Jon Frost
Southampton, MA

SailinJay · #2 (**permalink**) 08-01-2006

Post your questions on www.catalinaowners.com and I am sure you'll get a response.

Robzig · #3 (**permalink**) 10-01-2009

I have a 2006, new to me, and installed a Hobie Bob float on the mast head. I haven't sailed the way I love to sail, in thirty years. I love heavy weather and love reaching on a plane - with the spray missing the crew and hitting Me! If a sheet fouls, etc. you are likely to capsize. With a 7' beam, the 16.5 will turtle (mast straight down in the mud...) which can be impossible to bring up without assistance. I've been out in 20+ winds 3 times - no capsize to date - but I enjoy the peace that comes with having that float up there! I also took a milk carton crate and put it into and below the hatch. I tie rapped a plastic basket to the bottom (the crate is up side down) and now anything I put in the hatch is just below the hatch cover! I can take my 1 gal. gas tank out while I'm standing on the ground and the boat is on the trailer. Otherwise, as you have found, you have to be in the boat and on your knees to retreive anything.
I have had a great summer sailing the 16.5 just off of Lewes, DE - and I wish you and your boat well.
Rob