Catalina 28 vs 1994 Island Packet 35 — Comparison
Catalina 28
1994 Island Packet 35
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 28 | 1994 Island Packet 35 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Island Packet |
| Year | 1998–2004 | 1994–2003 |
| Type | Sloop | Cutter |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Bob Johnson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 8.69 m (28.5 ft) | 10.67 m (35.0 ft) |
| LWL | 7.62 m (25.0 ft) | 9.14 m (30.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.90 m (9.5 ft) | 3.56 m (11.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) | 1.32 m (4.3 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 2,812 kg (6,199 lbs) | 7,257 kg (15,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,134 kg (2,500 lbs) | 2,948 kg (6,499 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 33.5 m² (361 ft²) | 53.5 m² (576 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 15 HP | 35 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 57 L (15.1 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 95 L (25.1 gal) | 265 L (70.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Catalina 28 and 1994 Island Packet 35 represent different approaches to sailboat design. The Catalina 28 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1994 Island Packet 35 is a 1990s offering from Island Packet from USA. The Catalina 28 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1994 Island Packet 35 was designed by Bob Johnson.
In terms of size, the Catalina 28 measures 8.69m (28.5ft) overall with a beam of 2.90m, compared to the 1994 Island Packet 35 at 10.67m (35.0ft) with a 3.56m beam. The 1994 Island Packet 35 is 1.98m longer than the Catalina 28. The 1994 Island Packet 35 displaces approximately 158% 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 1994 Island Packet 35, with an SA/D of 14.50 and 53.5 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 1994 Island Packet 35 has a comfort ratio of 22.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 40.3% for the Catalina 28 and 40.6% for the 1994 Island Packet 35, 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 1994 Island Packet 35 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 265L water and 151L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1994 Island Packet 35 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: Both boats provide similar accommodation, making either a viable choice for living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.