At 77 yrs old I’m seriously looking at getting back into sailing ⛵️.. this one is probably tops on my listen of boats I’m considering n trying to find the right one for me. Well done 👍 n great info mate. I need to watch your other vids now. Just found your page n videos. Cheers. Papa J Washington State here
This was a fantastic review and checked all the boxes I'm looking to hear about on boat reviews and general information. I wish I could find something this informative on the Cape Dory typhoons and the Victoria 18's full keel small sailboats.
@@TMAXXPUNISHER Those are all very different boats. The Cape Dory has an excellent reputation and is basically a large boat in a small package. It’s heavy for its’ class and heavily ballasted (nearly 50% of displacement)-a safe, stable boat. If you sail somewhere that the 2.5ft draft works, then it’s a great choice. The Victoria 18 will be a more stable boat than the Precision 18 since it weighs about the same but has 550lbs of ballast. The Precision 18 is a better performer than either boat in light winds due to the higher sail area to displacement ratio and is easier to trailer. As they say…”every boat is a compromise!”
Fellow P-18 owner verifying your observations. So far we have gotten by with a single reef in our main with our furling jib. But may jump on the opportunity to borrow a grommet puncher. Thanks for the video.
It all depends on where you sail and the conditions. There’s an owner in BC that told me he’s never reefed his P-18. Calm up there, I guess. On Colorado lakes we get lots of afternoon squalls with 30-40 mph gusts.
That’s why I started creating these videos…wanted to help fellow sailors because I had so much trouble finding good info and resources when I bought my boat. Glad you enjoy!
I have not been able to find any Precision 18's for sale in my area, but I did come across a Catalina Capri shoal keel 18. It is a slightly bigger, heavier boat, but in many ways very similar to the Precision 18. So I found your reveiw to be helpful. Lot's of good points. Thanks
The Capri 18 is a very highly regarded and sought after boat. It’ll be a bit stiffer than the P-18 having both more ballast and a slightly lower SA/disp ratio. The 10” deeper draft may keep you a bit further from shore, but that may not matter depending on your sailing waters. An excellent choice!! Happy sailing. ⛵️
We have a P 18 And we have done some extensive sailing on the Chesapeake Bay. And we could not agree more with everything you are saying. A second Reef is definitely a good idea. Anyways great video we both really enjoyed watching thanks for posting
I actually watched all of your P18 sailing adventures! I especially like the bottom cleaning video where you talked about her self-righting ability and had the boat lying on it’s side…it was very comforting to see how high she sits in the water when “laid down”!
Thanks for the positive feedback on our videos. And yeah we have had sailboats ranging from a sunfish to 50 feet And everything in between. But it does seem like the Precision 18 is one of the most all-around comfortable boats to own. It is incredibly basic at the same time incredibly capable. We have had more fun on our P 18 then any other boat we have owned. Although we did like our Beneteau 30 🙂. we have also watched your videos. We really like the accurate information that you provide.
Thanks Dave. So far as I've found this is THE ONLY really informative video on the Precision 18. Although I've yet to find anyone showing raising or lowering the centerboard (not even Precision's website goes over this)
Nice! Be sure to join the “Precision Sailboat Owners” group on Facebook. Very helpful, friendly and knowledgeable group of owners!! facebook.com/groups/PrecisionSailboatOwners/?ref=share
Very well done. my one question is if the boat is in salt water how does the center board come out to be cleaned? I've watched video's on the Catalina 22 and to change the pin and or cable you almost need a lift.
Yes, you would need a lift to change out the pivot pin, replace the line that lifts the centerboard, clean it or apply anti-foul paint. I’m in fresh water, and while the hull gets quite nasty (requiring pre-season wax and post-season hull cleaner) I’ve never had to clean or wax the centerboard. It stays surprisingly clean tucked into the CB trunk…I don’t know why.
They’re the Helly Hansen HP Foil F-1 sailing shoe. I got them from Amazon, but I believe they are out of production. You can still find them on a couple websites.
That was a very good review. The best I've seen. As a Mariner 19 owner I'm always interested in trailer sailers under 20' The only thing if anything you said that could be a little confusing was when you talked about roller furling allowing you to use a genoa. Why could you not hank on a 135 or 150? If I missed something please forgive me I'm a senior citizen and I'll use that excuse as long as I'm able.
