2003 Hunter 41 AC vs Catalina 387 — Comparison

2003 Hunter 41 AC
VS
Catalina 387Catalina 387

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2003 Hunter 41 ACCatalina 387
General
ManufacturerHunterCatalina
Year2003–20071996–2003
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerGlenn HendersonGerry Douglas
Dimensions
LOA12.50 m (41.0 ft)11.58 m (38.0 ft)
LWL10.82 m (35.5 ft)10.06 m (33.0 ft)
Beam4.09 m (13.4 ft)3.66 m (12.0 ft)
Draft1.52 m (5.0 ft)1.96 m (6.4 ft)
Weight
Displacement9,072 kg (20,000 lbs)7,484 kg (16,499 lbs)
Ballast3,175 kg (7,000 lbs)2,948 kg (6,499 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area73.2 m² (788 ft²)63.0 m² (678 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeShoal draftFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine40 HP35 HP
Fuel Capacity151 L (39.9 gal)114 L (30.1 gal)
Water Capacity303 L (80.0 gal)227 L (60.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths87
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2003 Hunter 41 AC
17.10
Catalina 387
16.73
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2003 Hunter 41 AC
35.00
Catalina 387
39.39
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2003 Hunter 41 AC
0.79
Catalina 387
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2003 Hunter 41 AC
16.65
Catalina 387
18.47

Detailed Comparison

The 2003 Hunter 41 AC and Catalina 387 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2003 Hunter 41 AC is a 2000s design by Hunter from USA, while the Catalina 387 is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The 2003 Hunter 41 AC was penned by Glenn Henderson. The Catalina 387 was designed by Gerry Douglas.

In terms of size, the 2003 Hunter 41 AC measures 12.50m (41.0ft) overall with a beam of 4.09m, compared to the Catalina 387 at 11.58m (38.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 2003 Hunter 41 AC is 0.92m longer than the Catalina 387. The 2003 Hunter 41 AC displaces approximately 21% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2003 Hunter 41 AC has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.10 and 73.2 m² of sail area. The Catalina 387, with an SA/D of 16.73 and 63.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2003 Hunter 41 AC has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2003 Hunter 41 AC offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The Catalina 387 has a comfort ratio of 18.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 35.0% for the 2003 Hunter 41 AC and 39.4% for the Catalina 387, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2003 Hunter 41 AC provides 8 berths in 3 cabins with 303L of water capacity and 151L of fuel. The Catalina 387 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 227L water and 114L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Catalina 387 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 Hunter 41 AC 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 Hunter 41 AC 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 Hunter 41 AC · Catalina 387