1994 Catalina 320 vs Catalina 323 — Comparison
1994 Catalina 320
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1994 Catalina 320 | Catalina 323 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Catalina |
| Year | 1994–2007 | 2004–2009 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.53 m (28.0 ft) | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.35 m (11.0 ft) | 3.25 m (10.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,763 kg (10,501 lbs) | 4,763 kg (10,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,905 kg (4,200 lbs) | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 47.4 m² (510 ft²) | 46.0 m² (495 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 133 L (35.1 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1994 Catalina 320 and Catalina 323 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1994 Catalina 320 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the Catalina 323 is a 2000s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1994 Catalina 320 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The Catalina 323 was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the 1994 Catalina 320 measures 9.75m (32.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.35m, compared to the Catalina 323 at 9.75m (32.0ft) with a 3.25m beam.
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 Catalina 323, with an SA/D of 16.51 and 46.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. 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 Catalina 323 has a comfort ratio of 18.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1994 Catalina 320 and 38.1% for the Catalina 323, 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 Catalina 323 offers 6 berths in 1 cabin with 151L water and 76L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1994 Catalina 320 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.
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Or view individual specs: 1994 Catalina 320 · Catalina 323