1986 Catalina 27 vs 1975 Cape Dory Typhoon — Comparison
1986 Catalina 27
1975 Cape Dory Typhoon
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1986 Catalina 27 | 1975 Cape Dory Typhoon |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Cape Dory |
| Year | 1986–1991 | 1975–1988 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Frank Butler | Carl Alberg |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) | 5.79 m (19.0 ft) |
| LWL | 6.86 m (22.5 ft) | 4.57 m (15.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.69 m (8.8 ft) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 0.76 m (2.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) | 680 kg (1,499 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,089 kg (2,401 lbs) | 272 kg (600 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 30.9 m² (333 ft²) | 10.6 m² (114 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 5 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 8 L (2.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 15 L (4.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 2 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1986 Catalina 27 and 1975 Cape Dory Typhoon represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1986 Catalina 27 is a 1980s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1975 Cape Dory Typhoon is a 1970s offering from Cape Dory from USA. The 1986 Catalina 27 was penned by Frank Butler. The 1975 Cape Dory Typhoon was designed by Carl Alberg.
In terms of size, the 1986 Catalina 27 measures 8.23m (27.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.69m, compared to the 1975 Cape Dory Typhoon at 5.79m (19.0ft) with a 1.83m beam. The 1986 Catalina 27 is 2.44m longer than the 1975 Cape Dory Typhoon. The 1986 Catalina 27 displaces approximately 300% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1986 Catalina 27 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.11 and 30.9 m² of sail area. The 1975 Cape Dory Typhoon, with an SA/D of 13.94 and 10.6 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1986 Catalina 27 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1986 Catalina 27 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 1975 Cape Dory Typhoon has a comfort ratio of 19.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.83. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1986 Catalina 27 and 40.0% for the 1975 Cape Dory Typhoon, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1986 Catalina 27 provides 6 berths in 1 cabin with 76L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The 1975 Cape Dory Typhoon offers 2 berths in 1 cabin with 15L water and 8L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1986 Catalina 27 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 1986 Catalina 27 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1986 Catalina 27 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.