Catalina 385 vs 1996 Moody 45 — Comparison

Catalina 385
VS
1996 Moody 451996 Moody 45

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationCatalina 3851996 Moody 45
General
ManufacturerCatalinaMoody
Year2006–20141996–2002
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUK
DesignerGerry DouglasBill Dixon
Dimensions
LOA11.73 m (38.5 ft)13.72 m (45.0 ft)
LWL10.21 m (33.5 ft)11.50 m (37.7 ft)
Beam3.76 m (12.3 ft)4.22 m (13.8 ft)
Draft2.06 m (6.8 ft)1.80 m (5.9 ft)
Weight
Displacement8,165 kg (18,001 lbs)12,500 kg (27,558 lbs)
Ballast3,175 kg (7,000 lbs)4,900 kg (10,803 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area65.0 m² (700 ft²)85.0 m² (915 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine35 HP55 HP
Fuel Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)250 L (66.0 gal)
Water Capacity242 L (63.9 gal)450 L (118.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths78
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Catalina 385
16.29
1996 Moody 45
16.03
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Catalina 385
38.89
1996 Moody 45
39.20
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Catalina 385
0.75
1996 Moody 45
0.73
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Catalina 385
18.89
1996 Moody 45
19.06

Detailed Comparison

The Catalina 385 and 1996 Moody 45 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 385 is a 2000s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1996 Moody 45 is a 1990s offering from Moody from UK. The Catalina 385 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1996 Moody 45 was designed by Bill Dixon.

In terms of size, the Catalina 385 measures 11.73m (38.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.76m, compared to the 1996 Moody 45 at 13.72m (45.0ft) with a 4.22m beam. The 1996 Moody 45 is 1.99m longer than the Catalina 385. The 1996 Moody 45 displaces approximately 53% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Catalina 385 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.29 and 65.0 m² of sail area. The 1996 Moody 45, with an SA/D of 16.03 and 85.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Catalina 385 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Catalina 385 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.75). The 1996 Moody 45 has a comfort ratio of 19.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.73. The ballast ratios are 38.9% for the Catalina 385 and 39.2% for the 1996 Moody 45, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Catalina 385 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 242L of water capacity and 114L of fuel. The 1996 Moody 45 offers 8 berths in 3 cabins with 450L water and 250L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1996 Moody 45 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 385 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1996 Moody 45 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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