Catalina 323 vs 1984 Pearson 34 — Comparison
1984 Pearson 34
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 323 | 1984 Pearson 34 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Pearson |
| Year | 2004–2009 | 1984–1990 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | William Shaw |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) | 8.53 m (28.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.25 m (10.7 ft) | 3.35 m (11.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) | 1.60 m (5.2 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,763 kg (10,501 lbs) | 5,443 kg (12,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) | 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 46.0 m² (495 ft²) | 46.0 m² (495 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 21 HP | 20 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 151 L (39.9 gal) | 152 L (40.2 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Catalina 323 and 1984 Pearson 34 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 323 is a 2000s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1984 Pearson 34 is a 1980s offering from Pearson from USA. The Catalina 323 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1984 Pearson 34 was designed by William Shaw.
In terms of size, the Catalina 323 measures 9.75m (32.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.25m, compared to the 1984 Pearson 34 at 10.36m (34.0ft) with a 3.35m beam. The 1984 Pearson 34 is 0.61m longer than the Catalina 323. The 1984 Pearson 34 displaces approximately 14% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
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 1984 Pearson 34, with an SA/D of 15.11 and 46.0 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 1984 Pearson 34 has a comfort ratio of 20.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 38.1% for the Catalina 323 and 41.7% for the 1984 Pearson 34, 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 1984 Pearson 34 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 152L water and 76L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1984 Pearson 34 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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Or view individual specs: Catalina 323 · 1984 Pearson 34