Catalina 28 vs 1975 Cape Dory Typhoon — Comparison
Catalina 28
1975 Cape Dory Typhoon
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 28 | 1975 Cape Dory Typhoon |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Cape Dory |
| Year | 1998–2004 | 1975–1988 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Carl Alberg |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.69 m (28.5 ft) | 5.79 m (19.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) | 4.57 m (15.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.90 m (9.5 ft) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) | 0.76 m (2.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 2,812 kg (6,199 lbs) | 680 kg (1,499 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,134 kg (2,500 lbs) | 272 kg (600 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 33.5 m² (361 ft²) | 10.6 m² (114 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 5 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 8 L (2.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 95 L (25.1 gal) | 15 L (4.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 2 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Catalina 28 and 1975 Cape Dory Typhoon represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 28 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1975 Cape Dory Typhoon is a 1970s offering from Cape Dory from USA. The Catalina 28 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1975 Cape Dory Typhoon was designed by Carl Alberg.
In terms of size, the Catalina 28 measures 8.69m (28.5ft) overall with a beam of 2.90m, compared to the 1975 Cape Dory Typhoon at 5.79m (19.0ft) with a 1.83m beam. The Catalina 28 is 2.90m longer than the 1975 Cape Dory Typhoon. The Catalina 28 displaces approximately 314% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Catalina 28 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.09 and 33.5 m² of sail area. The 1975 Cape Dory Typhoon, with an SA/D of 13.94 and 10.6 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The Catalina 28 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Catalina 28 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.82). The 1975 Cape Dory Typhoon has a comfort ratio of 19.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.83. The ballast ratios are 40.3% for the Catalina 28 and 40.0% for the 1975 Cape Dory Typhoon, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Catalina 28 provides 6 berths in 1 cabin with 95L of water capacity and 57L of fuel. The 1975 Cape Dory Typhoon offers 2 berths in 1 cabin with 15L water and 8L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1975 Cape Dory Typhoon 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.