Catalina 387 vs Hunter 380 — Comparison
Catalina 387
Hunter 380
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 387 | Hunter 380 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Hunter |
| Year | 1996–2003 | 2001–2005 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Glenn Henderson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) |
| LWL | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) | 3.76 m (12.3 ft) |
| Draft | 1.96 m (6.4 ft) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,484 kg (16,499 lbs) | 7,257 kg (15,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,948 kg (6,499 lbs) | 2,722 kg (6,001 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 63.0 m² (678 ft²) | 64.0 m² (689 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 35 HP | 35 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 227 L (60.0 gal) | 227 L (60.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Catalina 387 and Hunter 380 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 387 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the Hunter 380 is a 2000s offering from Hunter from USA. The Catalina 387 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The Hunter 380 was designed by Glenn Henderson.
In terms of size, the Catalina 387 measures 11.58m (38.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.66m, compared to the Hunter 380 at 11.58m (38.0ft) with a 3.76m beam. The Catalina 387 displaces approximately 3% 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 Hunter 380, with an SA/D of 17.35 and 64.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Hunter 380 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 Hunter 380 has a comfort ratio of 17.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.78. The ballast ratios are 39.4% for the Catalina 387 and 37.5% for the Hunter 380, 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 Hunter 380 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 Hunter 380 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 · Hunter 380