Catalina 315 vs Catalina 390 — Comparison
Catalina 315
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Catalina 315 | Catalina 390 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | Catalina |
| Year | 2014 | 1997–2003 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Gerry Douglas | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) | 11.89 m (39.0 ft) |
| LWL | 8.61 m (28.2 ft) | 10.21 m (33.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) | 3.76 m (12.3 ft) |
| Draft | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) | 1.98 m (6.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) | 8,256 kg (18,201 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) | 3,266 kg (7,200 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 44.0 m² (474 ft²) | 65.5 m² (705 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 21 HP | 35 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 76 L (20.1 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 132 L (34.9 gal) | 265 L (70.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 7 |
| Cabins | 1 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Catalina 315 and Catalina 390 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 315 is a modern design by Catalina from USA, while the Catalina 390 is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The Catalina 315 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The Catalina 390 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 390 at 11.89m (39.0ft) with a 3.76m beam. The Catalina 390 is 2.44m longer than the Catalina 315. The Catalina 390 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 Catalina 390, with an SA/D of 16.29 and 65.5 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 Catalina 390 has a comfort ratio of 18.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the Catalina 315 and 39.6% for the Catalina 390, 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 390 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 265L water and 114L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The Catalina 390 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 Catalina 390 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 315 · Catalina 390