Catalina 385 vs 2007 Elan 310 — Comparison

Catalina 385
VS
2007 Elan 310

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationCatalina 3852007 Elan 310
General
ManufacturerCatalinaElan
Year2006–20142007–2012
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSASlovenia
DesignerGerry DouglasRob Humphreys
Dimensions
LOA11.73 m (38.5 ft)9.34 m (30.6 ft)
LWL10.21 m (33.5 ft)8.10 m (26.6 ft)
Beam3.76 m (12.3 ft)3.10 m (10.2 ft)
Draft2.06 m (6.8 ft)1.85 m (6.1 ft)
Weight
Displacement8,165 kg (18,001 lbs)4,500 kg (9,921 lbs)
Ballast3,175 kg (7,000 lbs)1,300 kg (2,866 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area65.0 m² (700 ft²)42.0 m² (452 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine35 HP18 HP
Fuel Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)60 L (15.9 gal)
Water Capacity242 L (63.9 gal)120 L (31.7 gal)
Accommodation
Berths75
Cabins22

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Catalina 385
16.29
2007 Elan 310
15.66
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Catalina 385
38.89
2007 Elan 310
28.89
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Catalina 385
0.75
2007 Elan 310
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Catalina 385
18.89
2007 Elan 310
21.35

Detailed Comparison

The Catalina 385 and 2007 Elan 310 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 385 is a 2000s design by Catalina from USA, while the 2007 Elan 310 is a 2000s offering from Elan from Slovenia. The Catalina 385 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 2007 Elan 310 was designed by Rob Humphreys.

In terms of size, the Catalina 385 measures 11.73m (38.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.76m, compared to the 2007 Elan 310 at 9.34m (30.6ft) with a 3.10m beam. The Catalina 385 is 2.39m longer than the 2007 Elan 310. The Catalina 385 displaces approximately 81% 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 2007 Elan 310, with an SA/D of 15.66 and 42.0 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 2007 Elan 310 has a comfort ratio of 21.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 38.9% for the Catalina 385 and 28.9% for the 2007 Elan 310, 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 2007 Elan 310 offers 5 berths in 2 cabins with 120L water and 60L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2007 Elan 310 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 Catalina 385 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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