That’s a fair point. You could certainly have a custom genoa made with hanks. But, as far as commercially available or standard stock Precision 18 headsails…the largest hanked-on sail available is the 100% working jib. The standard roller furling sizes available are 110% and 150%. Some P-18 folks also have had roller furling 130s made and even spinnakers!
Great information! One point not covered is tralerability. I've owned Mariner 19 (CB) that was easy to launch, even in shallow ramps (no shoal keel). Do you have experience from launching at different boat ramps and how easy it is to launch?
I have two earlier videos that show launching. One is called “Launching the Precision 18” and the other is called “Finally…Back at the Marina.” I’ve launched at a dozen lakes and never had any issues. Even launched at remote Seminoe Reservoir WY where the ramp has no dock. I got wet on that one…but otherwise no issues. I do have a full-size pickup, so I’m able to back in pretty far. With a small, low car…a tongue extension may be necessary. Cheers! ⛵️
I did a full video on P-18 centerboard operation. It shows the raising of the board and discusses when to adjust. Please let me know if there are any other questions or topics you want me to cover in future videos! ruclips.net/video/DLe0KR-tsIY/видео.html
this little boat is near as perfection could be for an 18 ft trailer sailer an will surprise most owners as to were and the conditions it can be sailed for a weeks camping onboard its perfect no others will match the space inside the cabin
At 77 yrs old I’m seriously looking at getting back into sailing ⛵️.. this one is probably tops on my listen of boats I’m considering n trying to find the right one for me. Well done 👍 n great info mate. I need to watch your other vids now. Just found your page n videos. Cheers. Papa J Washington State here
This was a fantastic review and checked all the boxes I'm looking to hear about on boat reviews and general information.
I wish I could find something this informative on the Cape Dory typhoons and the Victoria 18's full keel small sailboats.
@@TMAXXPUNISHER Those are all very different boats. The Cape Dory has an excellent reputation and is basically a large boat in a small package. It’s heavy for its’ class and heavily ballasted (nearly 50% of displacement)-a safe, stable boat. If you sail somewhere that the 2.5ft draft works, then it’s a great choice. The Victoria 18 will be a more stable boat than the Precision 18 since it weighs about the same but has 550lbs of ballast. The Precision 18 is a better performer than either boat in light winds due to the higher sail area to displacement ratio and is easier to trailer. As they say…”every boat is a compromise!”
Fellow P-18 owner verifying your observations.
So far we have gotten by with a single reef in our main with our furling jib.
But may jump on the opportunity to borrow a grommet puncher.
Thanks for the video.
It all depends on where you sail and the conditions. There’s an owner in BC that told me he’s never reefed his P-18. Calm up there, I guess. On Colorado lakes we get lots of afternoon squalls with 30-40 mph gusts.
Wow Dave. You are so incredibly helpful! Thank you.
That’s why I started creating these videos…wanted to help fellow sailors because I had so much trouble finding good info and resources when I bought my boat. Glad you enjoy!
Dave,
Very well done video on the basics of the sweet Li'l P-18.
Cheers,
Eric
Li'l Puff - P-18
Excellent video! Thank you.
This is an excellent video and very informative. Thank you for putting it together.
I have not been able to find any Precision 18's for sale in my area, but I did come across a Catalina Capri shoal keel 18. It is a slightly bigger, heavier boat, but in many ways very similar to the Precision 18. So I found your reveiw to be helpful.
Lot's of good points.
Thanks
The Capri 18 is a very highly regarded and sought after boat. It’ll be a bit stiffer than the P-18 having both more ballast and a slightly lower SA/disp ratio. The 10” deeper draft may keep you a bit further from shore, but that may not matter depending on your sailing waters. An excellent choice!! Happy sailing. ⛵️
@@ColoradoSailing Thanks
We have a P 18 And we have done some extensive sailing on the Chesapeake Bay. And we could not agree more with everything you are saying. A second Reef is definitely a good idea. Anyways great video we both really enjoyed watching thanks for posting
I actually watched all of your P18 sailing adventures! I especially like the bottom cleaning video where you talked about her self-righting ability and had the boat lying on it’s side…it was very comforting to see how high she sits in the water when “laid down”!
