1982 S2 11.0A vs Catalina 323 — Comparison
1982 S2 11.0A
Catalina 323
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1982 S2 11.0A | Catalina 323 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | S2 | Catalina |
| Year | 1982–1987 | 2004–2009 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Arthur Edmunds | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) | 3.25 m (10.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,670 kg (12,500 lbs) | 4,763 kg (10,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 55.0 m² (592 ft²) | 46.0 m² (495 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 22 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1982 S2 11.0A and Catalina 323 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1982 S2 11.0A is a 1980s design by S2 from USA, while the Catalina 323 is a 2000s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1982 S2 11.0A was penned by Arthur Edmunds. The Catalina 323 was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the 1982 S2 11.0A measures 10.97m (36.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.40m, compared to the Catalina 323 at 9.75m (32.0ft) with a 3.25m beam. The 1982 S2 11.0A is 1.22m longer than the Catalina 323. The 1982 S2 11.0A displaces approximately 19% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1982 S2 11.0A has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.57 and 55.0 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 1982 S2 11.0A has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1982 S2 11.0A offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.76). The Catalina 323 has a comfort ratio of 18.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1982 S2 11.0A and 38.1% for the Catalina 323, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1982 S2 11.0A provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The Catalina 323 offers 6 berths in 1 cabin with 151L water and 76L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Catalina 323 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 1982 S2 11.0A 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.