Capri 26 Production & Facts

While it is often indicated that the Capri 30 was the second sailboat offered by Chris Craft and it may have infact been announced first, the first hull of the Capri 26 was completed 3 months before that of the Capri 30. In March of 1964 Bill Jopson conducted a field survey to determine the competative position with regard to a 26 foot sail boat. Sparkman & Stephens presented line drawings between June of 1964 and July of 1964.Olin Shields was also involved in the development of this project. Issues regarding the keel and rudder design, as well as the outboard engine well (which was pursued despite initial objections by Sparkman & Stephens) were debated thru November of 1964. On December 15, 1964, Hull #1 was layed up and on January 8, 1965, this hull was completed. Early trials indicated a weatherhelm problem and a series of rudder modifications were intitiated. As many as seven changes were made in the rudder design and a keel shape revision was initiated in September 1965, affecting hulls 41 and higher. In July of 1965, consideration was given to 2 additional Capri models...the Capri 29 and the Capri 35. Both never materialized. Additionally, planning began on a sistership to theCapri 26; the Capitan 26. This would be similar in design but with more cockpit and less cabin. Modifications of the Capri 26 continued thru the production of this model, many to address the weather helm problem that plaqued the earlier models. Based on records, the following modifications were found: June 1965..... rudder revision.......................................hulls effected: ? July 1965..... rudder-skeg revision #4..........................hulls effected: ? Sept 1965..... rudder shape revision #7........................hulls effected: #41 + Sept 1965..... keel shape revision #1............................hulls effected: #41 + ???? 1965..... watertank moved to forward berths........hulls effected: #45 + ???? 1965..... head moved to forward port berth..........hulls effected: #19to#26+? Aug 1966..... keel weight changed to 1800 lbs..............hulls effected: ? April 1967.... rudder change........................................ none?? A chrome hardware change was indicated in November of 1996 and was indicated as effective on Capri hull #91. Since production records only indicate that 90 were made, this change probably never took place as related to the Capri 26. Debate continued right thru to the end of Capri 26 production regarding the rudder, skeg, keel and outboard engine well. Records indicate that the last Capri 26 was made in March of 1967, although they were shipped to dealers thru the middle of 1968. All Capri 26's were made in Algonac. Michigan.

PRODUCTION PHOTOS OF THE CAPRI 26 BELIEVED TO BE TAKEN IN 1964-1965 AT THE ALGONAC, MICHIGAN PRODUCTION PLANT

CONSTRUCTION OF THE WOODEN PLUG

THE MOLD

Web Author: Robert C. Pemberton