Catalina 315 vs 1971 C&C 27 — Comparison
Catalina 315
1971 C&C 27
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 315 | 1971 C&C 27 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | C&C Yachts |
| Year | 2014 | 1971–1975 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | Canada |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Cuthbertson & Cassian |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) | 8.23 m (27.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.61 m (28.2 ft) | 6.55 m (21.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) | 2.74 m (9.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) | 1.37 m (4.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) | 2,495 kg (5,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) | 1,043 kg (2,299 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 44.0 m² (474 ft²) | 31.0 m² (334 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 21 HP | 10 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 38 L (10.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 132 L (34.9 gal) | 57 L (15.1 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 5 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Catalina 315 and 1971 C&C 27 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 315 is a modern design by Catalina from USA, while the 1971 C&C 27 is a 1970s offering from C&C Yachts from Canada. The Catalina 315 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1971 C&C 27 was designed by Cuthbertson & Cassian.
In terms of size, the Catalina 315 measures 9.45m (31.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.20m, compared to the 1971 C&C 27 at 8.23m (27.0ft) with a 2.74m beam. The Catalina 315 is 1.22m longer than the 1971 C&C 27. The Catalina 315 displaces approximately 82% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Catalina 315 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.32 and 44.0 m² of sail area. The 1971 C&C 27, with an SA/D of 17.13 and 31.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 1971 C&C 27 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Catalina 315 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 18.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The 1971 C&C 27 has a comfort ratio of 20.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.81. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the Catalina 315 and 41.8% for the 1971 C&C 27, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Catalina 315 provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 132L of water capacity and 76L of fuel. The 1971 C&C 27 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 57L water and 38L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1971 C&C 27 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 1971 C&C 27 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: Catalina 315 · 1971 C&C 27