1978 Bristol 40 vs Catalina 385 — Comparison
1978 Bristol 40
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1978 Bristol 40 | Catalina 385 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Bristol | Catalina |
| Year | 1978–1983 | 2006–2014 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Ted Hood | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.19 m (40.0 ft) | 11.73 m (38.5 ft) |
| LWL | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 10.21 m (33.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.35 m (11.0 ft) | 3.76 m (12.3 ft) |
| Draft | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) | 2.06 m (6.8 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 8,165 kg (18,001 lbs) | 8,165 kg (18,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,402 kg (7,500 lbs) | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 62.4 m² (672 ft²) | 65.0 m² (700 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 35 HP | 35 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 189 L (49.9 gal) | 242 L (63.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1978 Bristol 40 and Catalina 385 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1978 Bristol 40 is a 1970s design by Bristol from USA, while the Catalina 385 is a 2000s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1978 Bristol 40 was penned by Ted Hood. The Catalina 385 was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the 1978 Bristol 40 measures 12.19m (40.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.35m, compared to the Catalina 385 at 11.73m (38.5ft) with a 3.76m beam. The 1978 Bristol 40 is 0.46m longer than the Catalina 385.
Looking at performance, the 1978 Bristol 40 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.63 and 62.4 m² of sail area. The Catalina 385, with an SA/D of 16.29 and 65.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Catalina 385 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1978 Bristol 40 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 24.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.67). The Catalina 385 has a comfort ratio of 18.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 41.7% for the 1978 Bristol 40 and 38.9% for the Catalina 385, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1978 Bristol 40 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 189L of water capacity and 114L of fuel. The Catalina 385 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 242L water and 114L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1978 Bristol 40 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 385 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: 1978 Bristol 40 · Catalina 385