2003 Catalina 310 vs Hunter 33 — Comparison
2003 Catalina 310
Hunter 33
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2003 Catalina 310 | Hunter 33 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Hunter |
| Year | 2003–2007 | 1988–1994 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Hunter Design Team |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.38 m (27.5 ft) | 8.53 m (28.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.30 m (10.8 ft) | 3.35 m (11.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) | 4,763 kg (10,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 45.3 m² (488 ft²) | 48.0 m² (517 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2003 Catalina 310 and Hunter 33 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2003 Catalina 310 is a 2000s design by Catalina from USA, while the Hunter 33 is a 1980s offering from Hunter from USA. The 2003 Catalina 310 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The Hunter 33 was designed by Hunter Design Team.
In terms of size, the 2003 Catalina 310 measures 9.45m (31.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.30m, compared to the Hunter 33 at 10.06m (33.0ft) with a 3.35m beam. The Hunter 33 is 0.61m longer than the 2003 Catalina 310. The Hunter 33 displaces approximately 5% 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 Hunter 33, with an SA/D of 17.23 and 48.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Hunter 33 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 Hunter 33 has a comfort ratio of 18.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.80. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 2003 Catalina 310 and 38.1% for the Hunter 33, 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 Hunter 33 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 151L water and 76L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2003 Catalina 310 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 33 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.