2003 Catalina 310 vs 1986 Island Packet 27 — Comparison
2003 Catalina 310
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2003 Catalina 310 | 1986 Island Packet 27 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Island Packet |
| Year | 2003–2007 | 1986–1994 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Bob Johnson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.38 m (27.5 ft) | 7.01 m (23.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.30 m (10.8 ft) | 2.90 m (9.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.07 m (3.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) | 3,175 kg (7,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) | 1,270 kg (2,800 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 45.3 m² (488 ft²) | 29.0 m² (312 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 15 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 95 L (25.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 4 |
| Cabins | 2 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2003 Catalina 310 and 1986 Island Packet 27 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2003 Catalina 310 is a 2000s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1986 Island Packet 27 is a 1980s offering from Island Packet from USA. The 2003 Catalina 310 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1986 Island Packet 27 was designed by Bob Johnson.
In terms of size, the 2003 Catalina 310 measures 9.45m (31.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.30m, compared to the 1986 Island Packet 27 at 8.23m (27.0ft) with a 2.90m beam. The 2003 Catalina 310 is 1.22m longer than the 1986 Island Packet 27. The 2003 Catalina 310 displaces approximately 43% 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 1986 Island Packet 27, with an SA/D of 13.64 and 29.0 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 1986 Island Packet 27 has a comfort ratio of 21.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.79. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 2003 Catalina 310 and 40.0% for the 1986 Island Packet 27, 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 1986 Island Packet 27 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 95L water and 57L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1986 Island Packet 27 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: The 2003 Catalina 310 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended 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: 2003 Catalina 310 · 1986 Island Packet 27