Catalina 445 vs 1988 Westerly Corsair — Comparison

Catalina 445
VS
1988 Westerly Corsair1988 Westerly Corsair

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationCatalina 4451988 Westerly Corsair
General
ManufacturerCatalinaWesterly
Year20161988–1994
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUK
DesignerGerry DouglasEd Dubois
Dimensions
LOA13.56 m (44.5 ft)11.00 m (36.1 ft)
LWL11.89 m (39.0 ft)9.14 m (30.0 ft)
Beam4.17 m (13.7 ft)3.50 m (11.5 ft)
Draft2.06 m (6.8 ft)1.07 m (3.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement11,340 kg (25,000 lbs)6,350 kg (13,999 lbs)
Ballast4,309 kg (9,500 lbs)2,450 kg (5,401 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area84.0 m² (904 ft²)50.0 m² (538 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinBilge
Engine & Tanks
Engine55 HP28 HP
Fuel Capacity189 L (49.9 gal)100 L (26.4 gal)
Water Capacity379 L (100.1 gal)200 L (52.8 gal)
Accommodation
Berths77
Cabins23

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Catalina 445
16.91
1988 Westerly Corsair
14.81
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Catalina 445
38.00
1988 Westerly Corsair
38.58
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Catalina 445
0.74
1988 Westerly Corsair
0.76
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Catalina 445
16.94
1988 Westerly Corsair
19.55

Detailed Comparison

The Catalina 445 and 1988 Westerly Corsair represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Catalina 445 is a modern design by Catalina from USA, while the 1988 Westerly Corsair is a 1980s offering from Westerly from UK. The Catalina 445 was penned by Gerry Douglas. The 1988 Westerly Corsair was designed by Ed Dubois.

In terms of size, the Catalina 445 measures 13.56m (44.5ft) overall with a beam of 4.17m, compared to the 1988 Westerly Corsair at 11.00m (36.1ft) with a 3.50m beam. The Catalina 445 is 2.56m longer than the 1988 Westerly Corsair. The Catalina 445 displaces approximately 79% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Catalina 445 has moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising with an SA/D ratio of 16.91 and 84.0 m² of sail area. The 1988 Westerly Corsair, with an SA/D of 14.81 and 50.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The Catalina 445 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Catalina 445 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.9) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.74). The 1988 Westerly Corsair has a comfort ratio of 19.6 and a capsize screening value of 0.76. The ballast ratios are 38.0% for the Catalina 445 and 38.6% for the 1988 Westerly Corsair, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Catalina 445 provides 7 berths in 2 cabins with 379L of water capacity and 189L of fuel. The 1988 Westerly Corsair offers 7 berths in 3 cabins with 200L water and 100L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1988 Westerly Corsair 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 445 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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