Catalina 315 vs Catalina 387 — Comparison

Catalina 315Catalina 315
VS
Catalina 387Catalina 387

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationCatalina 315Catalina 387
General
ManufacturerCatalinaCatalina
Year20141996–2003
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerGerry DouglasGerry Douglas
Dimensions
LOA9.45 m (31.0 ft)11.58 m (38.0 ft)
LWL8.61 m (28.2 ft)10.06 m (33.0 ft)
Beam3.20 m (10.5 ft)3.66 m (12.0 ft)
Draft1.68 m (5.5 ft)1.96 m (6.4 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,536 kg (10,000 lbs)7,484 kg (16,499 lbs)
Ballast1,814 kg (3,999 lbs)2,948 kg (6,499 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area44.0 m² (474 ft²)63.0 m² (678 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine21 HP35 HP
Fuel Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)114 L (30.1 gal)
Water Capacity132 L (34.9 gal)227 L (60.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths57
Cabins12

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Catalina 315
16.32
Catalina 387
16.73
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Catalina 315
39.99
Catalina 387
39.39
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Catalina 315
0.77
Catalina 387
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Catalina 315
18.85
Catalina 387
18.47

Detailed Comparison

The Catalina 315 and Catalina 387 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 315 is a modern design by Catalina from USA, while the Catalina 387 is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The Catalina 315 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The Catalina 387 was designed by Gerry Douglas.

In terms of size, the Catalina 315 measures 9.45m (31.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.20m, compared to the Catalina 387 at 11.58m (38.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The Catalina 387 is 2.13m longer than the Catalina 315. The Catalina 387 displaces approximately 65% 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 Catalina 387, with an SA/D of 16.73 and 63.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The Catalina 387 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 Catalina 387 has a comfort ratio of 18.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the Catalina 315 and 39.4% for the Catalina 387, 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 Catalina 387 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 227L water and 114L 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 387 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 387 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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