Catalina 387 vs 1992 Contest 42 — Comparison
Catalina 387
1992 Contest 42
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 387 | 1992 Contest 42 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Contest |
| Year | 1996–2003 | 1992–2002 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | Netherlands |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Dick Zaal |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) |
| LWL | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) | 3.86 m (12.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.96 m (6.4 ft) | 1.95 m (6.4 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,484 kg (16,499 lbs) | 10,400 kg (22,928 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,948 kg (6,499 lbs) | 4,200 kg (9,259 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 63.0 m² (678 ft²) | 76.0 m² (818 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Steel |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 35 HP | 55 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 250 L (66.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 227 L (60.0 gal) | 400 L (105.7 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 3 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Catalina 387 and 1992 Contest 42 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 387 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1992 Contest 42 is a 1990s offering from Contest from Netherlands. The Catalina 387 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1992 Contest 42 was designed by Dick Zaal.
In terms of size, the Catalina 387 measures 11.58m (38.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.66m, compared to the 1992 Contest 42 at 12.80m (42.0ft) with a 3.86m beam. The 1992 Contest 42 is 1.22m longer than the Catalina 387. The 1992 Contest 42 displaces approximately 39% 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 1992 Contest 42, with an SA/D of 16.20 and 76.0 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 1992 Contest 42 has a comfort ratio of 21.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.71. The ballast ratios are 39.4% for the Catalina 387 and 40.4% for the 1992 Contest 42, 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 1992 Contest 42 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 400L water and 250L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1992 Contest 42 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: 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: Catalina 387 · 1992 Contest 42