2008 Catalina 350 vs 1988 Westerly Corsair — Comparison

2008 Catalina 350
VS
1988 Westerly Corsair1988 Westerly Corsair

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2008 Catalina 3501988 Westerly Corsair
General
ManufacturerCatalinaWesterly
Year2008–20121988–1994
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUK
DesignerGerry DouglasEd Dubois
Dimensions
LOA10.67 m (35.0 ft)11.00 m (36.1 ft)
LWL9.45 m (31.0 ft)9.14 m (30.0 ft)
Beam3.65 m (12.0 ft)3.50 m (11.5 ft)
Draft1.52 m (5.0 ft)1.07 m (3.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement6,577 kg (14,500 lbs)6,350 kg (13,999 lbs)
Ballast2,495 kg (5,501 lbs)2,450 kg (5,401 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area55.3 m² (595 ft²)50.0 m² (538 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinBilge
Engine & Tanks
Engine22 HP28 HP
Fuel Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)100 L (26.4 gal)
Water Capacity189 L (49.9 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths77
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2008 Catalina 350
16.01
1988 Westerly Corsair
14.81
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2008 Catalina 350
37.94
1988 Westerly Corsair
38.58
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2008 Catalina 350
0.78
1988 Westerly Corsair
0.76
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2008 Catalina 350
18.69
1988 Westerly Corsair
19.55

Detailed Comparison

The 2008 Catalina 350 and 1988 Westerly Corsair represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2008 Catalina 350 is a 2000s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1988 Westerly Corsair is a 1980s offering from Westerly from UK. The 2008 Catalina 350 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1988 Westerly Corsair was designed by Ed Dubois.

In terms of size, the 2008 Catalina 350 measures 10.67m (35.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.65m, compared to the 1988 Westerly Corsair at 11.00m (36.1ft) with a 3.50m beam. The 1988 Westerly Corsair is 0.33m longer than the 2008 Catalina 350. The 2008 Catalina 350 displaces approximately 4% 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 1988 Westerly Corsair, with an SA/D of 14.81 and 50.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The 2008 Catalina 350 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 1988 Westerly Corsair has a comfort ratio of 19.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 37.9% for the 2008 Catalina 350 and 38.6% for the 1988 Westerly Corsair, 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 1988 Westerly Corsair offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 200L water and 100L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1988 Westerly Corsair 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 2008 Catalina 350 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: 2008 Catalina 350 · 1988 Westerly Corsair