Hanse 470 vs Catalina 385 — Comparison

Hanse 470
VS
Catalina 385

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationHanse 470Catalina 385
General
ManufacturerHanseCatalina
Year2013–20172006–2014
TypeSloopSloop
CountryGermanyUSA
Designerjudel/vrolijk & coGerry Douglas
Dimensions
LOA14.45 m (47.4 ft)11.73 m (38.5 ft)
LWL12.85 m (42.2 ft)10.21 m (33.5 ft)
Beam4.42 m (14.5 ft)3.76 m (12.3 ft)
Draft2.25 m (7.4 ft)2.06 m (6.8 ft)
Weight
Displacement11,800 kg (26,015 lbs)8,165 kg (18,001 lbs)
Ballast3,700 kg (8,157 lbs)3,175 kg (7,000 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area96.0 m² (1,033 ft²)65.0 m² (700 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine75 HP35 HP
Fuel Capacity250 L (66.0 gal)114 L (30.1 gal)
Water Capacity430 L (113.6 gal)242 L (63.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths107
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Hanse 470
18.81
Catalina 385
16.29
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Hanse 470
31.36
Catalina 385
38.89
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Hanse 470
0.78
Catalina 385
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Hanse 470
14.09
Catalina 385
18.89

Detailed Comparison

The Hanse 470 and Catalina 385 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Hanse 470 is a modern design by Hanse from Germany, while the Catalina 385 is a 2000s offering from Catalina from USA. The Hanse 470 was penned by judel/vrolijk & co. The Catalina 385 was designed by Gerry Douglas.

In terms of size, the Hanse 470 measures 14.45m (47.4ft) overall with a beam of 4.42m, compared to the Catalina 385 at 11.73m (38.5ft) with a 3.76m beam. The Hanse 470 is 2.72m longer than the Catalina 385. The Hanse 470 displaces approximately 45% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Hanse 470 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 18.81 and 96.0 m² of sail area. The Catalina 385, with an SA/D of 16.29 and 65.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Hanse 470 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Hanse 470 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 14.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The Catalina 385 has a comfort ratio of 18.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 31.4% for the Hanse 470 and 38.9% for the Catalina 385, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Hanse 470 provides 10 berths in 3 cabins with 430L of water capacity and 250L of fuel. The Catalina 385 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 242L water and 114L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Catalina 385 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 Hanse 470 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The Hanse 470 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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