A couple of questions for the Prindle guys. I have a chance at picking up a P19. It needs some steering componets. I have a P18 steering set-up and was wondering if anyone knew the major differences. I think the castiings are the same, I know I will need a new crossbar, and I thinkl the blades are shorter. I have heard of an upgrade for the P19 steering. I was wondering if the origional used the smaller blades, thinking if I could use the ones I have I could get the boat in the water and upgrade the blades after I gain some experiance with the boat. Also, what did the MX conversion add to the boat? square top, longer mast, ect? and lastly, when did performance cats start production of this boat? Mid '80's? any other info is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Great boat! I'm pretty sure the P18 and P19 castings are identical, as are the original P19 rudders. The upgrade for the P19 steering involved larger rudder blades, extended gudgeons, and extended arms from the castings to the crossbar. There are still plenty of people using the original setup. The only thing you would need to get started is a longer crossbar.
The MX uses the same mast, just a square top main and much larger jib.
The main difference I know is that P19s are much more delicate than P18s. It's easy to put holes in P19s. Depending on your P18, they also have more controls; 4-way jib, centerboards, mast rotation, serious downhaul... but it's worth learning.
I don't know the rest of the answers.
Good luck!

I think Performance Cats first made the P19 in 1984. Supposedly, the Tornado sailors wanted a trailerable boat that was very similar so it would be easier for them to train between olympic regattas. The only thing Dennis didn't mention was that the MX upgrade also includes a "jib pole". This is a two piece aluminum extension that attaches to the front of the main crossbar and the bridle. The second piece mimics the angle of the forestay. The MX jib has a lot more sail area in the foot. I've sailed with both the old and new setup and the MX is much faster downwind. Upwind there is a lot more power but it feels more controllable with the square topped main twisting off when you crank on the downhaul in the gusts.

Well I think I will go for this boat, it needs some work but would be a fun winter project.

I was wondering if the boat can be single handled in fair conditions or is this pretty much out of the question.

Thanks for all of the info above.

Single handing in moderate conditions is no problem. I've found the boat to be very forgiving. The sharp bows knifes through the chop very well and are hard to stuff. Correct weight placement is important for boat speed, especially downwind. It's an excellent "old" cat. You won't be sorry.

I think ya'll are confusing, or interchanging, a P18, with a P18-2.

The rudders on the P18 are different than the 18-2, or 19, which I think the latter two are identical.