2005 Sabre 426 vs Catalina 387 — Comparison
2005 Sabre 426
Catalina 387
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2005 Sabre 426 | Catalina 387 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Sabre | Catalina |
| Year | 2005–2012 | 1996–2003 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Jim Taylor | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.95 m (42.5 ft) | 11.58 m (38.0 ft) |
| LWL | 10.67 m (35.0 ft) | 10.06 m (33.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.96 m (13.0 ft) | 3.66 m (12.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.98 m (6.5 ft) | 1.96 m (6.4 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 9,979 kg (22,000 lbs) | 7,484 kg (16,499 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,856 kg (8,501 lbs) | 2,948 kg (6,499 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 77.5 m² (834 ft²) | 63.0 m² (678 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 55 HP | 35 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 189 L (49.9 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 303 L (80.0 gal) | 227 L (60.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2005 Sabre 426 and Catalina 387 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2005 Sabre 426 is a 2000s design by Sabre from USA, while the Catalina 387 is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The 2005 Sabre 426 was penned by Jim Taylor. The Catalina 387 was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the 2005 Sabre 426 measures 12.95m (42.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.96m, compared to the Catalina 387 at 11.58m (38.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 2005 Sabre 426 is 1.37m longer than the Catalina 387. The 2005 Sabre 426 displaces approximately 33% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2005 Sabre 426 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.99 and 77.5 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 2005 Sabre 426 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2005 Sabre 426 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.74). The Catalina 387 has a comfort ratio of 18.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 38.6% for the 2005 Sabre 426 and 39.4% for the Catalina 387, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2005 Sabre 426 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 303L of water capacity and 189L of fuel. The Catalina 387 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 227L water and 114L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2005 Sabre 426 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 2005 Sabre 426 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: 2005 Sabre 426 · Catalina 387