1975 Pearson 39 vs Catalina 390 — Comparison
1975 Pearson 39
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1975 Pearson 39 | Catalina 390 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Pearson | Catalina |
| Year | 1975–1980 | 1997–2003 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | William Shaw | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.89 m (39.0 ft) | 11.89 m (39.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) | 10.21 m (33.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.51 m (11.5 ft) | 3.76 m (12.3 ft) |
| Draft | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) | 1.98 m (6.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,711 kg (17,000 lbs) | 8,256 kg (18,201 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) | 3,266 kg (7,200 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 60.8 m² (654 ft²) | 65.5 m² (705 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 28 HP | 35 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 189 L (49.9 gal) | 265 L (70.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1975 Pearson 39 and Catalina 390 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1975 Pearson 39 is a 1970s design by Pearson from USA, while the Catalina 390 is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1975 Pearson 39 was penned by William Shaw. The Catalina 390 was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the 1975 Pearson 39 measures 11.89m (39.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.51m, compared to the Catalina 390 at 11.89m (39.0ft) with a 3.76m beam. The Catalina 390 displaces approximately 7% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1975 Pearson 39 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.83 and 60.8 m² of sail area. The Catalina 390, with an SA/D of 16.29 and 65.5 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Catalina 390 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1975 Pearson 39 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.5) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.71). The Catalina 390 has a comfort ratio of 18.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 41.2% for the 1975 Pearson 39 and 39.6% for the Catalina 390, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1975 Pearson 39 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 189L of water capacity and 114L of fuel. The Catalina 390 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 265L water and 114L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1975 Pearson 39 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 390 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: 1975 Pearson 39 · Catalina 390