2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large vs Catalina 270 — Comparison
Catalina 270
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large | Catalina 270 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Dufour | Catalina |
| Year | 2018–2022 | 1992–2002 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Umberto Felci | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.30 m (33.8 ft) | 8.31 m (27.3 ft) |
| LWL | 9.55 m (31.3 ft) | 7.24 m (23.8 ft) |
| Beam | 3.55 m (11.6 ft) | 2.74 m (9.0 ft) |
| Draft | 1.90 m (6.2 ft) | 1.47 m (4.8 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,900 kg (13,007 lbs) | 2,313 kg (5,099 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,700 kg (3,748 lbs) | 907 kg (2,000 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 56.5 m² (608 ft²) | 31.0 m² (334 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 30 HP | 12 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 100 L (26.4 gal) | 45 L (11.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 200 L (52.8 gal) | 68 L (18.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 5 |
| Cabins | 2 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large and Catalina 270 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large is a modern design by Dufour from France, while the Catalina 270 is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large was penned by Umberto Felci. The Catalina 270 was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large measures 10.30m (33.8ft) overall with a beam of 3.55m, compared to the Catalina 270 at 8.31m (27.3ft) with a 2.74m beam. The 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large is 1.99m longer than the Catalina 270. The 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large displaces approximately 155% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.58 and 56.5 m² of sail area. The Catalina 270, with an SA/D of 18.01 and 31.0 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The Catalina 270 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 17.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The Catalina 270 has a comfort ratio of 16.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.83. The ballast ratios are 28.8% for the 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large and 39.2% for the Catalina 270, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 200L of water capacity and 100L of fuel. The Catalina 270 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 68L water and 45L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large 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 270 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2018 Dufour 360 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: 2018 Dufour 360 Grand Large · Catalina 270