1991 Najad 373 vs Catalina 270 — Comparison
Catalina 270
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1991 Najad 373 | Catalina 270 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Najad | Catalina |
| Year | 1991–2002 | 1992–2002 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | Sweden | USA |
| Designer | Judel/Vrolijk | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.28 m (37.0 ft) | 8.31 m (27.3 ft) |
| LWL | 8.99 m (29.5 ft) | 7.24 m (23.8 ft) |
| Beam | 3.47 m (11.4 ft) | 2.74 m (9.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) | 1.47 m (4.8 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,711 kg (17,000 lbs) | 2,313 kg (5,099 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) | 907 kg (2,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 60.8 m² (654 ft²) | 31.0 m² (334 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 35 HP | 12 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 150 L (39.6 gal) | 45 L (11.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 250 L (66.0 gal) | 68 L (18.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 5 |
| Cabins | 2 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1991 Najad 373 and Catalina 270 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1991 Najad 373 is a 1990s design by Najad from Sweden, while the Catalina 270 is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1991 Najad 373 was penned by Judel/Vrolijk. The Catalina 270 was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the 1991 Najad 373 measures 11.28m (37.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.47m, compared to the Catalina 270 at 8.31m (27.3ft) with a 2.74m beam. The 1991 Najad 373 is 2.97m longer than the Catalina 270. The 1991 Najad 373 displaces approximately 233% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1991 Najad 373 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.83 and 60.8 m² of sail area. The Catalina 270, with an SA/D of 18.01 and 31.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Catalina 270 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1991 Najad 373 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 24.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.70). The Catalina 270 has a comfort ratio of 16.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.83. The ballast ratios are 41.2% for the 1991 Najad 373 and 39.2% for the Catalina 270, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1991 Najad 373 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 250L of water capacity and 150L of fuel. The Catalina 270 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 68L water and 45L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1991 Najad 373 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 270 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 Najad 373 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 1991 Najad 373 · Catalina 270