1985 Hallberg-Rassy 352 vs Catalina 270 — Comparison

1985 Hallberg-Rassy 352
VS
Catalina 270Catalina 270

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1985 Hallberg-Rassy 352Catalina 270
General
ManufacturerHallberg-RassyCatalina
Year1985–19931992–2002
TypeSloopSloop
CountrySwedenUSA
DesignerGerman FrersGerry Douglas
Dimensions
LOA10.72 m (35.2 ft)8.31 m (27.3 ft)
LWL8.53 m (28.0 ft)7.24 m (23.8 ft)
Beam3.35 m (11.0 ft)2.74 m (9.0 ft)
Draft1.75 m (5.7 ft)1.47 m (4.8 ft)
Weight
Displacement6,350 kg (13,999 lbs)2,313 kg (5,099 lbs)
Ballast2,722 kg (6,001 lbs)907 kg (2,000 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area56.8 m² (611 ft²)31.0 m² (334 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine28 HP12 HP
Fuel Capacity130 L (34.3 gal)45 L (11.9 gal)
Water Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)68 L (18.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths65
Cabins21

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1985 Hallberg-Rassy 352
16.83
Catalina 270
18.01
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1985 Hallberg-Rassy 352
42.87
Catalina 270
39.21
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1985 Hallberg-Rassy 352
0.72
Catalina 270
0.83
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1985 Hallberg-Rassy 352
23.10
Catalina 270
16.24

Detailed Comparison

The 1985 Hallberg-Rassy 352 and Catalina 270 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1985 Hallberg-Rassy 352 is a 1980s design by Hallberg-Rassy from Sweden, while the Catalina 270 is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1985 Hallberg-Rassy 352 was penned by German Frers. The Catalina 270 was designed by Gerry Douglas.

In terms of size, the 1985 Hallberg-Rassy 352 measures 10.72m (35.2ft) overall with a beam of 3.35m, compared to the Catalina 270 at 8.31m (27.3ft) with a 2.74m beam. The 1985 Hallberg-Rassy 352 is 2.41m longer than the Catalina 270. The 1985 Hallberg-Rassy 352 displaces approximately 175% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1985 Hallberg-Rassy 352 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.83 and 56.8 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 1985 Hallberg-Rassy 352 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 23.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.72). The Catalina 270 has a comfort ratio of 16.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.83. The ballast ratios are 42.9% for the 1985 Hallberg-Rassy 352 and 39.2% for the Catalina 270, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1985 Hallberg-Rassy 352 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 130L of fuel. The Catalina 270 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 68L water and 45L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1985 Hallberg-Rassy 352 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 1985 Hallberg-Rassy 352 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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