2008 Catalina 350 vs Hunter 27 — Comparison

2008 Catalina 350
VS
Hunter 27Hunter 27

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2008 Catalina 350Hunter 27
General
ManufacturerCatalinaHunter
Year2008–20121992–1998
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerGerry DouglasHunter Design Team
Dimensions
LOA10.67 m (35.0 ft)8.23 m (27.0 ft)
LWL9.45 m (31.0 ft)7.32 m (24.0 ft)
Beam3.65 m (12.0 ft)2.79 m (9.2 ft)
Draft1.52 m (5.0 ft)1.52 m (5.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement6,577 kg (14,500 lbs)2,495 kg (5,501 lbs)
Ballast2,495 kg (5,501 lbs)907 kg (2,000 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area55.3 m² (595 ft²)33.0 m² (355 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine22 HP12 HP
Fuel Capacity114 L (30.1 gal)45 L (11.9 gal)
Water Capacity189 L (49.9 gal)68 L (18.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths75
Cabins21

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2008 Catalina 350
16.01
Hunter 27
18.23
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2008 Catalina 350
37.94
Hunter 27
36.35
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2008 Catalina 350
0.78
Hunter 27
0.82
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2008 Catalina 350
18.69
Hunter 27
16.96

Detailed Comparison

The 2008 Catalina 350 and Hunter 27 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2008 Catalina 350 is a 2000s design by Catalina from USA, while the Hunter 27 is a 1990s offering from Hunter from USA. The 2008 Catalina 350 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The Hunter 27 was designed by Hunter Design Team.

In terms of size, the 2008 Catalina 350 measures 10.67m (35.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.65m, compared to the Hunter 27 at 8.23m (27.0ft) with a 2.79m beam. The 2008 Catalina 350 is 2.44m longer than the Hunter 27. The 2008 Catalina 350 displaces approximately 164% 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 Hunter 27, with an SA/D of 18.23 and 33.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Hunter 27 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 Hunter 27 has a comfort ratio of 17.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.82. The ballast ratios are 37.9% for the 2008 Catalina 350 and 36.4% for the Hunter 27, 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 Hunter 27 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 68L water and 45L 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 Hunter 27 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.

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Or view individual specs: 2008 Catalina 350 · Hunter 27