2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 vs Catalina 387 — Comparison

2015 X-Yachts Xc 38
VS
Catalina 387Catalina 387

Specifications Side by Side

Specification2015 X-Yachts Xc 38Catalina 387
General
ManufacturerX-YachtsCatalina
Year2015–20201996–2003
TypeSloopSloop
CountryDenmarkUSA
DesignerNiels JeppesenGerry Douglas
Dimensions
LOA11.58 m (38.0 ft)11.58 m (38.0 ft)
LWL10.15 m (33.3 ft)10.06 m (33.0 ft)
Beam3.64 m (11.9 ft)3.66 m (12.0 ft)
Draft2.05 m (6.7 ft)1.96 m (6.4 ft)
Weight
Displacement7,800 kg (17,196 lbs)7,484 kg (16,499 lbs)
Ballast2,800 kg (6,173 lbs)2,948 kg (6,499 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area66.0 m² (710 ft²)63.0 m² (678 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine30 HP35 HP
Fuel Capacity100 L (26.4 gal)114 L (30.1 gal)
Water Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)227 L (60.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths77
Cabins32

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
2015 X-Yachts Xc 38
17.05
Catalina 387
16.73
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
2015 X-Yachts Xc 38
35.90
Catalina 387
39.39
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
2015 X-Yachts Xc 38
0.74
Catalina 387
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
2015 X-Yachts Xc 38
19.16
Catalina 387
18.47

Detailed Comparison

The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 and Catalina 387 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 is a modern design by X-Yachts from Denmark, while the Catalina 387 is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 was penned by Niels Jeppesen. The Catalina 387 was designed by Gerry Douglas.

In terms of size, the 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 measures 11.58m (38.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.64m, compared to the Catalina 387 at 11.58m (38.0ft) with a 3.66m beam. The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 displaces approximately 4% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.05 and 66.0 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 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.2) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.74). The Catalina 387 has a comfort ratio of 18.5 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 35.9% for the 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 and 39.4% for the Catalina 387, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 provides 7 berths in 3 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 100L of fuel. The Catalina 387 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 227L water and 114L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 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 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 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: 2015 X-Yachts Xc 38 · Catalina 387