1975 S2 9.2C vs Catalina 270 — Comparison

1975 S2 9.2C
VS
Catalina 270Catalina 270

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1975 S2 9.2CCatalina 270
General
ManufacturerS2Catalina
Year1975–19821992–2002
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerArthur EdmundsGerry Douglas
Dimensions
LOA9.14 m (30.0 ft)8.31 m (27.3 ft)
LWL7.62 m (25.0 ft)7.24 m (23.8 ft)
Beam3.05 m (10.0 ft)2.74 m (9.0 ft)
Draft1.52 m (5.0 ft)1.47 m (4.8 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,082 kg (8,999 lbs)2,313 kg (5,099 lbs)
Ballast1,678 kg (3,699 lbs)907 kg (2,000 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area42.7 m² (460 ft²)31.0 m² (334 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine15 HP12 HP
Fuel Capacity57 L (15.1 gal)45 L (11.9 gal)
Water Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)68 L (18.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths65
Cabins11

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1975 S2 9.2C
16.99
Catalina 270
18.01
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1975 S2 9.2C
41.11
Catalina 270
39.21
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1975 S2 9.2C
0.76
Catalina 270
0.83
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1975 S2 9.2C
21.78
Catalina 270
16.24

Detailed Comparison

The 1975 S2 9.2C and Catalina 270 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1975 S2 9.2C is a 1970s design by S2 from USA, while the Catalina 270 is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1975 S2 9.2C was penned by Arthur Edmunds. The Catalina 270 was designed by Gerry Douglas.

In terms of size, the 1975 S2 9.2C measures 9.14m (30.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.05m, compared to the Catalina 270 at 8.31m (27.3ft) with a 2.74m beam. The 1975 S2 9.2C is 0.83m longer than the Catalina 270. The 1975 S2 9.2C displaces approximately 76% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1975 S2 9.2C has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.99 and 42.7 m² of sail area. The Catalina 270, with an SA/D of 18.01 and 31.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Catalina 270 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1975 S2 9.2C offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.76). The Catalina 270 has a comfort ratio of 16.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.83. The ballast ratios are 41.1% for the 1975 S2 9.2C and 39.2% for the Catalina 270, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1975 S2 9.2C provides 6 berths in 1 cabin with 76L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The Catalina 270 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 68L water and 45L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1975 S2 9.2C 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 270 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1975 S2 9.2C 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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