Catalina 250 vs 1971 C&C 27 — Comparison

Catalina 250Catalina 250
VS
1971 C&C 271971 C&C 27

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationCatalina 2501971 C&C 27
General
ManufacturerCatalinaC&C Yachts
Year1994–20041971–1975
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSACanada
DesignerGerry DouglasCuthbertson & Cassian
Dimensions
LOA7.62 m (25.0 ft)8.23 m (27.0 ft)
LWL6.78 m (22.2 ft)6.55 m (21.5 ft)
Beam2.59 m (8.5 ft)2.74 m (9.0 ft)
Draft1.37 m (4.5 ft)1.37 m (4.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement1,588 kg (3,501 lbs)2,495 kg (5,501 lbs)
Ballast612 kg (1,349 lbs)1,043 kg (2,299 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area24.5 m² (264 ft²)31.0 m² (334 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine10 HP10 HP
Fuel Capacity30 L (7.9 gal)38 L (10.0 gal)
Water Capacity42 L (11.1 gal)57 L (15.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths45
Cabins11

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Catalina 250
18.30
1971 C&C 27
17.13
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Catalina 250
38.54
1971 C&C 27
41.80
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Catalina 250
0.89
1971 C&C 27
0.81
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Catalina 250
13.89
1971 C&C 27
20.13

Detailed Comparison

The Catalina 250 and 1971 C&C 27 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 250 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1971 C&C 27 is a 1970s offering from C&C Yachts from Canada. The Catalina 250 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1971 C&C 27 was designed by Cuthbertson & Cassian.

In terms of size, the Catalina 250 measures 7.62m (25.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.59m, compared to the 1971 C&C 27 at 8.23m (27.0ft) with a 2.74m beam. The 1971 C&C 27 is 0.61m longer than the Catalina 250. The 1971 C&C 27 displaces approximately 57% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Catalina 250 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.30 and 24.5 m² of sail area. The 1971 C&C 27, with an SA/D of 17.13 and 31.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Catalina 250 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Catalina 250 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 13.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.89). The 1971 C&C 27 has a comfort ratio of 20.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.81. The ballast ratios are 38.5% for the Catalina 250 and 41.8% for the 1971 C&C 27, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Catalina 250 provides 4 berths in 1 cabin with 42L of water capacity and 30L of fuel. The 1971 C&C 27 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L water and 38L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1971 C&C 27 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 250 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1971 C&C 27 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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