1968 Alberg 35 vs Catalina 385 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1968 Alberg 35 | Catalina 385 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Various | Catalina |
| Year | 1968–1978 | 2006–2014 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Carl Alberg | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.67 m (35.0 ft) | 11.73 m (38.5 ft) |
| LWL | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) | 10.21 m (33.5 ft) |
| Beam | 2.90 m (9.5 ft) | 3.76 m (12.3 ft) |
| Draft | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) | 2.06 m (6.8 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) | 8,165 kg (18,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 43.0 m² (463 ft²) | 65.0 m² (700 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Full | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 35 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 242 L (63.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1968 Alberg 35 and Catalina 385 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1968 Alberg 35 is a classic design by Various from USA, while the Catalina 385 is a 2000s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1968 Alberg 35 was penned by Carl Alberg. The Catalina 385 was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the 1968 Alberg 35 measures 10.67m (35.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.90m, compared to the Catalina 385 at 11.73m (38.5ft) with a 3.76m beam. The Catalina 385 is 1.06m longer than the 1968 Alberg 35. The Catalina 385 displaces approximately 50% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1968 Alberg 35 has modest sail power for its displacement with an SA/D ratio of 14.12 and 43.0 m² of sail area. The Catalina 385, with an SA/D of 16.29 and 65.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Catalina 385 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1968 Alberg 35 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 27.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.66). The Catalina 385 has a comfort ratio of 18.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 41.7% for the 1968 Alberg 35 and 38.9% for the Catalina 385, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1968 Alberg 35 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 76L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The Catalina 385 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 242L water and 114L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1968 Alberg 35 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 385 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 385 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
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Or view individual specs: 1968 Alberg 35 · Catalina 385