Catalina 250 vs 1978 Cape Dory 270 — Comparison
Catalina 250
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 250 | 1978 Cape Dory 270 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Cape Dory |
| Year | 1994–2004 | 1978–1985 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Carl Alberg |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| LWL | 6.78 m (22.2 ft) | 6.40 m (21.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.59 m (8.5 ft) | 2.59 m (8.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) | 1.14 m (3.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 1,588 kg (3,501 lbs) | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 612 kg (1,349 lbs) | 1,134 kg (2,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 24.5 m² (264 ft²) | 28.0 m² (301 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 10 HP | 12 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 30 L (7.9 gal) | 38 L (10.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 42 L (11.1 gal) | 68 L (18.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 4 | 4 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Catalina 250 and 1978 Cape Dory 270 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 250 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1978 Cape Dory 270 is a 1970s offering from Cape Dory from USA. The Catalina 250 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1978 Cape Dory 270 was designed by Carl Alberg.
In terms of size, the Catalina 250 measures 7.62m (25.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.59m, compared to the 1978 Cape Dory 270 at 8.23m (27.0ft) with a 2.59m beam. The 1978 Cape Dory 270 is 0.61m longer than the Catalina 250. The 1978 Cape Dory 270 displaces approximately 71% 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 1978 Cape Dory 270, with an SA/D of 14.60 and 28.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. 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 1978 Cape Dory 270 has a comfort ratio of 24.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 38.5% for the Catalina 250 and 41.7% for the 1978 Cape Dory 270, 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 1978 Cape Dory 270 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 68L water and 38L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1978 Cape Dory 270 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: 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: Catalina 250 · 1978 Cape Dory 270