2003 Catalina 310 vs Hunter 280 — Comparison
2003 Catalina 310
Hunter 280
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2003 Catalina 310 | Hunter 280 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Hunter |
| Year | 2003–2007 | 1998–2003 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Glenn Henderson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) | 8.53 m (28.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.38 m (27.5 ft) | 7.47 m (24.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.30 m (10.8 ft) | 2.82 m (9.3 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) | 2,585 kg (5,699 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) | 998 kg (2,200 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 45.3 m² (488 ft²) | 34.0 m² (366 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 18 HP | 15 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 45 L (11.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 114 L (30.1 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 5 |
| Cabins | 2 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2003 Catalina 310 and Hunter 280 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2003 Catalina 310 is a 2000s design by Catalina from USA, while the Hunter 280 is a 1990s offering from Hunter from USA. The 2003 Catalina 310 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The Hunter 280 was designed by Glenn Henderson.
In terms of size, the 2003 Catalina 310 measures 9.45m (31.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.30m, compared to the Hunter 280 at 8.53m (28.0ft) with a 2.82m beam. The 2003 Catalina 310 is 0.92m longer than the Hunter 280. The 2003 Catalina 310 displaces approximately 75% 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 280, with an SA/D of 18.35 and 34.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Hunter 280 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 280 has a comfort ratio of 16.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.82. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the 2003 Catalina 310 and 38.6% for the Hunter 280, 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 280 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 76L water and 45L 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 280 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.