Catalina 315 vs Dufour 375 Grand Large — Comparison

Catalina 315Catalina 315
VS
Dufour 375 Grand Large

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationCatalina 315Dufour 375 Grand Large
General
ManufacturerCatalinaDufour
Year20142009–2013
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAFrance
DesignerGerry DouglasFelci Yacht Design
Dimensions
LOA9.45 m (31.0 ft)11.38 m (37.3 ft)
LWL8.61 m (28.2 ft)10.05 m (33.0 ft)
Beam3.20 m (10.5 ft)3.65 m (12.0 ft)
Draft1.68 m (5.5 ft)1.90 m (6.2 ft)
Weight
Displacement4,536 kg (10,000 lbs)6,800 kg (14,991 lbs)
Ballast1,814 kg (3,999 lbs)2,100 kg (4,630 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area44.0 m² (474 ft²)61.0 m² (657 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine21 HP29 HP
Fuel Capacity76 L (20.1 gal)130 L (34.3 gal)
Water Capacity132 L (34.9 gal)240 L (63.4 gal)
Accommodation
Berths56
Cabins12

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Catalina 315
16.32
Dufour 375 Grand Large
17.27
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Catalina 315
39.99
Dufour 375 Grand Large
30.88
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Catalina 315
0.77
Dufour 375 Grand Large
0.77
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Catalina 315
18.85
Dufour 375 Grand Large
17.06

Detailed Comparison

The Catalina 315 and Dufour 375 Grand Large represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 315 is a modern design by Catalina from USA, while the Dufour 375 Grand Large is a 2000s offering from Dufour from France. The Catalina 315 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The Dufour 375 Grand Large was designed by Felci Yacht Design.

In terms of size, the Catalina 315 measures 9.45m (31.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.20m, compared to the Dufour 375 Grand Large at 11.38m (37.3ft) with a 3.65m beam. The Dufour 375 Grand Large is 1.93m longer than the Catalina 315. The Dufour 375 Grand Large displaces approximately 50% 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 Dufour 375 Grand Large, with an SA/D of 17.27 and 61.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Dufour 375 Grand Large 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 Dufour 375 Grand Large has a comfort ratio of 17.1 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 40.0% for the Catalina 315 and 30.9% for the Dufour 375 Grand Large, 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 Dufour 375 Grand Large offers 6 berths in 2 cabins with 240L water and 130L 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 Dufour 375 Grand Large has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The Dufour 375 Grand Large 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 · Dufour 375 Grand Large