1978 Catalina 25 vs 1978 C&C 24 — Comparison

1978 Catalina 251978 Catalina 25
VS
1978 C&C 241978 C&C 24

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1978 Catalina 251978 C&C 24
General
ManufacturerCatalinaC&C Yachts
Year1978–19911978–1983
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSACanada
DesignerFrank ButlerCuthbertson & Cassian
Dimensions
LOA7.62 m (25.0 ft)7.32 m (24.0 ft)
LWL6.40 m (21.0 ft)6.10 m (20.0 ft)
Beam2.44 m (8.0 ft)2.44 m (8.0 ft)
Draft1.37 m (4.5 ft)1.22 m (4.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement1,905 kg (4,200 lbs)1,497 kg (3,300 lbs)
Ballast748 kg (1,649 lbs)612 kg (1,349 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area26.1 m² (281 ft²)24.0 m² (258 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine10 HP7 HP
Fuel Capacity38 L (10.0 gal)19 L (5.0 gal)
Water Capacity57 L (15.1 gal)30 L (7.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths54
Cabins11

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1978 Catalina 25
17.26
1978 C&C 24
18.64
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1978 Catalina 25
39.27
1978 C&C 24
40.88
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1978 Catalina 25
0.79
1978 C&C 24
0.85
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1978 Catalina 25
19.50
1978 C&C 24
16.77

Detailed Comparison

The 1978 Catalina 25 and 1978 C&C 24 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1978 Catalina 25 is a 1970s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1978 C&C 24 is a 1970s offering from C&C Yachts from Canada. The 1978 Catalina 25 was penned by Frank Butler. The 1978 C&C 24 was designed by Cuthbertson & Cassian.

In terms of size, the 1978 Catalina 25 measures 7.62m (25.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.44m, compared to the 1978 C&C 24 at 7.32m (24.0ft) with a 2.44m beam. The 1978 Catalina 25 is 0.30m longer than the 1978 C&C 24. The 1978 Catalina 25 displaces approximately 27% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1978 Catalina 25 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.26 and 26.1 m² of sail area. The 1978 C&C 24, with an SA/D of 18.64 and 24.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 1978 C&C 24 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1978 Catalina 25 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.5) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The 1978 C&C 24 has a comfort ratio of 16.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.85. The ballast ratios are 39.3% for the 1978 Catalina 25 and 40.9% for the 1978 C&C 24, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1978 Catalina 25 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L of water capacity and 38L of fuel. The 1978 C&C 24 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 30L water and 19L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1978 Catalina 25 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 1978 C&C 24 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1978 Catalina 25 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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