Catalina 323 vs Catalina 387 — Comparison
Catalina 323
Catalina 387
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 323 | Catalina 387 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Catalina |
| Year | 2004–2009 | 1996–2003 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.25 m (10.7 ft) | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) | 1.96 m (6.4 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,763 kg (10,501 lbs) | 7,484 kg (16,499 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) | 2,948 kg (6,499 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 46.0 m² (495 ft²) | 63.0 m² (678 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 21 HP | 35 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 151 L (39.9 gal) | 227 L (60.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 7 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Catalina 323 and Catalina 387 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 323 is a 2000s design by Catalina from USA, while the Catalina 387 is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The Catalina 323 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The Catalina 387 was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the Catalina 323 measures 9.75m (32.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.25m, compared to the Catalina 387 at 11.58m (38.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The Catalina 387 is 1.83m longer than the Catalina 323. The Catalina 387 displaces approximately 57% 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 Catalina 387, with an SA/D of 16.73 and 63.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Catalina 387 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 Catalina 387 has a comfort ratio of 18.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 38.1% for the Catalina 323 and 39.4% for the Catalina 387, 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 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 Catalina 387 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The Catalina 387 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.