Catalina 387 vs 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur — Comparison

Catalina 387Catalina 387
VS
1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationCatalina 3871988 Wauquiez Gladiateur
General
ManufacturerCatalinaWauquiez
Year1996–20031988–1998
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAFrance
DesignerGerry DouglasJean-Marie Finot
Dimensions
LOA11.58 m (38.0 ft)10.21 m (33.5 ft)
LWL10.06 m (33.0 ft)8.38 m (27.5 ft)
Beam3.66 m (12.0 ft)3.28 m (10.8 ft)
Draft1.96 m (6.4 ft)1.70 m (5.6 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,484 kg (16,499 lbs)5,443 kg (12,000 lbs)
Ballast2,948 kg (6,499 lbs)2,268 kg (5,000 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area63.0 m² (678 ft²)47.0 m² (506 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine35 HP22 HP
Fuel Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)90 L (23.8 gal)
Water Capacity227 L (60.0 gal)170 L (44.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Catalina 387
16.73
1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur
15.43
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Catalina 387
39.39
1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur
41.67
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Catalina 387
0.75
1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Catalina 387
18.47
1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur
21.56

Detailed Comparison

The Catalina 387 and 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 387 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur is a 1980s offering from Wauquiez from France. The Catalina 387 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur was designed by Jean-Marie Finot.

In terms of size, the Catalina 387 measures 11.58m (38.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.66m, compared to the 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur at 10.21m (33.5ft) with a 3.28m beam. The Catalina 387 is 1.37m longer than the 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur. The Catalina 387 displaces approximately 37% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Catalina 387 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.73 and 63.0 m² of sail area. The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur, with an SA/D of 15.43 and 47.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Catalina 387 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Catalina 387 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.5) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.75). The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur has a comfort ratio of 21.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 39.4% for the Catalina 387 and 41.7% for the 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Catalina 387 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 227L of water capacity and 114L of fuel. The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 170L water and 90L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur 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 387 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.

Compare Different Boats

Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats

Or view individual specs: Catalina 387 · 1988 Wauquiez Gladiateur