1994 Catalina 320 vs 1984 Moody 33 — Comparison

1994 Catalina 3201994 Catalina 320
VS
1984 Moody 331984 Moody 33

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1994 Catalina 3201984 Moody 33
General
ManufacturerCatalinaMoody
Year1994–20071984–1990
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUK
DesignerGerry DouglasBill Dixon
Dimensions
LOA9.75 m (32.0 ft)10.06 m (33.0 ft)
LWL8.53 m (28.0 ft)8.23 m (27.0 ft)
Beam3.35 m (11.0 ft)3.25 m (10.7 ft)
Draft1.52 m (5.0 ft)1.40 m (4.6 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,763 kg (10,501 lbs)5,200 kg (11,464 lbs)
Ballast1,905 kg (4,200 lbs)2,100 kg (4,630 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area47.4 m² (510 ft²)44.0 m² (474 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP20 HP
Fuel Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)80 L (21.1 gal)
Water Capacity133 L (35.1 gal)140 L (37.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths66
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1994 Catalina 320
17.01
1984 Moody 33
14.90
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1994 Catalina 320
40.00
1984 Moody 33
40.38
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1994 Catalina 320
0.80
1984 Moody 33
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1994 Catalina 320
18.48
1984 Moody 33
21.57

Detailed Comparison

The 1994 Catalina 320 and 1984 Moody 33 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1994 Catalina 320 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1984 Moody 33 is a 1980s offering from Moody from UK. The 1994 Catalina 320 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1984 Moody 33 was designed by Bill Dixon.

In terms of size, the 1994 Catalina 320 measures 9.75m (32.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.35m, compared to the 1984 Moody 33 at 10.06m (33.0ft) with a 3.25m beam. The 1984 Moody 33 is 0.31m longer than the 1994 Catalina 320. The 1984 Moody 33 displaces approximately 9% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1994 Catalina 320 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.01 and 47.4 m² of sail area. The 1984 Moody 33, with an SA/D of 14.90 and 44.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 1994 Catalina 320 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1994 Catalina 320 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.5) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The 1984 Moody 33 has a comfort ratio of 21.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1994 Catalina 320 and 40.4% for the 1984 Moody 33, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1994 Catalina 320 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 133L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The 1984 Moody 33 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 140L water and 80L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1984 Moody 33 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 1994 Catalina 320 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.

Compare Different Boats

Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats

Or view individual specs: 1994 Catalina 320 · 1984 Moody 33