1997 Catalina 380 vs Catalina 387 — Comparison

1997 Catalina 3801997 Catalina 380
VS
Catalina 387Catalina 387

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1997 Catalina 380Catalina 387
General
ManufacturerCatalinaCatalina
Year1997–20051996–2003
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerGerry DouglasGerry Douglas
Dimensions
LOA11.58 m (38.0 ft)11.58 m (38.0 ft)
LWL9.75 m (32.0 ft)10.06 m (33.0 ft)
Beam3.72 m (12.2 ft)3.66 m (12.0 ft)
Draft1.83 m (6.0 ft)1.96 m (6.4 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,711 kg (17,000 lbs)7,484 kg (16,499 lbs)
Ballast3,175 kg (7,000 lbs)2,948 kg (6,499 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area62.4 m² (672 ft²)63.0 m² (678 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine35 HP35 HP
Fuel Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)114 L (30.1 gal)
Water Capacity227 L (60.0 gal)227 L (60.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths77
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1997 Catalina 380
16.24
Catalina 387
16.73
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1997 Catalina 380
41.17
Catalina 387
39.39
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1997 Catalina 380
0.75
Catalina 387
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1997 Catalina 380
19.41
Catalina 387
18.47

Detailed Comparison

The 1997 Catalina 380 and Catalina 387 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1997 Catalina 380 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the Catalina 387 is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1997 Catalina 380 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The Catalina 387 was designed by Gerry Douglas.

In terms of size, the 1997 Catalina 380 measures 11.58m (38.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.72m, compared to the Catalina 387 at 11.58m (38.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 1997 Catalina 380 displaces approximately 3% 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 Catalina 387, with an SA/D of 16.73 and 63.0 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 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 Catalina 387 has a comfort ratio of 18.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 41.2% for the 1997 Catalina 380 and 39.4% for the Catalina 387, 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 Catalina 387 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 227L water and 114L 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 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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