1999 Catalina 400 vs Hunter 450 — Comparison

1999 Catalina 4001999 Catalina 400
VS
Hunter 450

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1999 Catalina 400Hunter 450
General
ManufacturerCatalinaHunter
Year1999–20062001–2006
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerGerry DouglasGlenn Henderson
Dimensions
LOA12.12 m (39.8 ft)13.72 m (45.0 ft)
LWL10.36 m (34.0 ft)11.89 m (39.0 ft)
Beam3.86 m (12.7 ft)4.27 m (14.0 ft)
Draft1.98 m (6.5 ft)2.06 m (6.8 ft)
Weight
Displacement8,845 kg (19,500 lbs)10,886 kg (23,999 lbs)
Ballast3,629 kg (8,001 lbs)4,082 kg (8,999 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area66.9 m² (720 ft²)86.0 m² (926 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine40 HP75 HP
Fuel Capacity151 L (39.9 gal)189 L (49.9 gal)
Water Capacity303 L (80.0 gal)341 L (90.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths88
Cabins33

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1999 Catalina 400
15.89
Hunter 450
17.79
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1999 Catalina 400
41.03
Hunter 450
37.50
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1999 Catalina 400
0.75
Hunter 450
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1999 Catalina 400
18.97
Hunter 450
15.63

Detailed Comparison

The 1999 Catalina 400 and Hunter 450 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1999 Catalina 400 is a 1990s design by Catalina from USA, while the Hunter 450 is a 2000s offering from Hunter from USA. The 1999 Catalina 400 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The Hunter 450 was designed by Glenn Henderson.

In terms of size, the 1999 Catalina 400 measures 12.12m (39.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.86m, compared to the Hunter 450 at 13.72m (45.0ft) with a 4.27m beam. The Hunter 450 is 1.60m longer than the 1999 Catalina 400. The Hunter 450 displaces approximately 23% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1999 Catalina 400 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 15.89 and 66.9 m² of sail area. The Hunter 450, with an SA/D of 17.79 and 86.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Hunter 450 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1999 Catalina 400 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.75). The Hunter 450 has a comfort ratio of 15.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 41.0% for the 1999 Catalina 400 and 37.5% for the Hunter 450, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1999 Catalina 400 provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 303L of water capacity and 151L of fuel. The Hunter 450 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 341L water and 189L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1999 Catalina 400 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 Hunter 450 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.

Compare Different Boats

Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats

Or view individual specs: 1999 Catalina 400 · Hunter 450