1997 Catalina 380 vs Beneteau First 30 — Comparison
1997 Catalina 380
Beneteau First 30
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1997 Catalina 380 | Beneteau First 30 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Beneteau |
| Year | 1997–2005 | 1983–1989 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Jean Berret |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.72 m (12.2 ft) | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,711 kg (17,000 lbs) | 3,600 kg (7,937 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) | 1,300 kg (2,866 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 62.4 m² (672 ft²) | 42.0 m² (452 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 35 HP | 15 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 60 L (15.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 227 L (60.0 gal) | 100 L (26.4 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1997 Catalina 380 and Beneteau First 30 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1997 Catalina 380 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the Beneteau First 30 is a 1980s offering from Beneteau from France. The 1997 Catalina 380 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The Beneteau First 30 was designed by Jean Berret.
In terms of size, the 1997 Catalina 380 measures 11.58m (38.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.72m, compared to the Beneteau First 30 at 9.14m (30.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The 1997 Catalina 380 is 2.44m longer than the Beneteau First 30. The 1997 Catalina 380 displaces approximately 114% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1997 Catalina 380 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.24 and 62.4 m² of sail area. The Beneteau First 30, with an SA/D of 18.17 and 42.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Beneteau First 30 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1997 Catalina 380 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.4) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.75). The Beneteau First 30 has a comfort ratio of 19.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.80. The ballast ratios are 41.2% for the 1997 Catalina 380 and 36.1% for the Beneteau First 30, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1997 Catalina 380 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 227L of water capacity and 114L of fuel. The Beneteau First 30 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 100L water and 60L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1997 Catalina 380 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 Beneteau First 30 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 1997 Catalina 380 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: 1997 Catalina 380 · Beneteau First 30