2003 Catalina 310 vs 1998 Dehler 29 — Comparison

2003 Catalina 3102003 Catalina 310
VS
1998 Dehler 29

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2003 Catalina 3101998 Dehler 29
General
ManufacturerCatalinaDehler
Year2003–20071998–2006
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAGermany
DesignerGerry DouglasJudel/Vrolijk
Dimensions
LOA9.45 m (31.0 ft)8.82 m (28.9 ft)
LWL8.38 m (27.5 ft)7.60 m (24.9 ft)
Beam3.30 m (10.8 ft)2.95 m (9.7 ft)
Draft1.52 m (5.0 ft)1.55 m (5.1 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,536 kg (10,000 lbs)3,200 kg (7,055 lbs)
Ballast1,814 kg (3,999 lbs)1,200 kg (2,646 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area45.3 m² (488 ft²)35.0 m² (377 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine18 HP14 HP
Fuel Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)40 L (10.6 gal)
Water Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)80 L (21.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths65
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2003 Catalina 310
16.80
1998 Dehler 29
16.38
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2003 Catalina 310
39.99
1998 Dehler 29
37.50
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2003 Catalina 310
0.80
1998 Dehler 29
0.80
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2003 Catalina 310
18.77
1998 Dehler 29
18.34

Detailed Comparison

The 2003 Catalina 310 and 1998 Dehler 29 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2003 Catalina 310 is a 2000s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1998 Dehler 29 is a 1990s offering from Dehler from Germany. The 2003 Catalina 310 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1998 Dehler 29 was designed by Judel/Vrolijk.

In terms of size, the 2003 Catalina 310 measures 9.45m (31.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.30m, compared to the 1998 Dehler 29 at 8.82m (28.9ft) with a 2.95m beam. The 2003 Catalina 310 is 0.63m longer than the 1998 Dehler 29. The 2003 Catalina 310 displaces approximately 42% 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 1998 Dehler 29, with an SA/D of 16.38 and 35.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. 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 1998 Dehler 29 has a comfort ratio of 18.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.80. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 2003 Catalina 310 and 37.5% for the 1998 Dehler 29, 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 1998 Dehler 29 offers 5 berths in 2 cabins with 80L water and 40L 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 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.

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Or view individual specs: 2003 Catalina 310 · 1998 Dehler 29