1973 Tartan 34 vs Catalina 250 — Comparison
1973 Tartan 34
Catalina 250
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1973 Tartan 34 | Catalina 250 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Tartan | Catalina |
| Year | 1973–1984 | 1994–2004 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Sparkman & Stephens | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.47 m (24.5 ft) | 6.78 m (22.2 ft) |
| Beam | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) | 2.59 m (8.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) | 1,588 kg (3,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,449 kg (5,399 lbs) | 612 kg (1,349 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 46.5 m² (501 ft²) | 24.5 m² (264 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 10 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 30 L (7.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 42 L (11.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 4 |
| Cabins | 2 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1973 Tartan 34 and Catalina 250 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1973 Tartan 34 is a 1970s design by Tartan from USA, while the Catalina 250 is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1973 Tartan 34 was penned by Sparkman & Stephens. The Catalina 250 was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the 1973 Tartan 34 measures 10.36m (34.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.05m, compared to the Catalina 250 at 7.62m (25.0ft) with a 2.59m beam. The 1973 Tartan 34 is 2.74m longer than the Catalina 250. The 1973 Tartan 34 displaces approximately 243% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1973 Tartan 34 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.27 and 46.5 m² of sail area. The Catalina 250, with an SA/D of 18.30 and 24.5 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Catalina 250 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1973 Tartan 34 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 27.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.69). The Catalina 250 has a comfort ratio of 13.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.89. The ballast ratios are 45.0% for the 1973 Tartan 34 and 38.5% for the Catalina 250, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1973 Tartan 34 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The Catalina 250 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 42L water and 30L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1973 Tartan 34 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 250 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1973 Tartan 34 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: 1973 Tartan 34 · Catalina 250