1997 Dufour 30 Classic vs Catalina 28 — Comparison
Catalina 28
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1997 Dufour 30 Classic | Catalina 28 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Catalina |
| Year | 1997–2003 | 1998–2004 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Umberto Felci | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.15 m (30.0 ft) | 8.69 m (28.5 ft) |
| LWL | 7.80 m (25.6 ft) | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.10 m (10.2 ft) | 2.90 m (9.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.60 m (5.2 ft) | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 3,800 kg (8,378 lbs) | 2,812 kg (6,199 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs) | 1,134 kg (2,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 40.0 m² (431 ft²) | 33.5 m² (361 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 15 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 50 L (13.2 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 90 L (23.8 gal) | 95 L (25.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic and Catalina 28 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic is a 1990s design by Dufour from France, while the Catalina 28 is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic was penned by Umberto Felci. The Catalina 28 was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic measures 9.15m (30.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.10m, compared to the Catalina 28 at 8.69m (28.5ft) with a 2.90m beam. The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic is 0.46m longer than the Catalina 28. The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic displaces approximately 35% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.69 and 40.0 m² of sail area. The Catalina 28, with an SA/D of 17.09 and 33.5 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Catalina 28 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The Catalina 28 has a comfort ratio of 16.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.82. The ballast ratios are 36.8% for the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic and 40.3% for the Catalina 28, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1997 Dufour 30 Classic provides 5 berths in 2 cabins with 90L of water capacity and 50L of fuel. The Catalina 28 offers 6 berths in 1 cabin with 95L water and 57L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1997 Dufour 30 Classic 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 28 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The Catalina 28 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 Dufour 30 Classic · Catalina 28