Catalina 28 vs 1975 Ericson 25+ — Comparison
Catalina 28
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 28 | 1975 Ericson 25+ |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Ericson |
| Year | 1998–2004 | 1975–1982 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Bruce King |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.69 m (28.5 ft) | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) | 6.25 m (20.5 ft) |
| Beam | 2.90 m (9.5 ft) | 2.44 m (8.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) | 1.22 m (4.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 2,812 kg (6,199 lbs) | 1,905 kg (4,200 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,134 kg (2,500 lbs) | 726 kg (1,601 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 33.5 m² (361 ft²) | 25.0 m² (269 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 7 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 23 L (6.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 95 L (25.1 gal) | 45 L (11.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 4 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Catalina 28 and 1975 Ericson 25+ represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 28 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1975 Ericson 25+ is a 1970s offering from Ericson from USA. The Catalina 28 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1975 Ericson 25+ was designed by Bruce King.
In terms of size, the Catalina 28 measures 8.69m (28.5ft) overall with a beam of 2.90m, compared to the 1975 Ericson 25+ at 7.62m (25.0ft) with a 2.44m beam. The Catalina 28 is 1.07m longer than the 1975 Ericson 25+. The Catalina 28 displaces approximately 48% 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 Ericson 25+, with an SA/D of 16.54 and 25.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. 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 Ericson 25+ has a comfort ratio of 20.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 40.3% for the Catalina 28 and 38.1% for the 1975 Ericson 25+, 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 Ericson 25+ offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 45L water and 23L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1975 Ericson 25+ 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: Catalina 28 · 1975 Ericson 25+