2003 Catalina 310 vs 1979 Westerly Fulmar — Comparison
2003 Catalina 310
1979 Westerly Fulmar
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2003 Catalina 310 | 1979 Westerly Fulmar |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Westerly |
| Year | 2003–2007 | 1979–1986 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | UK |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Ed Dubois |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.38 m (27.5 ft) | 8.00 m (26.2 ft) |
| Beam | 3.30 m (10.8 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.07 m (3.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) | 4,990 kg (11,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 45.3 m² (488 ft²) | 36.0 m² (388 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Bilge |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 18 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 68 L (18.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 136 L (35.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2003 Catalina 310 and 1979 Westerly Fulmar represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2003 Catalina 310 is a 2000s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1979 Westerly Fulmar is a 1970s offering from Westerly from UK. The 2003 Catalina 310 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1979 Westerly Fulmar was designed by Ed Dubois.
In terms of size, the 2003 Catalina 310 measures 9.45m (31.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.30m, compared to the 1979 Westerly Fulmar at 9.75m (32.0ft) with a 3.20m beam. The 1979 Westerly Fulmar is 0.30m longer than the 2003 Catalina 310. The 1979 Westerly Fulmar displaces approximately 10% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2003 Catalina 310 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.80 and 45.3 m² of sail area. The 1979 Westerly Fulmar, with an SA/D of 12.53 and 36.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 2003 Catalina 310 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2003 Catalina 310 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The 1979 Westerly Fulmar has a comfort ratio of 22.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 2003 Catalina 310 and 36.4% for the 1979 Westerly Fulmar, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2003 Catalina 310 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 114L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The 1979 Westerly Fulmar offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 136L water and 68L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1979 Westerly Fulmar 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 2003 Catalina 310 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.
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Or view individual specs: 2003 Catalina 310 · 1979 Westerly Fulmar