1969 O'Day 22 vs Catalina 250 — Comparison

1969 O'Day 22
VS
Catalina 250Catalina 250

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1969 O'Day 22Catalina 250
General
ManufacturerO'DayCatalina
Year1969–19831994–2004
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerC. Raymond HuntGerry Douglas
Dimensions
LOA6.71 m (22.0 ft)7.62 m (25.0 ft)
LWL5.72 m (18.8 ft)6.78 m (22.2 ft)
Beam2.29 m (7.5 ft)2.59 m (8.5 ft)
Draft0.99 m (3.2 ft)1.37 m (4.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement862 kg (1,900 lbs)1,588 kg (3,501 lbs)
Ballast318 kg (701 lbs)612 kg (1,349 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area17.7 m² (191 ft²)24.5 m² (264 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFin
Engine & Tanks
Engine6 HP10 HP
Fuel Capacity15 L (4.0 gal)30 L (7.9 gal)
Water Capacity19 L (5.0 gal)42 L (11.1 gal)
Accommodation
Berths44
Cabins11

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1969 O'Day 22
19.87
Catalina 250
18.30
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1969 O'Day 22
36.89
Catalina 250
38.54
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1969 O'Day 22
0.96
Catalina 250
0.89
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1969 O'Day 22
12.14
Catalina 250
13.89

Detailed Comparison

The 1969 O'Day 22 and Catalina 250 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1969 O'Day 22 is a classic design by O'Day from USA, while the Catalina 250 is a 1990s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1969 O'Day 22 was penned by C. Raymond Hunt. The Catalina 250 was designed by Gerry Douglas.

In terms of size, the 1969 O'Day 22 measures 6.71m (22.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.29m, compared to the Catalina 250 at 7.62m (25.0ft) with a 2.59m beam. The Catalina 250 is 0.91m longer than the 1969 O'Day 22. The Catalina 250 displaces approximately 84% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.

Looking at performance, the 1969 O'Day 22 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 19.87 and 17.7 m² of sail area. The Catalina 250, with an SA/D of 18.30 and 24.5 m² of canvas, offers good sail power for versatile performance. The 1969 O'Day 22 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.

For comfort and safety, the 1969 O'Day 22 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 12.1) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.96). The Catalina 250 has a comfort ratio of 13.9 and a capsize screening value of 0.89. The ballast ratios are 36.9% for the 1969 O'Day 22 and 38.5% for the Catalina 250, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.

Below deck, the 1969 O'Day 22 provides 4 berths in 1 cabin with 19L of water capacity and 15L of fuel. The Catalina 250 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 42L water and 30L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The Catalina 250 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 1969 O'Day 22 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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Or view individual specs: 1969 O'Day 22 · Catalina 250