1942 Nordic Folkboat vs 1974 Catalina 22 — Comparison
1942 Nordic Folkboat
1974 Catalina 22
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1942 Nordic Folkboat | 1974 Catalina 22 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Nordic | Catalina |
| Year | 1942 | 1974–2012 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Sweden | USA |
| Designer | Tord Sunden | Frank Butler |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) | 6.71 m (22.0 ft) |
| LWL | 5.94 m (19.5 ft) | 5.79 m (19.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.18 m (7.2 ft) | 2.24 m (7.3 ft) |
| Draft | 1.19 m (3.9 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 1,800 kg (3,968 lbs) | 862 kg (1,900 lbs) |
| Ballast | 720 kg (1,587 lbs) | 363 kg (800 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 23.0 m² (248 ft²) | 18.4 m² (198 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Wood/Epoxy | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Full | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 8 HP | 6 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 20 L (5.3 gal) | 15 L (4.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 30 L (7.9 gal) | 20 L (5.3 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 4 | 4 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1942 Nordic Folkboat and 1974 Catalina 22 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1942 Nordic Folkboat is a classic design by Nordic from Sweden, while the 1974 Catalina 22 is a 1970s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1942 Nordic Folkboat was penned by Tord Sunden. The 1974 Catalina 22 was designed by Frank Butler.
In terms of size, the 1942 Nordic Folkboat measures 7.62m (25.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.18m, compared to the 1974 Catalina 22 at 6.71m (22.0ft) with a 2.24m beam. The 1942 Nordic Folkboat is 0.91m longer than the 1974 Catalina 22. The 1942 Nordic Folkboat displaces approximately 109% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1942 Nordic Folkboat has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.80 and 23.0 m² of sail area. The 1974 Catalina 22, with an SA/D of 20.65 and 18.4 m² of canvas, offers generous sail power for spirited sailing. The 1974 Catalina 22 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1942 Nordic Folkboat offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 23.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.72). The 1974 Catalina 22 has a comfort ratio of 12.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.94. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1942 Nordic Folkboat and 42.1% for the 1974 Catalina 22, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1942 Nordic Folkboat provides 4 berths in 1 cabin with 30L of water capacity and 20L of fuel. The 1974 Catalina 22 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 20L water and 15L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1942 Nordic Folkboat is the better choice for comfortable cruising thanks to its higher comfort ratio, offering a gentler motion at sea that crews will appreciate on longer passages.
For racing: The 1974 Catalina 22 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.