Catalina 323 vs Dufour 365 Grand Large — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 323 | Dufour 365 Grand Large |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Dufour |
| Year | 2004–2009 | 2003–2007 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Umberto Felci |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) | 9.72 m (31.9 ft) |
| Beam | 3.25 m (10.7 ft) | 3.52 m (11.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) | 1.80 m (5.9 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,763 kg (10,501 lbs) | 6,100 kg (13,448 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) | 1,850 kg (4,079 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 46.0 m² (495 ft²) | 57.5 m² (619 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 21 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 120 L (31.7 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 151 L (39.9 gal) | 210 L (55.5 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Catalina 323 and Dufour 365 Grand Large represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 323 is a 2000s design by Catalina from USA, while the Dufour 365 Grand Large is a 2000s offering from Dufour from France. The Catalina 323 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The Dufour 365 Grand Large was designed by Umberto Felci.
In terms of size, the Catalina 323 measures 9.75m (32.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.25m, compared to the Dufour 365 Grand Large at 10.97m (36.0ft) with a 3.52m beam. The Dufour 365 Grand Large is 1.22m longer than the Catalina 323. The Dufour 365 Grand Large displaces approximately 28% 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 Dufour 365 Grand Large, with an SA/D of 17.50 and 57.5 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Dufour 365 Grand Large 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 Dufour 365 Grand Large has a comfort ratio of 17.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 38.1% for the Catalina 323 and 30.3% for the Dufour 365 Grand Large, 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 Dufour 365 Grand Large offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 210L water and 120L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Catalina 323 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 Dufour 365 Grand Large 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 · Dufour 365 Grand Large