1994 Catalina 320 vs 2016 Dehler 30 OD — Comparison

1994 Catalina 3201994 Catalina 320
VS
2016 Dehler 30 OD

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1994 Catalina 3202016 Dehler 30 OD
General
ManufacturerCatalinaDehler
Year1994–20072016
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAGermany
DesignerGerry DouglasJudel/Vrolijk
Dimensions
LOA9.75 m (32.0 ft)9.45 m (31.0 ft)
LWL8.53 m (28.0 ft)8.60 m (28.2 ft)
Beam3.35 m (11.0 ft)2.98 m (9.8 ft)
Draft1.52 m (5.0 ft)1.95 m (6.4 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,763 kg (10,501 lbs)3,700 kg (8,157 lbs)
Ballast1,905 kg (4,200 lbs)1,350 kg (2,976 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area47.4 m² (510 ft²)46.0 m² (495 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP15 HP
Fuel Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)35 L (9.2 gal)
Water Capacity133 L (35.1 gal)60 L (15.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths64
Cabins21

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1994 Catalina 320
17.01
2016 Dehler 30 OD
19.54
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1994 Catalina 320
40.00
2016 Dehler 30 OD
36.49
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1994 Catalina 320
0.80
2016 Dehler 30 OD
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1994 Catalina 320
18.48
2016 Dehler 30 OD
16.93

Detailed Comparison

The 1994 Catalina 320 and 2016 Dehler 30 OD represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1994 Catalina 320 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the 2016 Dehler 30 OD is a modern offering from Dehler from Germany. The 1994 Catalina 320 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 2016 Dehler 30 OD was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.

In terms of size, the 1994 Catalina 320 measures 9.75m (32.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.35m, compared to the 2016 Dehler 30 OD at 9.45m (31.0ft) with a 2.98m beam. The 1994 Catalina 320 is 0.30m longer than the 2016 Dehler 30 OD. The 1994 Catalina 320 displaces approximately 29% 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 2016 Dehler 30 OD, with an SA/D of 19.54 and 46.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 2016 Dehler 30 OD 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 2016 Dehler 30 OD has a comfort ratio of 16.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 1994 Catalina 320 and 36.5% for the 2016 Dehler 30 OD, 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 2016 Dehler 30 OD offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 60L water and 35L 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 2016 Dehler 30 OD 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 Catalina 320 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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Or view individual specs: 1994 Catalina 320 · 2016 Dehler 30 OD