Catalina 425 vs Dufour 385 Grand Large — Comparison
Catalina 425
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 425 | Dufour 385 Grand Large |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Dufour |
| Year | 2013 | 2006–2010 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | France |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Umberto Felci |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 12.95 m (42.5 ft) | 11.53 m (37.8 ft) |
| LWL | 11.28 m (37.0 ft) | 10.10 m (33.1 ft) |
| Beam | 3.96 m (13.0 ft) | 3.68 m (12.1 ft) |
| Draft | 2.06 m (6.8 ft) | 1.90 m (6.2 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 9,616 kg (21,200 lbs) | 7,100 kg (15,653 lbs) |
| Ballast | 3,719 kg (8,199 lbs) | 2,150 kg (4,740 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 78.0 m² (840 ft²) | 62.0 m² (667 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 55 HP | 29 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 152 L (40.2 gal) | 130 L (34.3 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 322 L (85.1 gal) | 250 L (66.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 7 | 6 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Catalina 425 and Dufour 385 Grand Large represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 425 is a modern design by Catalina from USA, while the Dufour 385 Grand Large is a 2000s offering from Dufour from France. The Catalina 425 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The Dufour 385 Grand Large was designed by Umberto Felci.
In terms of size, the Catalina 425 measures 12.95m (42.5ft) overall with a beam of 3.96m, compared to the Dufour 385 Grand Large at 11.53m (37.8ft) with a 3.68m beam. The Catalina 425 is 1.42m longer than the Dufour 385 Grand Large. The Catalina 425 displaces approximately 35% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Catalina 425 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.52 and 78.0 m² of sail area. The Dufour 385 Grand Large, with an SA/D of 17.05 and 62.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Catalina 425 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Catalina 425 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.0) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.75). The Dufour 385 Grand Large has a comfort ratio of 17.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 38.7% for the Catalina 425 and 30.3% for the Dufour 385 Grand Large, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Catalina 425 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 322L of water capacity and 152L of fuel. The Dufour 385 Grand Large offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 250L water and 130L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Dufour 385 Grand Large 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 425 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 425 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: Catalina 425 · Dufour 385 Grand Large