2008 Catalina 350 vs 1979 O'Day 28 — Comparison

2008 Catalina 350
VS
1979 O'Day 281979 O'Day 28

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2008 Catalina 3501979 O'Day 28
General
ManufacturerCatalinaO'Day
Year2008–20121979–1985
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerGerry DouglasC. Raymond Hunt
Dimensions
LOA10.67 m (35.0 ft)8.53 m (28.0 ft)
LWL9.45 m (31.0 ft)7.01 m (23.0 ft)
Beam3.65 m (12.0 ft)2.84 m (9.3 ft)
Draft1.52 m (5.0 ft)1.37 m (4.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement6,577 kg (14,500 lbs)2,722 kg (6,001 lbs)
Ballast2,495 kg (5,501 lbs)1,089 kg (2,401 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area55.3 m² (595 ft²)31.0 m² (334 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine22 HP10 HP
Fuel Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)38 L (10.0 gal)
Water Capacity189 L (49.9 gal)57 L (15.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths75
Cabins21

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2008 Catalina 350
16.01
1979 O'Day 28
16.16
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2008 Catalina 350
37.94
1979 O'Day 28
40.01
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2008 Catalina 350
0.78
1979 O'Day 28
0.81
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2008 Catalina 350
18.69
1979 O'Day 28
18.69

Detailed Comparison

The 2008 Catalina 350 and 1979 O'Day 28 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2008 Catalina 350 is a 2000s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1979 O'Day 28 is a 1970s offering from O'Day from USA. The 2008 Catalina 350 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1979 O'Day 28 was designed by C. Raymond Hunt.

In terms of size, the 2008 Catalina 350 measures 10.67m (35.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.65m, compared to the 1979 O'Day 28 at 8.53m (28.0ft) with a 2.84m beam. The 2008 Catalina 350 is 2.14m longer than the 1979 O'Day 28. The 2008 Catalina 350 displaces approximately 142% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2008 Catalina 350 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.01 and 55.3 m² of sail area. The 1979 O'Day 28, with an SA/D of 16.16 and 31.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1979 O'Day 28 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2008 Catalina 350 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 1979 O'Day 28 has a comfort ratio of 18.7 and a capsize screening value of 0.81. The ballast ratios are 37.9% for the 2008 Catalina 350 and 40.0% for the 1979 O'Day 28, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2008 Catalina 350 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 189L of water capacity and 114L of fuel. The 1979 O'Day 28 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L water and 38L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2008 Catalina 350 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 1979 O'Day 28 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 2008 Catalina 350 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.

Compare Different Boats

Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats

Or view individual specs: 2008 Catalina 350 · 1979 O'Day 28