1986 Catalina 27 vs Catalina 28 — Comparison
1986 Catalina 27
Catalina 28
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1986 Catalina 27 | Catalina 28 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Catalina |
| Year | 1986–1991 | 1998–2004 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Frank Butler | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) | 8.69 m (28.5 ft) |
| LWL | 6.86 m (22.5 ft) | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.69 m (8.8 ft) | 2.90 m (9.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) | 2,812 kg (6,199 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,089 kg (2,401 lbs) | 1,134 kg (2,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 30.9 m² (333 ft²) | 33.5 m² (361 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 15 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 95 L (25.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1986 Catalina 27 and Catalina 28 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1986 Catalina 27 is a 1980s design by Catalina from USA, while the Catalina 28 is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1986 Catalina 27 was penned by Frank Butler. The Catalina 28 was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the 1986 Catalina 27 measures 8.23m (27.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.69m, compared to the Catalina 28 at 8.69m (28.5ft) with a 2.90m beam. The Catalina 28 is 0.46m longer than the 1986 Catalina 27. The Catalina 28 displaces approximately 3% 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 Catalina 28, with an SA/D of 17.09 and 33.5 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Catalina 28 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 Catalina 28 has a comfort ratio of 16.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.82. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1986 Catalina 27 and 40.3% for the Catalina 28, 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 Catalina 28 offers 6 berths in 1 cabin with 95L water and 57L 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 Catalina 28 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.