Catalina 323 vs 2003 Sabre 402 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 323 | 2003 Sabre 402 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Sabre |
| Year | 2004–2009 | 2003–2010 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Jim Taylor |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) | 12.19 m (40.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) | 10.36 m (34.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.25 m (10.7 ft) | 3.72 m (12.2 ft) |
| Draft | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) | 1.83 m (6.0 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,763 kg (10,501 lbs) | 8,165 kg (18,001 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) | 3,266 kg (7,200 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 46.0 m² (495 ft²) | 66.0 m² (710 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 21 HP | 40 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 151 L (39.9 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 2003 Sabre 402 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 323 is a 2000s design by Catalina from USA, while the 2003 Sabre 402 is a 2000s offering from Sabre from USA. The Catalina 323 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 2003 Sabre 402 was designed by Jim Taylor.
In terms of size, the Catalina 323 measures 9.75m (32.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.25m, compared to the 2003 Sabre 402 at 12.19m (40.0ft) with a 3.72m beam. The 2003 Sabre 402 is 2.44m longer than the Catalina 323. The 2003 Sabre 402 displaces approximately 71% 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 2003 Sabre 402, with an SA/D of 16.54 and 66.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 2003 Sabre 402 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 2003 Sabre 402 has a comfort ratio of 18.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.74. The ballast ratios are 38.1% for the Catalina 323 and 40.0% for the 2003 Sabre 402, 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 2003 Sabre 402 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 227L water and 151L 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 2003 Sabre 402 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 Sabre 402 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: Catalina 323 · 2003 Sabre 402