Catalina 250 vs 1983 Irwin 32 — Comparison
Catalina 250
1983 Irwin 32
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 250 | 1983 Irwin 32 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Irwin |
| Year | 1994–2004 | 1983–1988 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Ted Irwin |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| LWL | 6.78 m (22.2 ft) | 8.08 m (26.5 ft) |
| Beam | 2.59 m (8.5 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 1,588 kg (3,501 lbs) | 4,990 kg (11,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 612 kg (1,349 lbs) | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 24.5 m² (264 ft²) | 41.0 m² (441 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 10 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 30 L (7.9 gal) | 68 L (18.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 42 L (11.1 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 4 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Catalina 250 and 1983 Irwin 32 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 250 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1983 Irwin 32 is a 1980s offering from Irwin from USA. The Catalina 250 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1983 Irwin 32 was designed by Ted Irwin.
In terms of size, the Catalina 250 measures 7.62m (25.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.59m, compared to the 1983 Irwin 32 at 9.75m (32.0ft) with a 3.20m beam. The 1983 Irwin 32 is 2.13m longer than the Catalina 250. The 1983 Irwin 32 displaces approximately 214% 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 1983 Irwin 32, with an SA/D of 14.27 and 41.0 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 1983 Irwin 32 has a comfort ratio of 22.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 38.5% for the Catalina 250 and 40.9% for the 1983 Irwin 32, 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 1983 Irwin 32 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L water and 68L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1983 Irwin 32 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 1983 Irwin 32 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.