Catalina 390 vs 1987 C&C 44 — Comparison

Catalina 390
VS
1987 C&C 44

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationCatalina 3901987 C&C 44
General
ManufacturerCatalinaC&C Yachts
Year1997–20031987–1993
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSACanada
DesignerGerry DouglasCuthbertson & Cassian
Dimensions
LOA11.89 m (39.0 ft)13.41 m (44.0 ft)
LWL10.21 m (33.5 ft)10.97 m (36.0 ft)
Beam3.76 m (12.3 ft)3.96 m (13.0 ft)
Draft1.98 m (6.5 ft)2.00 m (6.6 ft)
Weight
Displacement8,256 kg (18,201 lbs)10,433 kg (23,001 lbs)
Ballast3,266 kg (7,200 lbs)4,309 kg (9,500 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area65.5 m² (705 ft²)80.0 m² (861 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine35 HP45 HP
Fuel Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)170 L (44.9 gal)
Water Capacity265 L (70.0 gal)300 L (79.3 gal)
Accommodation
Berths77
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Catalina 390
16.29
1987 C&C 44
17.02
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Catalina 390
39.56
1987 C&C 44
41.30
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Catalina 390
0.75
1987 C&C 44
0.73
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Catalina 390
18.93
1987 C&C 44
18.72

Detailed Comparison

The Catalina 390 and 1987 C&C 44 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 390 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1987 C&C 44 is a 1980s offering from C&C Yachts from Canada. The Catalina 390 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1987 C&C 44 was designed by Cuthbertson & Cassian.

In terms of size, the Catalina 390 measures 11.89m (39.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.76m, compared to the 1987 C&C 44 at 13.41m (44.0ft) with a 3.96m beam. The 1987 C&C 44 is 1.52m longer than the Catalina 390. The 1987 C&C 44 displaces approximately 26% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Catalina 390 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.29 and 65.5 m² of sail area. The 1987 C&C 44, with an SA/D of 17.02 and 80.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 1987 C&C 44 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Catalina 390 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.75). The 1987 C&C 44 has a comfort ratio of 18.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 39.6% for the Catalina 390 and 41.3% for the 1987 C&C 44, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Catalina 390 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 265L of water capacity and 114L of fuel. The 1987 C&C 44 offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 300L water and 170L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Catalina 390 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 1987 C&C 44 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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