1974 Catalina 22 vs 1974 O'Day 23 — Comparison
1974 Catalina 22
1974 O'Day 23
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | 1974 Catalina 22 | 1974 O'Day 23 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Catalina | O'Day |
| Year | 1974–2012 | 1974–1983 |
| Type | Sloop | Sloop |
| Country | USA | USA |
| Designer | Frank Butler | C. Raymond Hunt |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 6.71 m (22.0 ft) | 6.93 m (22.7 ft) |
| LWL | 5.79 m (19.0 ft) | 5.79 m (19.0 ft) |
| Beam | 2.24 m (7.3 ft) | 2.24 m (7.3 ft) |
| Draft | 1.52 m (5.0 ft) | 1.02 m (3.3 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 862 kg (1,900 lbs) | 816 kg (1,799 lbs) |
| Ballast | 363 kg (800 lbs) | 295 kg (650 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 18.4 m² (198 ft²) | 17.5 m² (188 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Fin |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 6 HP | 5 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 15 L (4.0 gal) | 11 L (2.9 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 20 L (5.3 gal) | 15 L (4.0 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 4 | 4 |
| Cabins | 1 | 1 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The 1974 Catalina 22 and 1974 O'Day 23 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1974 Catalina 22 is a 1970s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1974 O'Day 23 is a 1970s offering from O'Day from USA. The 1974 Catalina 22 was penned by Frank Butler. The 1974 O'Day 23 was designed by C. Raymond Hunt.
In terms of size, the 1974 Catalina 22 measures 6.71m (22.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.24m, compared to the 1974 O'Day 23 at 6.93m (22.7ft) with a 2.24m beam. The 1974 O'Day 23 is 0.22m longer than the 1974 Catalina 22. The 1974 Catalina 22 displaces approximately 6% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the 1974 Catalina 22 has generous sail power for spirited sailing with an SA/D ratio of 20.65 and 18.4 m² of sail area. The 1974 O'Day 23, with an SA/D of 20.38 and 17.5 m² of canvas, offers generous sail power for spirited sailing. The 1974 Catalina 22 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the 1974 Catalina 22 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 12.3) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.94). The 1974 O'Day 23 has a comfort ratio of 11.4 and a capsize screening value of 0.96. The ballast ratios are 42.1% for the 1974 Catalina 22 and 36.2% for the 1974 O'Day 23, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the 1974 Catalina 22 provides 4 berths in 1 cabin with 20L of water capacity and 15L of fuel. The 1974 O'Day 23 offers 4 berths in 1 cabin with 15L water and 11L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 1974 Catalina 22 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 1974 Catalina 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.
Compare Different Boats
Looking for a different matchup? Browse All Boats
Or view individual specs: 1974 Catalina 22 · 1974 O'Day 23