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Capri 25 Specific Forum

Capri 25 capabilities?

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JustMike
Deckhand

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USA
4 Posts

Initially Posted - 08/29/2007 : 12:27:53

Hi,

I'm a potential owner of a Capri 25. I have the opportunity to get an 83 Capri 25 with a trailer for a steal of a price. It needs some minor cosmetic fiberglass work but I have experience with that so thats not an issue. I am concerned with some of the things I've read about the boat. I would like something capable of offshore cruising (not a circumnavigation) and able to handle some multi day cruises on Lake Michigan and Lake Superior (I don't mind roughing it).

When I hear about things like the transom flexing because you hang an outboard over the rear and the mast is unreliable over 25 knots I get a little worried. Just what IS this boat capable of? And has anyone modified one for offshore cruising? What kind of modifications would be necessary?

Any help would be greatly appreciated! TIA,

Mike

1983
SR/FK

Edited by - on

saribella
Captain

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USA
286 Posts

Response Posted - 08/29/2007 : 12:56:12

I have a Capri on Lake MI and you are welcome to come out any time. I will email you my number and you can call me if you wish, and I will try my best to answer your questions.

Edited by - on

JustMike
Deckhand

Members Avatar

USA
4 Posts

Response Posted - 08/29/2007 : 21:16:05

Thanks for the invite Matthew, I'd love to take you up on it but it's a bit of a drive from Minneapolis.

Edited by - on

Ericson33
Admiral

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USA
892 Posts

Response Posted - 08/29/2007 : 21:26:26

if the boat is rigged right for the conditions, and you take the right steps
in making the boat safe I see that the capri25 has no problem going offshore

I have had our boat for 4 years now and there have been a couple of times
where I have felt the boat was at its limit, you just have to take a step back
and play it safe.

1 make the bulkheads more secure and the aft bulkheads watertight
2 seal the rear storage compartments
3 larger scuppers, or drain plugs the boat likes to fill up with water downwind.
4 keep the boat flat, reef the main and smaller head sail
5 check your rigging
6 cut the cabin floor out, so you can drain it
7 raise the traveler
8 move the backstay lines forward and add 16 to 32 purchase
9 hanks on the forsails
10 better companionway hatchboards
11 seal the forward hatch

This would be the start of my own list

Edited by - on

existentialsailor
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1180 Posts

Response Posted - 08/30/2007 : 05:49:07

Personally, I wouldn't take a Capri offshore simply because I don't believe any boat with a deck stepped mast is meant to deal with the conditions you can encounter. With the right mods, coastal cruising is doable, but it is essentially a lake and bay boat. That said, one was modified to do the Transpac in the eighties and another former owner modified his significantly for solo off shore racing. There was a write up about his mods that I may have kept, I'll try to find it later and post it. If you're in MN, you should talk with the folks at WYC, a couple of their members post here.

Edited by - on

saribella
Captain

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USA
286 Posts

Response Posted - 09/11/2007 : 10:11:01

You know, I take my Capri out into Lake Michigan constantly being that it is my home water, and have made a few crossings (one not in the best of conditions). I do not think it is that big of a deal in so much as discounting the Capri. I made an 18 KM passage this past Friday night up to Grand Haven for the Anchorage Cup while it blew 15-20 on the nose with 3-5 foot waves. Granted it took me 3.5 hours, but never once did I think the rig could not take it.

Edited by - on

Captain Ballast
1st Mate

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USA
38 Posts

Response Posted - 10/17/2007 : 18:20:49

I too have sailed in rough conditions with my 85 Capri 25. 3-4ft waves (and these were not rollers), 20-25mph winds (with gusts of 30+). I ran a 110% head sail with no reefs in the main while "facing the music". I had a heart pounding sail and she got me to mooring 15 miles away.

Mike,

As far as offshore cruising... The Capri is a ultra-light displacement hull the is very responsive. I have never got the Capri to self steer. She is very hard to heave to and when you do, the boat makes a lot of leeway. However, she is VERY fast. In moderate winds it reaches hull speed easily & small waves from behind really push her along. The Capri also points into the wind better than any other boat I have sailed on.

So my final say would be <u>BUY IT</u> because it is a really fun boat. As long as you have your ship provisioned and enjoy sporty sailing, I think you could take her off-shore for cruising.

Everyone else; Has the Capri ever made an Atlantic or Pacific ocean passage to Europe or Hawaii?

Edited by - Captain Ballast on 10/17/2007 18:22:43

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 10/18/2007 : 14:00:49

I would worry more about that volcano than the Capri.

Edited by - on

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.