1997 Catalina 380 vs Catalina 323 — Comparison
1997 Catalina 380
Catalina 323
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1997 Catalina 380 | Catalina 323 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Catalina |
| Year | 1997–2005 | 2004–2009 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.72 m (12.2 ft) | 3.25 m (10.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,711 kg (17,000 lbs) | 4,763 kg (10,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 62.4 m² (672 ft²) | 46.0 m² (495 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 35 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 227 L (60.0 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1997 Catalina 380 and Catalina 323 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1997 Catalina 380 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the Catalina 323 is a 2000s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1997 Catalina 380 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The Catalina 323 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 323 at 9.75m (32.0ft) with a 3.25m beam. The 1997 Catalina 380 is 1.83m longer than the Catalina 323. 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 Catalina 323, with an SA/D of 16.51 and 46.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Catalina 323 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 323 has a comfort ratio of 18.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 41.2% for the 1997 Catalina 380 and 38.1% for the Catalina 323, 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 323 offers 6 berths in 1 cabin 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 Catalina 323 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.