I bought a 1998 P18 recently and will sail it on Lake Erie. I had a second reef put in brand new main. I also added 50# lead shot ballast in 4 PVC tubes 16” x 2” under cabin sole held in with 4200. This should stiffen her up a bit. Others have added up to 100# I am starting with #50. P18s are fantastic boats but require a bit more ballast for a more stable ride. The original design is fine and forgiving but extra weight will stiffen her up. “Carving a path” does a demo with mast 90* over the P18 pops right back up easily.
I checked out the video and it was very interesting. I actually wondered if the P18 would right or turtle @ 90 degrees. It is an amazing sailboat, especially considering it is 18', Tom Scott wrote a book about his P18 "Alert". I like that you put 2 reef points in the main. Give you more options when the wind picks up. You can download Tom Scott's book (I think free), at this link www.precisionowners.com/ScottBook.htm.
I just purchased a used P18 this August and I am sailing it in fresh water. Considering sailing in the Chesapeake (not full time) next year. Since it is light ballasted I was a little concerned about gusts of wind. I am considering putting a second reef point in. How are you making out with sailing the bay? Thx.
I sold my P18 and bought a 1980 Cape Dory. I will say that the P18 has a wide beam and stable for it's size, but with the weight from the stub keel so high and the boat being so light, I would definitely put a second or even a third reef point in. Tom Scott is a very experienced P18 sailor and has a free book you can download from www.precisionboatworks.com/boats/p18/index.php. He recommends 3 reef points. The capsize rating is 2.88 which is high and I'm not sure at what percentage point in a knockdown that it will not right it self. Over all I think the P18 is a very easy to sail and forgiving boat and also fast. Read Tom Scott's book!
I bought a 1998 P18 recently and will sail it on Lake Erie. I had a second reef put in brand new main. I also added 50# lead shot ballast in 4 PVC tubes 16” x 2” under cabin sole held in with 4200. This should stiffen her up a bit. Others have added up to 100# I am starting with #50.
P18s are fantastic boats but require a bit more ballast for a more stable ride. The original design is fine and forgiving but extra weight will stiffen her up.
“Carving a path” does a demo with mast 90* over the P18 pops right back up easily.
I checked out the video and it was very interesting. I actually wondered if the P18 would right or turtle @ 90 degrees. It is an amazing sailboat, especially considering it is 18', Tom Scott wrote a book about his P18 "Alert". I like that you put 2 reef points in the main. Give you more options when the wind picks up. You can download Tom Scott's book (I think free), at this link www.precisionowners.com/ScottBook.htm.
Hi, I'm refurbishing a new (to me) 85' P18. I'd like to know more about where, exactly, you added the additional ballast. Thanks
I just purchased a used P18 this August and I am sailing it in fresh water. Considering sailing in the Chesapeake (not full time) next year. Since it is light ballasted I was a little concerned about gusts of wind. I am considering putting a second reef point in. How are you making out with sailing the bay? Thx.
I sold my P18 and bought a 1980 Cape Dory. I will say that the P18 has a wide beam and stable for it's size, but with the weight from the stub keel so high and the boat being so light, I would definitely put a second or even a third reef point in. Tom Scott is a very experienced P18 sailor and has a free book you can download from www.precisionboatworks.com/boats/p18/index.php. He recommends 3 reef points. The capsize rating is 2.88 which is high and I'm not sure at what percentage point in a knockdown that it will not right it self. Over all I think the P18 is a very easy to sail and forgiving boat and also fast. Read Tom Scott's book!