2003 Catalina 310 vs 1990 Feeling 32 — Comparison

2003 Catalina 310 2003 Catalina 310
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1990 Feeling 32 1990 Feeling 32

Specifications Side by Side

Specification 2003 Catalina 310 1990 Feeling 32
General
Manufacturer Catalina Feeling
Year 2003–2007 1990–1998
Type Sloop Sloop
Country USA France
Designer Gerry Douglas Philippe Harlé
Dimensions
LOA 9.45 m (31.0 ft) 9.85 m (32.3 ft)
LWL 8.38 m (27.5 ft) 8.20 m (26.9 ft)
Beam 3.30 m (10.8 ft) 3.15 m (10.3 ft)
Draft 1.52 m (5.0 ft) 1.50 m (4.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) 4,700 kg (10,362 lbs)
Ballast 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) 1,700 kg (3,748 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area 45.3 m² (488 ft²) 40.0 m² (431 ft²)
Hull Material Fiberglass Fiberglass
Keel Type Fin Fin
Engine & Tanks
Engine 18 HP 18 HP
Fuel Capacity 76 L (20.1 gal) 60 L (15.9 gal)
Water Capacity 114 L (30.1 gal) 120 L (31.7 gal)
Accommodation
Berths 6 5
Cabins 2 2

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2003 Catalina 310
16.80
1990 Feeling 32
14.49
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2003 Catalina 310
39.99
1990 Feeling 32
36.17
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2003 Catalina 310
0.80
1990 Feeling 32
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2003 Catalina 310
18.77
1990 Feeling 32
20.72

Detailed Comparison

The 2003 Catalina 310 and 1990 Feeling 32 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2003 Catalina 310 is a 2000s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1990 Feeling 32 is a 1990s offering from Feeling from France. The 2003 Catalina 310 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1990 Feeling 32 was designed by Philippe Harlé.

In terms of size, the 2003 Catalina 310 measures 9.45m (31.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.30m, compared to the 1990 Feeling 32 at 9.85m (32.3ft) with a 3.15m beam. The 1990 Feeling 32 is 0.40m longer than the 2003 Catalina 310. The 1990 Feeling 32 displaces approximately 4% 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 1990 Feeling 32, with an SA/D of 14.49 and 40.0 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 1990 Feeling 32 has a comfort ratio of 20.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 2003 Catalina 310 and 36.2% for the 1990 Feeling 32, 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 1990 Feeling 32 offers 5 berths in 2 cabins with 120L water and 60L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1990 Feeling 32 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

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