1968 Pearson 26 vs Catalina 315 — Comparison
1968 Pearson 26
Catalina 315
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1968 Pearson 26 | Catalina 315 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Pearson | Catalina |
| Year | 1968–1975 | 2014 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | William Shaw | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 7.92 m (26.0 ft) | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) |
| LWL | 6.10 m (20.0 ft) | 8.61 m (28.2 ft) |
| Beam | 2.44 m (8.0 ft) | 3.20 m (10.5 ft) |
| Draft | 1.14 m (3.7 ft) | 1.68 m (5.5 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 2,041 kg (4,500 lbs) | 4,536 kg (10,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 862 kg (1,900 lbs) | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 27.0 m² (291 ft²) | 44.0 m² (474 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 10 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 30 L (7.9 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 38 L (10.0 gal) | 132 L (34.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 4 | 5 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1968 Pearson 26 and Catalina 315 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1968 Pearson 26 is a classic design by Pearson from USA, while the Catalina 315 is a modern offering from Catalina from USA. The 1968 Pearson 26 was penned by William Shaw. The Catalina 315 was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the 1968 Pearson 26 measures 7.92m (26.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.44m, compared to the Catalina 315 at 9.45m (31.0ft) with a 3.20m beam. The Catalina 315 is 1.53m longer than the 1968 Pearson 26. The Catalina 315 displaces approximately 122% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1968 Pearson 26 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.06 and 27.0 m² of sail area. The Catalina 315, with an SA/D of 16.32 and 44.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1968 Pearson 26 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1968 Pearson 26 offers a moderate motion comfort level (comfort ratio: 21.7) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.77). The Catalina 315 has a comfort ratio of 18.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 42.2% for the 1968 Pearson 26 and 40.0% for the Catalina 315, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1968 Pearson 26 provides 4 berths in 1 cabin with 38L of water capacity and 30L of fuel. The Catalina 315 offers 5 berths in 1 cabin with 132L water and 76L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1968 Pearson 26 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 1968 Pearson 26 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 315 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: 1968 Pearson 26 · Catalina 315