Catalina 315 vs 1976 C&C 33 — Comparison

Catalina 315Catalina 315
VS
1976 C&C 33

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationCatalina 3151976 C&C 33
General
ManufacturerCatalinaC&C Yachts
Year20141976–1982
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSACanada
DesignerGerry DouglasCuthbertson & Cassian
Dimensions
LOA9.45 m (31.0 ft)10.06 m (33.0 ft)
LWL8.61 m (28.2 ft)8.23 m (27.0 ft)
Beam3.20 m (10.5 ft)3.35 m (11.0 ft)
Draft1.68 m (5.5 ft)1.52 m (5.0 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,536 kg (10,000 lbs)4,536 kg (10,000 lbs)
Ballast1,814 kg (3,999 lbs)2,041 kg (4,500 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area44.0 m² (474 ft²)42.0 m² (452 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine21 HP15 HP
Fuel Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)57 L (15.1 gal)
Water Capacity132 L (34.9 gal)95 L (25.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths56
Cabins12

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Catalina 315
16.32
1976 C&C 33
15.57
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Catalina 315
39.99
1976 C&C 33
45.00
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Catalina 315
0.77
1976 C&C 33
0.81
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Catalina 315
18.85
1976 C&C 33
18.07

Detailed Comparison

The Catalina 315 and 1976 C&C 33 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 315 is a modern design by Catalina from USA, while the 1976 C&C 33 is a 1970s offering from C&C Yachts from Canada. The Catalina 315 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1976 C&C 33 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 1976 C&C 33 at 10.06m (33.0ft) with a 3.35m beam. The 1976 C&C 33 is 0.61m longer than the Catalina 315.

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 1976 C&C 33, with an SA/D of 15.57 and 42.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Catalina 315 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 1976 C&C 33 has a comfort ratio of 18.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.81. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the Catalina 315 and 45.0% for the 1976 C&C 33, 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 1976 C&C 33 offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 95L water and 57L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Catalina 315 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 315 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The 1976 C&C 33 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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