1974 Catalina 27 vs 1979 O'Day 28 — Comparison
1974 Catalina 27
1979 O'Day 28
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1974 Catalina 27 | 1979 O'Day 28 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | O'Day |
| Year | 1974–1982 | 1979–1985 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Frank Butler | C. Raymond Hunt |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) | 8.53 m (28.0 ft) |
| LWL | 6.71 m (22.0 ft) | 7.01 m (23.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.59 m (8.5 ft) | 2.84 m (9.3 ft) |
| Draft | 1.22 m (4.0 ft) | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 2,586 kg (5,701 lbs) | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,043 kg (2,299 lbs) | 1,089 kg (2,401 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 29.5 m² (318 ft²) | 31.0 m² (334 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 10 HP | 10 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 38 L (10.0 gal) | 38 L (10.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 5 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1974 Catalina 27 and 1979 O'Day 28 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1974 Catalina 27 is a 1970s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1979 O'Day 28 is a 1970s offering from O'Day from USA. The 1974 Catalina 27 was penned by Frank Butler. The 1979 O'Day 28 was designed by C. Raymond Hunt.
In terms of size, the 1974 Catalina 27 measures 8.23m (27.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.59m, compared to the 1979 O'Day 28 at 8.53m (28.0ft) with a 2.84m beam. The 1979 O'Day 28 is 0.30m longer than the 1974 Catalina 27. The 1979 O'Day 28 displaces approximately 5% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1974 Catalina 27 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.91 and 29.5 m² of sail area. The 1979 O'Day 28, with an SA/D of 16.16 and 31.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1979 O'Day 28 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1974 Catalina 27 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.76). The 1979 O'Day 28 has a comfort ratio of 18.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.81. The ballast ratios are 40.3% for the 1974 Catalina 27 and 40.0% for the 1979 O'Day 28, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1974 Catalina 27 provides 6 berths in 1 cabin with 57L of water capacity and 38L of fuel. The 1979 O'Day 28 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L water and 38L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1974 Catalina 27 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 1979 O'Day 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 1974 Catalina 27 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: 1974 Catalina 27 · 1979 O'Day 28