1991 Hunter 33.5 vs Catalina 323 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1991 Hunter 33.5 | Catalina 323 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Hunter | Catalina |
| Year | 1991–1996 | 2004–2009 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Glenn Henderson | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.51 m (11.5 ft) | 3.25 m (10.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) | 4,763 kg (10,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 50.7 m² (546 ft²) | 46.0 m² (495 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Shoal draft | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 22 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 95 L (25.1 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 152 L (40.2 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1991 Hunter 33.5 and Catalina 323 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1991 Hunter 33.5 is a 1990s design by Hunter from USA, while the Catalina 323 is a 2000s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1991 Hunter 33.5 was penned by Glenn Henderson. The Catalina 323 was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the 1991 Hunter 33.5 measures 10.06m (33.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.51m, compared to the Catalina 323 at 9.75m (32.0ft) with a 3.25m beam. The 1991 Hunter 33.5 is 0.31m longer than the Catalina 323. The 1991 Hunter 33.5 displaces approximately 14% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1991 Hunter 33.5 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.65 and 50.7 m² of sail area. The Catalina 323, with an SA/D of 16.51 and 46.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1991 Hunter 33.5 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1991 Hunter 33.5 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.5) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The Catalina 323 has a comfort ratio of 18.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 37.5% for the 1991 Hunter 33.5 and 38.1% for the Catalina 323, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1991 Hunter 33.5 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 152L of water capacity and 95L of fuel. The Catalina 323 offers 6 berths in 1 cabin with 151L water and 76L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1991 Hunter 33.5 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 1991 Hunter 33.5 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1991 Hunter 33.5 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
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Or view individual specs: 1991 Hunter 33.5 · Catalina 323