Catalina Yachts 30 MkI 1986 vs Catalina Yachts Capri 16.5 1996 - Boat Spec Comparison

Q: Which is the larger boat — the Catalina Yachts 30 MkI 1986 or the Catalina Yachts Capri 16.5 1996?

The Catalina Yachts 30 MkI 1986 is the longer of the two at 30,0 feet overall. The Catalina Yachts Capri 16.5 1996 comes in at 17,0 feet, making it roughly 13,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

Q: What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The Catalina Yachts 30 MkI 1986 has a documented max rating of 21 hp. Engine specifications for the Catalina Yachts Capri 16.5 1996 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

Q: How many people can each boat hold?

The Catalina Yachts 30 MkI 1986 is Coast Guard rated for 9 passengers, while the Catalina Yachts Capri 16.5 1996 is certified for 5. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

Q: What is the draft of the Catalina Yachts 30 MkI 1986?

The Catalina Yachts 30 MkI 1986 draws 5,2 ft. Draft determines which harbours, anchorages, and haul-out facilities are accessible — always verify with your local marina before purchase.

Q: Are the Catalina Yachts 30 MkI 1986 and Catalina Yachts Capri 16.5 1996 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Catalina Yachts 30 MkI 1986 and the Catalina Yachts Capri 16.5 1996 are built by Catalina Yachts. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

Boat Comparison

Catalina Yachts 30 MkI 1986 vs Catalina Yachts Capri 16.5 1996

Catalina Yachts

Catalina Yachts 30 MkI 1986

1986

View full specs →

Catalina Yachts

Catalina Yachts Capri 16.5 1996

1996

View full specs →

Detailed Evaluation & Buyer Recommendation

Catalina Yachts 30 MkI 1986 vs Catalina Yachts Capri 16.5 1996 — Same Brand, Different Boat

The Catalina Yachts 30 MkI 1986 vs Catalina Yachts Capri 16.5 1996 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story — intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.

The Catalina Yachts 30 MkI 1986 carries a rated maximum of 21 hp. Engine data for the Catalina Yachts Capri 16.5 1996 wasn't available in our records — check the manufacturer's spec sheet before sizing a motor.

For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Catalina Yachts 30 MkI 1986 is rated for 9 passengers, while the Catalina Yachts Capri 16.5 1996 caps at 5. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Catalina Yachts 30 MkI 1986 could be the deciding factor.

The Catalina Yachts 30 MkI 1986 has a documented auxiliary engine of 21 hp.

Bottom line: The Catalina Yachts 30 MkI 1986 at 30,0 ft offers more living space, greater range, and a more substantial offshore capability. The Catalina Yachts Capri 16.5 1996 at 17,0 ft is the easier, lower-cost option — simpler to crew and a strong choice for coastal and day sailing.

Measurements / Dimensions

Length overall - Detail30.00 ft

Length overall - Detail17.00 ft

Length - Feet30

Length - Feet17

Length overall - Meters9.14

Length overall - Meters5.18

Length overall - Inches360

Length overall - Inches204

Draft [max] - Detail5.17 ft

Draft [max] - Detailnot available

Draft [max] - Meters1.58

Draft [max] - Metersnot available

Draft [max] - Inches62

Draft [max] - Inchesnot available

Engine and Drivetrain

Fuel tank capacity - Gal18

Fuel tank capacity - Galnot available

Fuel tank capacity - Liters68.14

Fuel tank capacity - Litersnot available

Engine makeUniversal

Engine makeMinn Kota

Horsepower21 hp

Horsepowernot available

Fuel typeDiesel

Fuel typeElectric

Drive typeinboard

Drive typenot available

Operational Info

Sleeping capacity2

Sleeping capacitynot available

Head1

Headnot available

Boat typePower

Boat typeSail

Catalina Yachts 30 MkI 1986 vs Catalina Yachts Capri 16.5 1996 — Common Questions

Which is the larger boat — the Catalina Yachts 30 MkI 1986 or the Catalina Yachts Capri 16.5 1996?

The Catalina Yachts 30 MkI 1986 is the longer of the two at 30,0 feet overall. The Catalina Yachts Capri 16.5 1996 comes in at 17,0 feet, making it roughly 13,0 ft shorter — a meaningful difference in deck room and overall on-water presence.

What is the maximum horsepower rating for these boats?

The Catalina Yachts 30 MkI 1986 has a documented max rating of 21 hp. Engine specifications for the Catalina Yachts Capri 16.5 1996 were not available in our database — check the OEM spec sheet or manufacturer's website for confirmation.

How many people can each boat hold?

The Catalina Yachts 30 MkI 1986 is Coast Guard rated for 9 passengers, while the Catalina Yachts Capri 16.5 1996 is certified for 5. Note that legal capacity and comfortable capacity aren't always the same thing — on a full day out, most experienced boaters aim for about 80% of the rated number to keep things comfortable.

What is the draft of the Catalina Yachts 30 MkI 1986?

The Catalina Yachts 30 MkI 1986 draws 5,2 ft. Draft determines which harbours, anchorages, and haul-out facilities are accessible — always verify with your local marina before purchase.

Are the Catalina Yachts 30 MkI 1986 and Catalina Yachts Capri 16.5 1996 from the same manufacturer?

Yes — both the Catalina Yachts 30 MkI 1986 and the Catalina Yachts Capri 16.5 1996 are built by Catalina Yachts. That means shared dealer networks, common parts availability, and consistent build quality across the line. The choice between them is essentially a question of how much boat you need, not which brand you trust.

← Catalina Yachts 30 MkI 1986 full specs ← Catalina Yachts Capri 16.5 1996 full specs