1997 Catalina 380 vs Hunter 33 — Comparison

1997 Catalina 3801997 Catalina 380
VS
Hunter 33Hunter 33

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1997 Catalina 380Hunter 33
General
ManufacturerCatalinaHunter
Year1997–20051988–1994
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerGerry DouglasHunter Design Team
Dimensions
LOA11.58 m (38.0 ft)10.06 m (33.0 ft)
LWL9.75 m (32.0 ft)8.53 m (28.0 ft)
Beam3.72 m (12.2 ft)3.35 m (11.0 ft)
Draft1.83 m (6.0 ft)1.68 m (5.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,711 kg (17,000 lbs)4,763 kg (10,501 lbs)
Ballast3,175 kg (7,000 lbs)1,814 kg (3,999 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area62.4 m² (672 ft²)48.0 m² (517 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine35 HP21 HP
Fuel Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)76 L (20.1 gal)
Water Capacity227 L (60.0 gal)151 L (39.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths76
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1997 Catalina 380
16.24
Hunter 33
17.23
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1997 Catalina 380
41.17
Hunter 33
38.09
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1997 Catalina 380
0.75
Hunter 33
0.80
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1997 Catalina 380
19.41
Hunter 33
18.10

Detailed Comparison

The 1997 Catalina 380 and Hunter 33 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1997 Catalina 380 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the Hunter 33 is a 1980s offering from Hunter from USA. The 1997 Catalina 380 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The Hunter 33 was designed by Hunter Design Team.

In terms of size, the 1997 Catalina 380 measures 11.58m (38.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.72m, compared to the Hunter 33 at 10.06m (33.0ft) with a 3.35m beam. The 1997 Catalina 380 is 1.52m longer than the Hunter 33. The 1997 Catalina 380 displaces approximately 62% 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 Hunter 33, with an SA/D of 17.23 and 48.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Hunter 33 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 Hunter 33 has a comfort ratio of 18.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.80. The ballast ratios are 41.2% for the 1997 Catalina 380 and 38.1% for the Hunter 33, 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 Hunter 33 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 151L water and 76L 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 Hunter 33 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 · Hunter 33