1987 Beneteau First 38 vs Catalina 387 — Comparison
1987 Beneteau First 38
Catalina 387
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1987 Beneteau First 38 | Catalina 387 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Catalina |
| Year | 1987–1992 | 1996–2003 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Jean Berret | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.60 m (31.5 ft) | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.72 m (12.2 ft) | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) |
| Draft | 2.00 m (6.6 ft) | 1.96 m (6.4 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,030 kg (15,498 lbs) | 7,484 kg (16,499 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,800 kg (6,173 lbs) | 2,948 kg (6,499 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 65.0 m² (700 ft²) | 63.0 m² (678 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 28 HP | 35 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 120 L (31.7 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 227 L (60.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1987 Beneteau First 38 and Catalina 387 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1987 Beneteau First 38 is a 1980s design by Beneteau from France, while the Catalina 387 is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1987 Beneteau First 38 was penned by Jean Berret. The Catalina 387 was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the 1987 Beneteau First 38 measures 11.58m (38.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.72m, compared to the Catalina 387 at 11.58m (38.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The Catalina 387 displaces approximately 6% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1987 Beneteau First 38 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.00 and 65.0 m² of sail area. The Catalina 387, with an SA/D of 16.73 and 63.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1987 Beneteau First 38 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1987 Beneteau First 38 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The Catalina 387 has a comfort ratio of 18.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 39.8% for the 1987 Beneteau First 38 and 39.4% for the Catalina 387, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1987 Beneteau First 38 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 120L of fuel. The Catalina 387 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 227L water and 114L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Catalina 387 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 38 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.