Catalina 250 vs 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 — Comparison

Catalina 250Catalina 250
VS
1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationCatalina 2501994 Hallberg-Rassy 29
General
ManufacturerCatalinaHallberg-Rassy
Year1994–20041994–2003
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSASweden
DesignerGerry DouglasOlle Enderlein
Dimensions
LOA7.62 m (25.0 ft)8.85 m (29.0 ft)
LWL6.78 m (22.2 ft)7.70 m (25.3 ft)
Beam2.59 m (8.5 ft)3.02 m (9.9 ft)
Draft1.37 m (4.5 ft)1.50 m (4.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement1,588 kg (3,501 lbs)3,700 kg (8,157 lbs)
Ballast612 kg (1,349 lbs)1,500 kg (3,307 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area24.5 m² (264 ft²)38.0 m² (409 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine10 HP18 HP
Fuel Capacity30 L (7.9 gal)60 L (15.9 gal)
Water Capacity42 L (11.1 gal)100 L (26.4 gal)
Accommodation
Berths45
Cabins12

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Catalina 250
18.30
1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29
16.14
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Catalina 250
38.54
1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29
40.54
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Catalina 250
0.89
1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29
0.78
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Catalina 250
13.89
1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29
20.16

Detailed Comparison

The Catalina 250 and 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 250 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 is a 1990s offering from Hallberg-Rassy from Sweden. The Catalina 250 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 was designed by Olle Enderlein.

In terms of size, the Catalina 250 measures 7.62m (25.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.59m, compared to the 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 at 8.85m (29.0ft) with a 3.02m beam. The 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 is 1.23m longer than the Catalina 250. The 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 displaces approximately 133% 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 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29, with an SA/D of 16.14 and 38.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. 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 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 has a comfort ratio of 20.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 38.5% for the Catalina 250 and 40.5% for the 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29, 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 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 offers 5 berths in 2 cabins with 100L water and 60L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 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 1994 Hallberg-Rassy 29 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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