Catalina 323 vs 1973 Ranger 33 — Comparison
1973 Ranger 33
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 323 | 1973 Ranger 33 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Ranger |
| Year | 2004–2009 | 1973–1979 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Gary Mull |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.25 m (10.7 ft) | 3.05 m (10.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,763 kg (10,501 lbs) | 4,763 kg (10,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 46.0 m² (495 ft²) | 43.0 m² (463 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 21 HP | 15 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 151 L (39.9 gal) | 95 L (25.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Catalina 323 and 1973 Ranger 33 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 323 is a 2000s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1973 Ranger 33 is a 1970s offering from Ranger from USA. The Catalina 323 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1973 Ranger 33 was designed by Gary Mull.
In terms of size, the Catalina 323 measures 9.75m (32.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.25m, compared to the 1973 Ranger 33 at 10.06m (33.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The 1973 Ranger 33 is 0.31m longer than the Catalina 323.
Looking at performance, the Catalina 323 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.51 and 46.0 m² of sail area. The 1973 Ranger 33, with an SA/D of 15.43 and 43.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Catalina 323 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Catalina 323 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 1973 Ranger 33 has a comfort ratio of 21.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 38.1% for the Catalina 323 and 42.9% for the 1973 Ranger 33, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Catalina 323 provides 6 berths in 1 cabin with 151L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The 1973 Ranger 33 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 95L water and 57L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1973 Ranger 33 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 Catalina 323 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.
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