1975 Cape Dory 28 vs Catalina 323 — Comparison
1975 Cape Dory 28
Catalina 323
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1975 Cape Dory 28 | Catalina 323 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Cape Dory | Catalina |
| Year | 1975–1983 | 2004–2009 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Carl Alberg | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.53 m (28.0 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| LWL | 6.55 m (21.5 ft) | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.69 m (8.8 ft) | 3.25 m (10.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.22 m (4.0 ft) | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) | 4,763 kg (10,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,361 kg (3,000 lbs) | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 33.5 m² (361 ft²) | 46.0 m² (495 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Full | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 45 L (11.9 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1975 Cape Dory 28 and Catalina 323 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1975 Cape Dory 28 is a 1970s design by Cape Dory from USA, while the Catalina 323 is a 2000s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1975 Cape Dory 28 was penned by Carl Alberg. The Catalina 323 was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the 1975 Cape Dory 28 measures 8.53m (28.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.69m, compared to the Catalina 323 at 9.75m (32.0ft) with a 3.25m beam. The Catalina 323 is 1.22m longer than the 1975 Cape Dory 28. The Catalina 323 displaces approximately 50% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1975 Cape Dory 28 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.76 and 33.5 m² of sail area. The Catalina 323, with an SA/D of 16.51 and 46.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Catalina 323 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1975 Cape Dory 28 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 25.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.73). The Catalina 323 has a comfort ratio of 18.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 42.9% for the 1975 Cape Dory 28 and 38.1% for the Catalina 323, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1975 Cape Dory 28 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L of water capacity and 45L of fuel. The Catalina 323 offers 6 berths in 1 cabin with 151L water and 76L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1975 Cape Dory 28 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 323 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 323 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.