1973 Tartan 34 vs Catalina 28 — Comparison
1973 Tartan 34
Catalina 28
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1973 Tartan 34 | Catalina 28 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Tartan | Catalina |
| Year | 1973–1984 | 1998–2004 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Sparkman & Stephens | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) | 8.69 m (28.5 ft) |
| LWL | 7.47 m (24.5 ft) | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) | 2.90 m (9.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) | 2,812 kg (6,199 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,449 kg (5,399 lbs) | 1,134 kg (2,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 46.5 m² (501 ft²) | 33.5 m² (361 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 15 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 95 L (25.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1973 Tartan 34 and Catalina 28 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1973 Tartan 34 is a 1970s design by Tartan from USA, while the Catalina 28 is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1973 Tartan 34 was penned by Sparkman & Stephens. The Catalina 28 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 28 at 8.69m (28.5ft) with a 2.90m beam. The 1973 Tartan 34 is 1.67m longer than the Catalina 28. The 1973 Tartan 34 displaces approximately 94% 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 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 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 28 has a comfort ratio of 16.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.82. The ballast ratios are 45.0% for the 1973 Tartan 34 and 40.3% for the Catalina 28, 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 28 offers 6 berths in 1 cabin with 95L water and 57L 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 28 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.
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Or view individual specs: 1973 Tartan 34 · Catalina 28