If you’re looking for a fun, forgiving, and family-friendly sailboat, our 1992 Catalina Capri 26 is a perfect choice. She’s been our family’s first boat for three wonderful seasons of sailing on the Chesapeake Bay, and she’s ready for her next crew.
Highlights:
Shoal-draft keel – draws just 3 ft 6 in, letting you get much closer to beaches where deeper-keel boats can’t go. This is a big advantage in the Chesapeake, which can get very shallow!
Easy single-handed handling – balanced helm and all control lines led aft.
TillerClutch installed, which can be used to lock the tiller in place. This makes single handing a breeze.
New bimini for shade on sunny days
New plumbing system for head. We removed an old leaking macerater, which is anyway illegal to use in the Chesapeake or in any other coastal waterway.
Stern rail seats for great visibility – the preferred perches of my two young boys (which also conveniently keeps them out of the way).
Brand-new genoa (2025)
Cockpit and cabin – sleeps 4 with room for weekend gear, has a new head, sink with water storage tank, stovetop.
Brand new compass
Reliable outboard (Tohatsu 9.8) - starts easily and pushes her along at hull speed while sipping fuel. No messing with an old inboard diesel required!
Electric system - comes with aux power, radio, depth meter, lights, alternator which recharges batteries when motoring, and hookup for shore power.
Owner’s note:
We bought this boat as complete novices with two young kids (ages 1 and 4) and it couldn’t have been a better starter sailboat. She’s easy, forgiving, and still capable of longer day trips across the Bay. Most of our days out were short sails to local beaches where we’d anchor, grill lunch, swim and play in the sand. We’ve loved every minute on her and hope she brings the next family the same joy.
Location
Currently on the Chesapeake (Hartge Yacht Harbor, Galesville MD)