The O’Day 192 is another really great small boat. I’m such a big fan of the whole 17’-19’ class of trailerable sailboats…so many options. It’s a very versatile and fun size. Happy sailing… ⛵️

Many thanks!! From what I’ve heard from people who have sailed both the Catalina and the Precision…the Capri 18 has a more solid feel. Which totally makes sense given the 75 lbs more ballast, slightly deeper wing keel and a lower sail area to displacement (SA/disp) ratio. Since I trailer to some pretty remote places with primitive ramps, I think the lower draft Precision 18 was the right boat for me. Would love to try out a Capri 18 one day though!! ⛵️

The whole family of Precision boats are really nice. I’m a big fan of the P21 especially…the few extra feet makes a big difference in cabin comfort.

Thank you! I also struggled getting good info when I was starting out…so trying to provide content I wish I had access to. 🙂

There’s actually a really nice group of boats of this size with similar characteristics including the Catalina Capri 18, Potter 19, Sannibel 18, Voyager 20, Montgomery 17 and Sage 17. But, there’s a reason why Catalina has sold over 15,000 Catalina 22s!

The very earliest P-21s (circa late 1980s) had an issue with the cabin roof sagging because it was too wide for the amount of structural support it had underneath. Issue was identified and Precision sent an additional steel roof support beam to affected owners (unfortunately, too late for some boats which developed cracks above the hatchway). The P-21 design was changed and future boats had a beefed up cabin roof and bulkheads. The P-18s are a bit more compact and have not had this issue.

Funny…I’ve long felt the Precision 21 is probably the “perfect” boat. More comfortable and larger cabin than a P18, but still small enough to trailer and launch easily!

Here’s my review of the Precision 18’s sailing characteristics: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/i-CfgppzupiXZGg.html

Actually, I would argue she is over canvassed for her size. The more important measure than just total sail area is the sail area to displacement (SA/disp) ratio. The Precision 18 has a high SA/disp ratio of 21.81. For comparison, the popular Catalina 22 has a SA/disp ratio of 19.8…the Potter 19 is only 16.1. This makes the P18 an excellent light-air performer…but she needs to be reefed early as the winds pick up.

I like your channel because I just bought a used P-21. I had it out in 10-15 kt winds and was surprised how it heeled over more than I expected with the full mainsail deployed. I'm still learning about sailing in general so i look forward to more of your videos.@@ColoradoSailing

@@joecraven2034 Thanks! Yes, all the Precision boats are typically a bit lighter than other boats of the same length and have a lot of sail area for their displacement (high SA/disp ratio). So they typically need to be reefed early and/or crew weight on the boat needs to be moved out to the rail. It also helps to really tighten the outhaul, halyards and backstay to get those sails as flat as possible. Pulling the centerboard fully up will also reduce heel by about 5 degrees. I’ve sailed my P-18 in 30 kts with a double reef and 80% jib…so they are capable boats when properly canvassed for the conditions.

I did create a seal for my starboard locker to prevent water entry. I also carry a Nebulus floatation device which is a self-inflating life raft that provides 1,000 lbs of floatation. Although, if the boat was sinking, I’d probably use the life raft to save myself and any crew over the boat. I’ve been in some pretty high winds and I’ve never felt worried about capsizing or sinking. Just need to keep your wits about you. ⛵️

Elk Creek marina at Blue Mesa Reservoir

It depends on the age and condition. A 1980s boat in good condition can be found for US $4,000-$6,000. The 2010 or newer boats are generally $9,000-$13,000.

Only good if you are sitting down! 😂

Works for me! That doggie looks like a black mouth cur….

The P18 would be appropriate for inland waterways (lakes and rivers) or coastal cruising (bays and offshore). Basically places where if the weather gets bad…you can head back in for protection. It is definitely not built for transoceanic crossings.

Remember the old adage: “Every boat is a compromise.” The key to happiness is to find the right boat that does the things YOU need it to do. If you are looking for a speedy racer or a blue-water boat…the P-18 is not a good fit. If you are looking for a fun, versatile, cabin sailboat that fits in your garage and is easy to trailer and launch…the P-18 is a great choice.

@@ColoradoSailing If you like it, and enjoy yourself it's all good.

When they last sold new factory boats in 2018 they started at $29,900 for the basic boat (no roller fuller, no sail covers, etc). The newer boats (2000+) definitely go for more than the 80s-90s boats. I paid $13,500 for my used 2010. If the boat is in “like-new” condition and has additional equipment like depth sounder, auto-tiller, radio, bimini then it I’ve seen asking prices as high as $31,000. If it’s a basic boat, then I’d guess $24-26K.

@@ColoradoSailing I have a couple other questions? can you email??

@@randomairplaneguy8849 I have a helpful used Precision 18 inspection video here: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/Z8eBmLCImNKVfHU.html

Precision Boat Works shut down in August 2018 after 40 years of production. The founders, Bill and Richard Porter, retired. Richard passed away shortly after, but Bill still sells parts for the boats.

It totally depends on the age and condition. They retailed new for $29,000 when they stopped making them in 2018. I paid $13,000 for my 2010 model. Here’s a 2000 listed for $10,995: strictlysailinc.com/collections/used-sailboats/products/2000-precision-18. The late 1980s models can get really cheap.

@@ColoradoSailing It's a great looking boat, I love the videos, have you done one on the engine?

@@Silverback1969MoonLandingLies I use the Torqeedo Travel 1103C electric outboard (3 hp equivalent). I’ve done two videos on it…here’s a link to one of them: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/nruRar2Eq9iUj5c.html

New they retailed for $29,000. I picked up my 2010 for $13,000. Older boats (80s-99s) go for much less…

I believe so. The pricelist says just shy of $22k with options pushing it to just about $25k. Hope this helps. www.precisionboatworks.com/boats/p18/index.php

Precision Boat Works shut down production in 2018 after 40 years…

It’s a 2010. Hull #620.

The non-skid deck material was standard on the boats. It’s very similar to “awl grip”

The non-skid deck material came standard on the boats. It’s similar to “awl grip”

Thanks. The previous owner kept it indoors and it was his second boat…so not much use. I’ve also kept it garaged through the winter which helps a lot!

@@ColoradoSailing yeah its actually a really nice looking boat. honestly I would really love to own of those. my grandfather has a toon 19 that he built himself, and I have done a lot sailing in it. although its 1 foot longer, the cabin is ver short, and its a shallow water boat so a precision 18 would probably be more spacious.

by shallow water sailboat, I mean 6 inch draft. it has a leeboard instead of any kind of keel