1986 Catalina 27 vs Beneteau First 30 — Comparison
1986 Catalina 27
Beneteau First 30
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1986 Catalina 27 | Beneteau First 30 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Beneteau |
| Year | 1986–1991 | 1983–1989 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | Frank Butler | Jean Berret |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) |
| LWL | 6.86 m (22.5 ft) | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.69 m (8.8 ft) | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) | 3,600 kg (7,937 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,089 kg (2,401 lbs) | 1,300 kg (2,866 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 30.9 m² (333 ft²) | 42.0 m² (452 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 15 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 60 L (15.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 100 L (26.4 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1986 Catalina 27 and Beneteau First 30 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1986 Catalina 27 is a 1980s design by Catalina from USA, while the Beneteau First 30 is a 1980s offering from Beneteau from France. The 1986 Catalina 27 was penned by Frank Butler. The Beneteau First 30 was designed by Jean Berret.
In terms of size, the 1986 Catalina 27 measures 8.23m (27.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.69m, compared to the Beneteau First 30 at 9.14m (30.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The Beneteau First 30 is 0.91m longer than the 1986 Catalina 27. The Beneteau First 30 displaces approximately 32% 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 Beneteau First 30, with an SA/D of 18.17 and 42.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Beneteau First 30 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 Beneteau First 30 has a comfort ratio of 19.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.80. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1986 Catalina 27 and 36.1% for the Beneteau First 30, 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 Beneteau First 30 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 100L water and 60L 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 Beneteau First 30 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.