Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 vs Catalina 390 — Comparison
Beneteau Oceanis 38.1
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 | Catalina 390 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Catalina |
| Year | 2017 | 1997–2003 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Marc Lombard | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 11.50 m (37.7 ft) | 11.89 m (39.0 ft) |
| LWL | 10.47 m (34.4 ft) | 10.21 m (33.5 ft) |
| Beam | 3.72 m (12.2 ft) | 3.76 m (12.3 ft) |
| Draft | 2.08 m (6.8 ft) | 1.98 m (6.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 7,150 kg (15,763 lbs) | 8,256 kg (18,201 lbs) |
| Ballast | 2,200 kg (4,850 lbs) | 3,266 kg (7,200 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 62.5 m² (673 ft²) | 65.5 m² (705 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 29 HP | 35 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 140 L (37.0 gal) | 114 L (30.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 250 L (66.0 gal) | 265 L (70.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 and Catalina 390 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 is a modern design by Beneteau from France, while the Catalina 390 is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 was penned by Marc Lombard. The Catalina 390 was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 measures 11.50m (37.7ft) overall with a beam of 3.72m, compared to the Catalina 390 at 11.89m (39.0ft) with a 3.76m beam. The Catalina 390 is 0.39m longer than the Beneteau Oceanis 38.1. The Catalina 390 displaces approximately 15% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.11 and 62.5 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 Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.4) 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 30.8% for the Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 and 39.6% for the Catalina 390, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 250L of water capacity and 140L 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 Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 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: Beneteau Oceanis 38.1 · Catalina 390