1965 Pearson Vanguard vs Catalina 28 — Comparison

1965 Pearson Vanguard 1965 Pearson Vanguard
VS
Catalina 28 Catalina 28

Specifications Side by Side

Specification 1965 Pearson Vanguard Catalina 28
General
Manufacturer Pearson Catalina
Year 1965–1972 1998–2004
Type Sloop Sloop
Country USA USA
Designer Philip Rhodes Gerry Douglas
Dimensions
LOA 9.83 m (32.3 ft) 8.69 m (28.5 ft)
LWL 7.01 m (23.0 ft) 7.62 m (25.0 ft)
Beam 2.84 m (9.3 ft) 2.90 m (9.5 ft)
Draft 1.22 m (4.0 ft) 1.37 m (4.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement 4,082 kg (8,999 lbs) 2,812 kg (6,199 lbs)
Ballast 1,678 kg (3,699 lbs) 1,134 kg (2,500 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area 36.0 m² (388 ft²) 33.5 m² (361 ft²)
Hull Material Fiberglass Fiberglass
Keel Type Full Fin
Engine & Tanks
Engine 10 HP 15 HP
Fuel Capacity 38 L (10.0 gal) 57 L (15.1 gal)
Water Capacity 57 L (15.1 gal) 95 L (25.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths 5 6
Cabins 1 1

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1965 Pearson Vanguard
14.32
Catalina 28
17.09
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1965 Pearson Vanguard
41.11
Catalina 28
40.33
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1965 Pearson Vanguard
0.71
Catalina 28
0.82
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1965 Pearson Vanguard
25.31
Catalina 28
16.59

Detailed Comparison

The 1965 Pearson Vanguard and Catalina 28 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1965 Pearson Vanguard is a classic design by Pearson from USA, while the Catalina 28 is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1965 Pearson Vanguard was penned by Philip Rhodes. The Catalina 28 was designed by Gerry Douglas.

In terms of size, the 1965 Pearson Vanguard measures 9.83m (32.3ft) overall with a beam of 2.84m, compared to the Catalina 28 at 8.69m (28.5ft) with a 2.90m beam. The 1965 Pearson Vanguard is 1.14m longer than the Catalina 28. The 1965 Pearson Vanguard displaces approximately 45% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1965 Pearson Vanguard has modest sail power for its displacement with an SA/D ratio of 14.32 and 36.0 m² of sail area. The Catalina 28, with an SA/D of 17.09 and 33.5 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Catalina 28 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1965 Pearson Vanguard offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 25.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.71). The Catalina 28 has a comfort ratio of 16.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.82. The ballast ratios are 41.1% for the 1965 Pearson Vanguard and 40.3% for the Catalina 28, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1965 Pearson Vanguard provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L of water capacity and 38L of fuel. The Catalina 28 offers 6 berths in 1 cabin with 95L water and 57L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1965 Pearson Vanguard 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 Catalina 28 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The Catalina 28 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

Compare Different Boats

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