1989 Hallberg-Rassy 45 vs Catalina 387 — Comparison

1989 Hallberg-Rassy 451989 Hallberg-Rassy 45
VS
Catalina 387Catalina 387

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1989 Hallberg-Rassy 45Catalina 387
General
ManufacturerHallberg-RassyCatalina
Year1989–19981996–2003
TypeSloopSloop
CountrySwedenUSA
DesignerGerman FrersGerry Douglas
Dimensions
LOA13.72 m (45.0 ft)11.58 m (38.0 ft)
LWL10.97 m (36.0 ft)10.06 m (33.0 ft)
Beam4.00 m (13.1 ft)3.66 m (12.0 ft)
Draft2.10 m (6.9 ft)1.96 m (6.4 ft)
Weight
Displacement12,247 kg (27,000 lbs)7,484 kg (16,499 lbs)
Ballast4,536 kg (10,000 lbs)2,948 kg (6,499 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area86.0 m² (926 ft²)63.0 m² (678 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine55 HP35 HP
Fuel Capacity250 L (66.0 gal)114 L (30.1 gal)
Water Capacity500 L (132.1 gal)227 L (60.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths77
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1989 Hallberg-Rassy 45
16.44
Catalina 387
16.73
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1989 Hallberg-Rassy 45
37.04
Catalina 387
39.39
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1989 Hallberg-Rassy 45
0.70
Catalina 387
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1989 Hallberg-Rassy 45
21.34
Catalina 387
18.47

Detailed Comparison

The 1989 Hallberg-Rassy 45 and Catalina 387 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1989 Hallberg-Rassy 45 is a 1980s design by Hallberg-Rassy from Sweden, while the Catalina 387 is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1989 Hallberg-Rassy 45 was penned by German Frers. The Catalina 387 was designed by Gerry Douglas.

In terms of size, the 1989 Hallberg-Rassy 45 measures 13.72m (45.0ft) overall with a beam of 4.00m, compared to the Catalina 387 at 11.58m (38.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 1989 Hallberg-Rassy 45 is 2.14m longer than the Catalina 387. The 1989 Hallberg-Rassy 45 displaces approximately 64% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1989 Hallberg-Rassy 45 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.44 and 86.0 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 Catalina 387 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1989 Hallberg-Rassy 45 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.70). The Catalina 387 has a comfort ratio of 18.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 37.0% for the 1989 Hallberg-Rassy 45 and 39.4% for the Catalina 387, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1989 Hallberg-Rassy 45 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 500L of water capacity and 250L of fuel. The Catalina 387 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 227L water and 114L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1989 Hallberg-Rassy 45 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 387 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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