1994 J/105 vs Catalina 387 — Comparison
1994 J/105
Catalina 387
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1994 J/105 | Catalina 387 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | J/Boats | Catalina |
| Year | 1994–2008 | 1996–2003 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Rod Johnstone | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.52 m (34.5 ft) | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.97 m (29.4 ft) | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.28 m (10.8 ft) | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.98 m (6.5 ft) | 1.96 m (6.4 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,856 kg (8,501 lbs) | 7,484 kg (16,499 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,678 kg (3,699 lbs) | 2,948 kg (6,499 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 57.6 m² (620 ft²) | 63.0 m² (678 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 35 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 38 L (10.0 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 227 L (60.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1994 J/105 and Catalina 387 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1994 J/105 is a 1990s design by J/Boats from USA, while the Catalina 387 is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1994 J/105 was penned by Rod Johnstone. The Catalina 387 was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the 1994 J/105 measures 10.52m (34.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.28m, compared to the Catalina 387 at 11.58m (38.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The Catalina 387 is 1.06m longer than the 1994 J/105. The Catalina 387 displaces approximately 94% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1994 J/105 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 23.80 and 57.6 m² of sail area. The Catalina 387, with an SA/D of 16.73 and 63.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1994 J/105 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1994 J/105 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 13.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.84). The Catalina 387 has a comfort ratio of 18.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 43.5% for the 1994 J/105 and 39.4% for the Catalina 387, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1994 J/105 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 57L of water capacity and 38L of fuel. The Catalina 387 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 227L water and 114L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Catalina 387 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 J/105 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The Catalina 387 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.