1987 Beneteau First 345 vs Catalina 440 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1987 Beneteau First 345 | Catalina 440 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Catalina |
| Year | 1987–1992 | 2010–2018 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Jean Berret | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.45 m (34.3 ft) | 13.41 m (44.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.53 m (28.0 ft) | 11.73 m (38.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.40 m (11.2 ft) | 4.14 m (13.6 ft) |
| Draft | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) | 1.96 m (6.4 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) | 10,886 kg (23,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,177 kg (4,799 lbs) | 4,082 kg (8,999 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 53.0 m² (571 ft²) | 82.0 m² (883 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 55 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 80 L (21.1 gal) | 189 L (49.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 150 L (39.6 gal) | 379 L (100.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1987 Beneteau First 345 and Catalina 440 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1987 Beneteau First 345 is a 1980s design by Beneteau from France, while the Catalina 440 is a modern offering from Catalina from USA. The 1987 Beneteau First 345 was penned by Jean Berret. The Catalina 440 was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the 1987 Beneteau First 345 measures 10.45m (34.3ft) overall with a beam of 3.40m, compared to the Catalina 440 at 13.41m (44.0ft) with a 4.14m beam. The Catalina 440 is 2.96m longer than the 1987 Beneteau First 345. The Catalina 440 displaces approximately 100% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1987 Beneteau First 345 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.40 and 53.0 m² of sail area. The Catalina 440, with an SA/D of 16.96 and 82.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1987 Beneteau First 345 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1987 Beneteau First 345 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The Catalina 440 has a comfort ratio of 16.8 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1987 Beneteau First 345 and 37.5% for the Catalina 440, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1987 Beneteau First 345 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 150L of water capacity and 80L of fuel. The Catalina 440 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 379L water and 189L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1987 Beneteau First 345 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 1987 Beneteau First 345 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.
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Or view individual specs: 1987 Beneteau First 345 · Catalina 440