1974 Catalina 27 vs 1982 Freedom 28 — Comparison
1974 Catalina 27
1982 Freedom 28
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1974 Catalina 27 | 1982 Freedom 28 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Freedom |
| Year | 1974–1982 | 1982–1988 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Frank Butler | Garry Hoyt |
| 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) | 1.14 m (3.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 2,586 kg (5,701 lbs) | 2,495 kg (5,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,043 kg (2,299 lbs) | 907 kg (2,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 29.5 m² (318 ft²) | 29.0 m² (312 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 1982 Freedom 28 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1974 Catalina 27 is a 1970s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1982 Freedom 28 is a 1980s offering from Freedom from USA. The 1974 Catalina 27 was penned by Frank Butler. The 1982 Freedom 28 was designed by Garry Hoyt.
In terms of size, the 1974 Catalina 27 measures 8.23m (27.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.59m, compared to the 1982 Freedom 28 at 8.53m (28.0ft) with a 2.84m beam. The 1982 Freedom 28 is 0.30m longer than the 1974 Catalina 27. The 1974 Catalina 27 displaces approximately 4% 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 1982 Freedom 28, with an SA/D of 16.02 and 29.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1982 Freedom 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 1982 Freedom 28 has a comfort ratio of 17.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.84. The ballast ratios are 40.3% for the 1974 Catalina 27 and 36.4% for the 1982 Freedom 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 1982 Freedom 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 1982 Freedom 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 · 1982 Freedom 28