1974 Catalina 22 vs 1988 Pacific Seacraft 31 — Comparison

1974 Catalina 221974 Catalina 22
VS
1988 Pacific Seacraft 31

Specifications Side by Side

Specification1974 Catalina 221988 Pacific Seacraft 31
General
ManufacturerCatalinaPacific Seacraft
Year1974–20121988–2007
TypeSloopSloop
CountryUSAUSA
DesignerFrank ButlerWilliam Crealock
Dimensions
LOA6.71 m (22.0 ft)9.45 m (31.0 ft)
LWL5.79 m (19.0 ft)7.62 m (25.0 ft)
Beam2.24 m (7.3 ft)3.05 m (10.0 ft)
Draft1.52 m (5.0 ft)1.37 m (4.5 ft)
Weight
Displacement862 kg (1,900 lbs)4,990 kg (11,001 lbs)
Ballast363 kg (800 lbs)2,177 kg (4,799 lbs)
Sailing
Sail Area18.4 m² (198 ft²)40.5 m² (436 ft²)
Hull MaterialFiberglassFiberglass
Keel TypeFinFull
Engine & Tanks
Engine6 HP25 HP
Fuel Capacity15 L (4.0 gal)76 L (20.1 gal)
Water Capacity20 L (5.3 gal)151 L (39.9 gal)
Accommodation
Berths45
Cabins12

Performance Comparison

SA/D Ratio (Higher = more sail power per displacement)
1974 Catalina 22
20.65
1988 Pacific Seacraft 31
14.09
Ballast Ratio (Higher = more stability)
1974 Catalina 22
42.11
1988 Pacific Seacraft 31
43.63
Capsize Ratio (Lower = safer offshore)
1974 Catalina 22
0.94
1988 Pacific Seacraft 31
0.71
Comfort Ratio (Higher = gentler motion)
1974 Catalina 22
12.30
1988 Pacific Seacraft 31
26.02

Detailed Comparison

The 1974 Catalina 22 and 1988 Pacific Seacraft 31 represent two takes on sloop-rigged sailing. The 1974 Catalina 22 is a 1970s design by Catalina from USA, while the 1988 Pacific Seacraft 31 is a 1980s offering from Pacific Seacraft from USA. The 1974 Catalina 22 was penned by Frank Butler. The 1988 Pacific Seacraft 31 was designed by William Crealock.

In terms of size, the 1974 Catalina 22 measures 6.71m (22.0ft) overall with a beam of 2.24m, compared to the 1988 Pacific Seacraft 31 at 9.45m (31.0ft) with a 3.05m beam. The 1988 Pacific Seacraft 31 is 2.74m longer than the 1974 Catalina 22. The 1988 Pacific Seacraft 31 displaces approximately 479% 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 1988 Pacific Seacraft 31, with an SA/D of 14.09 and 40.5 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. 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 1988 Pacific Seacraft 31 has a comfort ratio of 26.0 and a capsize screening value of 0.71. The ballast ratios are 42.1% for the 1974 Catalina 22 and 43.6% for the 1988 Pacific Seacraft 31, 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 1988 Pacific Seacraft 31 offers 5 berths in 2 cabins with 151L water and 76L fuel capacity.

Verdict

For cruising: The 1988 Pacific Seacraft 31 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: The 1988 Pacific Seacraft 31 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: 1974 Catalina 22 · 1988 Pacific Seacraft 31