1988 Contest 44CS vs Catalina 385 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1988 Contest 44CS | Catalina 385 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Contest | Catalina |
| Year | 1988–1996 | 2006–2014 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Netherlands | USA |
| Designer | Dick Zaal | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 13.41 m (44.0 ft) | 11.73 m (38.5 ft) |
| LWL | 10.67 m (35.0 ft) | 10.21 m (33.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.96 m (13.0 ft) | 3.76 m (12.3 ft) |
| Draft | 2.00 m (6.6 ft) | 2.06 m (6.8 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 12,700 kg (27,999 lbs) | 8,165 kg (18,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 5,200 kg (11,464 lbs) | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 85.0 m² (915 ft²) | 65.0 m² (700 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Steel | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 75 HP | 35 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 300 L (79.3 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 500 L (132.1 gal) | 242 L (63.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 3 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1988 Contest 44CS and Catalina 385 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1988 Contest 44CS is a 1980s design by Contest from Netherlands, while the Catalina 385 is a 2000s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1988 Contest 44CS was penned by Dick Zaal. The Catalina 385 was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the 1988 Contest 44CS measures 13.41m (44.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.96m, compared to the Catalina 385 at 11.73m (38.5ft) with a 3.76m beam. The 1988 Contest 44CS is 1.68m longer than the Catalina 385. The 1988 Contest 44CS displaces approximately 56% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1988 Contest 44CS has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.86 and 85.0 m² of sail area. The Catalina 385, with an SA/D of 16.29 and 65.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Catalina 385 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1988 Contest 44CS offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 23.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.68). The Catalina 385 has a comfort ratio of 18.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 40.9% for the 1988 Contest 44CS and 38.9% for the Catalina 385, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1988 Contest 44CS provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 500L of water capacity and 300L of fuel. The Catalina 385 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 242L water and 114L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1988 Contest 44CS 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 385 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: 1988 Contest 44CS · Catalina 385