Back to Search
Sol Cat 18
Designer: Gene Vernon  ·  Builder: Sol Catamarans Inc. (Usa)  ·  First built: 1973
+ Add to Compare
About the Sol Cat 18

Designed for fun and accessibility on the water, the Sol Cat 18 is a compact catamaran that appeals to sailors looking for an approachable and lively daysailing experience. Built for recreational use on lakes, bays, and protected coastal waters, this twin-hulled design offers the inherent stability and speed characteristics that make catamarans such an attractive choice for casual sailors and growing families alike. As a beach catamaran in the classic tradition, the Sol Cat 18 is well suited to those who want an easy-to-rig, trailer-friendly sailboat that can be launched from a ramp or sandy shoreline without the need for marina infrastructure. Its lightweight construction allows for spirited sailing in moderate breezes, and the wide beam typical of catamaran designs provides a forgiving, stable platform for beginners while still offering enough performance to keep experienced sailors engaged. While detailed specifications are limited, the Sol Cat 18 occupies a practical niche as an entry-level to intermediate catamaran, making it a worthy consideration for buyers seeking affordable, low-maintenance fun on the water rather than offshore passage-making capability.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 18.25 ft / 5.56 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 18.00 ft / 5.49 m
Beam 7.92 ft / 2.41 m
Max Draft 4.00 ft / 1.22 m
Displacement 330.00 lb / 150 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Catamaran Twin Dbrd.
Rigging Type Frac. Sloop (Rotating Spar)
Construction FG
Designer Gene Vernon
Builder Sol Catamarans Inc. (USA)
First Built 1973
Owner Reviews

No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.

Performance Ratios
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
25.26
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
1.78
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
4.59
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 5.69 kn
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 3.05 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 0.40 ft / 0.12 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 220.00 ft² / 20.44 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) 25.26
How It Compares

vs. Dart Hawk, Hobie Tiger 18, Nacra Inter 18, Prindle 18 2, Topcat K1

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Sol Cat 18 ★
18.3 ft
Dart Hawk
18.0 ft
Hobie Tiger 18
18.1 ft
Nacra Inter 18
18.1 ft
Prindle 18 2
18.0 ft
Topcat K1
18.0 ft
LWL
Sol Cat 18 ★
18.0 ft
Dart Hawk
Hobie Tiger 18
Nacra Inter 18
18.1 ft
Prindle 18 2
17.2 ft
Topcat K1
Beam
Sol Cat 18 ★
7.9 ft
Dart Hawk
8.5 ft
Hobie Tiger 18
8.5 ft
Nacra Inter 18
8.5 ft
Prindle 18 2
8.5 ft
Topcat K1
8.2 ft
Displacement
Sol Cat 18 ★
330 lbs
Dart Hawk
397 lbs
Hobie Tiger 18
397 lbs
Nacra Inter 18
397 lbs
Prindle 18 2
375 lbs
Topcat K1
385 lbs
Sail Area
Sol Cat 18 ★
Dart Hawk
206 sq ft
Hobie Tiger 18
220 sq ft
Nacra Inter 18
220 sq ft
Prindle 18 2
233 sq ft
Topcat K1
375 sq ft
Performance
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Sol Cat 18 ★
Dart Hawk
61.1
Hobie Tiger 18
65.2
Nacra Inter 18
Prindle 18 2
Topcat K1
113.6
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Sol Cat 18 ★
1.8
Dart Hawk
Hobie Tiger 18
2.2
Nacra Inter 18
2.0
Prindle 18 2
1.9
Topcat K1
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Sol Cat 18 ★
4.59
Dart Hawk
Hobie Tiger 18
4.65
Nacra Inter 18
4.63
Prindle 18 2
4.72
Topcat K1
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Sol Cat 18 ★
25
Dart Hawk
Hobie Tiger 18
48
Nacra Inter 18
Prindle 18 2
Topcat K1
Hull Speed
Sol Cat 18 ★
5.7 kts
Dart Hawk
Hobie Tiger 18
5.3 kts
Nacra Inter 18
5.7 kts
Prindle 18 2
5.6 kts
Topcat K1
Find a Sol Cat 18 For Sale