1970 Columbia 26 Mk II vs Catalina 323 — Comparison
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1970 Columbia 26 Mk II | Catalina 323 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Columbia | Catalina |
| Year | 1970–1975 | 2004–2009 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | William Crealock | Gerry Douglas |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 7.92 m (26.0 ft) | 9.75 m (32.0 ft) |
| LWL | 6.25 m (20.5 ft) | 8.84 m (29.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.44 m (8.0 ft) | 3.25 m (10.7 ft) |
| Draft | 1.22 m (4.0 ft) | 1.75 m (5.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 1,905 kg (4,200 lbs) | 4,763 kg (10,501 lbs) |
| Ballast | 726 kg (1,601 lbs) | 1,814 kg (3,999 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 26.2 m² (282 ft²) | 46.0 m² (495 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 10 HP | 21 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 23 L (6.1 gal) | 76 L (20.1 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 38 L (10.0 gal) | 151 L (39.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 5 | 6 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1970 Columbia 26 Mk II and Catalina 323 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1970 Columbia 26 Mk II is a 1970s design by Columbia from USA, while the Catalina 323 is a 2000s offering from Catalina from USA. The 1970 Columbia 26 Mk II was penned by William Crealock. The Catalina 323 was designed by Gerry Douglas.
In terms of size, the 1970 Columbia 26 Mk II measures 7.92m (26.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.44m, compared to the Catalina 323 at 9.75m (32.0ft) with a 3.25m beam. The Catalina 323 is 1.83m longer than the 1970 Columbia 26 Mk II. The Catalina 323 displaces approximately 150% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1970 Columbia 26 Mk II has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 17.33 and 26.2 m² of sail area. The Catalina 323, with an SA/D of 16.51 and 46.0 m² of canvas, offers moderate sail power suitable for relaxed cruising. The 1970 Columbia 26 Mk II has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1970 Columbia 26 Mk II offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 19.6) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.79). The Catalina 323 has a comfort ratio of 18.3 and a capsize screening value of 0.77. The ballast ratios are 38.1% for the 1970 Columbia 26 Mk II and 38.1% for the Catalina 323, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1970 Columbia 26 Mk II provides 5 berths in 1 cabin with 38L of water capacity and 23L of fuel. The Catalina 323 offers 6 berths in 1 cabin with 151L water and 76L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1970 Columbia 26 Mk II 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 1970 Columbia 26 Mk II 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 323 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: 1970 Columbia 26 Mk II · Catalina 323