Jeanneau Sun Loft 47 vs Catalina 390 — Comparison

Jeanneau Sun Loft 47
VS
Catalina 390

Specifications Side by Side

SpecificationJeanneau Sun Loft 47Catalina 390
General
ManufacturerJeanneauCatalina
Year20191997–2003
TypeSloopSloop
CountryFranceUSA
DesignerPhilippe BriandGerry Douglas
Dimensions
LOA14.20 m (46.6 ft)11.89 m (39.0 ft)
LWL13.00 m (42.7 ft)10.21 m (33.5 ft)
Beam4.49 m (14.7 ft)3.76 m (12.3 ft)
Draft2.20 m (7.2 ft)1.98 m (6.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement11,500 kg (25,353 lbs)8,256 kg (18,201 lbs)
Ballast3,200 kg (7,055 lbs)3,266 kg (7,200 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area88.0 m² (947 ft²)65.5 m² (705 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine57 HP35 HP
Fuel Capacity200 L (52.8 gal)114 L (30.1 gal)
Water Capacity400 L (105.7 gal)265 L (70.0 gal)
Accommodation
Berths127
Cabins42

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
Jeanneau Sun Loft 47
17.55
Catalina 390
16.29
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
Jeanneau Sun Loft 47
27.83
Catalina 390
39.56
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
Jeanneau Sun Loft 47
0.80
Catalina 390
0.75
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
Jeanneau Sun Loft 47
13.39
Catalina 390
18.93

Detailed Comparison

The Jeanneau Sun Loft 47 and Catalina 390 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The Jeanneau Sun Loft 47 is a modern design by Jeanneau from France, while the Catalina 390 is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The Jeanneau Sun Loft 47 was penned by Philippe Briand. The Catalina 390 was designed by Gerry Douglas.

In terms of size, the Jeanneau Sun Loft 47 measures 14.20m (46.6ft) overall with a beam of 4.49m, compared to the Catalina 390 at 11.89m (39.0ft) with a 3.76m beam. The Jeanneau Sun Loft 47 is 2.31m longer than the Catalina 390. The Jeanneau Sun Loft 47 displaces approximately 39% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the Jeanneau Sun Loft 47 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.55 and 88.0 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 Jeanneau Sun Loft 47 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the Jeanneau Sun Loft 47 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 13.4) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.80). The Catalina 390 has a comfort ratio of 18.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.75. The ballast ratios are 27.8% for the Jeanneau Sun Loft 47 and 39.6% for the Catalina 390, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the Jeanneau Sun Loft 47 provides 12 berths in 4 cabins with 400L of water capacity and 200L 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 Jeanneau Sun Loft 47 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.

For liveaboard: The Jeanneau Sun Loft 47 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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