Thanks for the positive feedback on our videos. And yeah we have had sailboats ranging from a sunfish to 50 feet And everything in between. But it does seem like the Precision 18 is one of the most all-around comfortable boats to own. It is incredibly basic at the same time incredibly capable. We have had more fun on our P 18 then any other boat we have owned. Although we did like our Beneteau 30 🙂. we have also watched your videos. We really like the accurate information that you provide.
Thanks Dave. So far as I've found this is THE ONLY really informative video on the Precision 18. Although I've yet to find anyone showing raising or lowering the centerboard (not even Precision's website goes over this)
The centerboard is actually a topic I plan to cover…but every time I try to get some underwater footage…it looks terrible. I will keep trying!
Don: just finished a video on P18 centerboard operation. It will come out on Tuesday, 12 Apr.
What a cool little trailer sailer!
Just purchased a P 18 and your videos are very helpful! Well done and keep up the great work!
Nice! Be sure to join the “Precision Sailboat Owners” group on Facebook. Very helpful, friendly and knowledgeable group of owners!! facebook.com/groups/PrecisionSailboatOwners/?ref=share
Great Video. Lots of good information.
Many thanks! ⛵️😁
Great video. Thanks!
Hi Dave. Nice Video! Currently painting the bottom on my P-18, and having the axle looked at. Hope you are doing well!!
Thanks! Doing great! Things are finally starting to warm up here. I’m currently re-bedding a leaky chain plate and stanchion…
Very well done. my one question is if the boat is in salt water how does the center board come out to be cleaned? I've watched video's on the Catalina 22 and to change the pin and or cable you almost need a lift.
Yes, you would need a lift to change out the pivot pin, replace the line that lifts the centerboard, clean it or apply anti-foul paint. I’m in fresh water, and while the hull gets quite nasty (requiring pre-season wax and post-season hull cleaner) I’ve never had to clean or wax the centerboard. It stays surprisingly clean tucked into the CB trunk…I don’t know why.
I liked your sailing shoes. Where did you get them? Thanks for your help.
They’re the Helly Hansen HP Foil F-1 sailing shoe. I got them from Amazon, but I believe they are out of production. You can still find them on a couple websites.
That was a very good review. The best I've seen. As a Mariner 19 owner I'm always interested in trailer sailers under 20' The only thing if anything you said that could be a little confusing was when you talked about roller furling allowing you to use a genoa. Why could you not hank on a 135 or 150? If I missed something please forgive me I'm a senior citizen and I'll use that excuse as long as I'm able.
That’s a fair point. You could certainly have a custom genoa made with hanks. But, as far as commercially available or standard stock Precision 18 headsails…the largest hanked-on sail available is the 100% working jib. The standard roller furling sizes available are 110% and 150%. Some P-18 folks also have had roller furling 130s made and even spinnakers!
@@ColoradoSailing understood, thanks
Great information
Great information! One point not covered is tralerability. I've owned Mariner 19 (CB) that was easy to launch, even in shallow ramps (no shoal keel). Do you have experience from launching at different boat ramps and how easy it is to launch?
I have two earlier videos that show launching. One is called “Launching the Precision 18” and the other is called “Finally…Back at the Marina.” I’ve launched at a dozen lakes and never had any issues. Even launched at remote Seminoe Reservoir WY where the ramp has no dock. I got wet on that one…but otherwise no issues. I do have a full-size pickup, so I’m able to back in pretty far. With a small, low car…a tongue extension may be necessary. Cheers! ⛵️
@@ColoradoSailing only a fire fighter would be this helpful👍. thanks!
A good review however nobody has shown how the keel is lifted or dropped? Can you help me?
I did a full video on P-18 centerboard operation. It shows the raising of the board and discusses when to adjust. Please let me know if there are any other questions or topics you want me to cover in future videos! ruclips.net/video/DLe0KR-tsIY/видео.html
Great video
Thanks!
this little boat is near as perfection could be for an 18 ft trailer sailer an will surprise most owners as to were and the conditions it can be sailed for a weeks camping onboard its perfect no others will match the space inside the cabin